Nowadays, one of the rarest types of birth is natural birth. Even though, in recent years, more people have been seeking this type of birth and professionals who support it, it is still a minority, even though it is one of the oldest methods to bring a baby into the world.
Natural birth, unlike normal birth, is when the baby is born without any medical intervention and without anesthesia, let alone the use of any substances to speed up labor. Natural birth happens naturally, all in its own time and as the body dictates, without an episiotomy to help the baby come out. The woman has her own space and time to act and do whatever she feels necessary to ease the contractions and facilitate labor. In natural birth, the woman is fully responsible and actively participates in the moment her baby is born.
Nowadays, many major maternity hospitals support natural birth and offer their pregnant women bathtubs for relaxation during labor and a very comfortable space for family support. It can also take place in birth centers, which more and more often are adopting this option. Or, you can look for a specialist in the field who can accompany you up to delivery, known as doulas, allowing you to have your natural or humanized birth, as it is now commonly called, in the comfort of your own home. Of course, doulas should be accompanied by a specialized doctor and should be prepared for any emergencies for both mother and baby, always equipped with emergency and resuscitation equipment if necessary.
What Are the Advantages of Natural Birth?
If you dream of bringing your baby into the world in a way that you are the only one responsible for making it happen, natural birth is the ideal option. Since you won’t take painkillers or any anesthesia, you will be able to manage the pain your body feels, being free to walk, take a shower, soak in the tub, or do whatever you like in the moment to cope with the pain until birth. As no interventions are used, the possibility of side effects is minimal, almost non-existent for both mother and baby.
During a natural birth, you are not immobilized, you have full control of your body and are alert and free to move however you want and in whatever way is most comfortable. Additionally, you yourself can help when the baby is born, bringing the baby into the world with your own hands. As with other types of birth, there is no need for a urinary catheter, any medications to assist, or devices that can sometimes be rather aggressive for extracting the baby from the womb. In natural birth, the baby will only be born when it is ready and wants to come out.
If your partner or family are with you, they can help with relaxing massages, exercises to relieve pain, and their affection and closeness already contribute greatly at this time. If you want to have a natural birth, you should prepare in advance by finding a doctor who supports and accompanies this choice. The place of birth should be decided beforehand and be appropriate, preferably not far from a hospital in case of an emergency. Look for people who have already had this experience and ask for information, talk, and clarify all your doubts. For you to achieve the natural birth of your dreams, you should be prepared not just psychologically, but also with all the support of your partner and family, and assisted by professionals who will give you all the needed reassurance in this moment.
See also: Natural Birth Story – By Cibele Barbosa
Photo: eyeliam
