What is natural childbirth?
Natural childbirth is the way of giving birth that most closely resembles the process that occurs in nature, rejecting the aid of medications such as epidurals. Some women with low-risk pregnancies opt for this natural way of giving birth in order to avoid the possible risks that medications can pose.
Why is it done?
Many women choose this form of delivery to avoid the risks that medications can pose to mother and baby. Other women choose natural childbirth because they want to experience this form of childbirth more in contact with the baby and feel that nature is taking its course.
What does it consist of?
Natural childbirth consists of rejecting most of the technologies used to facilitate childbirth:
- Going through the entire preparation and delivery without the aid of drugs, including painkillers such as epidurals.
- Avoid medical interventions such as episiotomies or fetal monitoring.
- To be able to control the birth themselves, move around and choose the most comfortable position for giving birth.
- Giving birth outside the hospital environment: some women choose to give birth in maternity wards, in the water or at home.
Preparing for natural childbirth
Before a natural birth, it is necessary to prepare a birth plan and prepare the environment in which the birth will take place, as well as the team that will support the birth. The pregnant woman can count on the help of doctors, nurses and doulas to assist throughout the birth. It is also essential for the mother to be informed about all kinds of techniques to manage pain: when giving up medications, she will need methods to reduce labor pains, such as natural medicines or meditation.
Post-procedure care
Care will be similar to that of the mother giving birth in a conventional delivery, and will vary depending on the course of labor, how the mother is doing, and whether she has had many complications or interventions.