Childbirth options include natural unaided childbirth, aided childbirth, or Cesarean operation (C-section). The baby’s birth could take place naturally at home, in a birth center, or in the hospital. The mother can learn about the risks and benefits of the different birth options and choose the best option for her and the baby. If there are no complications that require aided childbirth or surgical intervention, consider going natural. Natural childbirth is a vaginal birth without medication where the parents usually have where training to help the birth go smoothly.

Personal Story

My first baby was born three and a half weeks early. My waters broke at around 4 am. I spent the day at the hospital while he was being induced and forceps were used to rush his birth by the end of day. Times changed so that, with my fourth child, when my waters broke four weeks early the induction was overseen that by the midwife that was from the birthing center where she would have been born if she weren’t so early. The Pitocin was administered slowly, and the baby came gently into the world. My other three children were born without medication. I recommend natural childbirth unless there are complications that make it a risk to the baby or mother.

Natural Childbirth

Natural childbirth focuses on having an unrushed, guided progression where the mother desires minimal intrusion and less evasive monitoring for herself and her baby.

Benefits of Unassisted Vaginal Childbirth

• Babies usually have fewer respiratory concerns
• Mothers heal quicker, even if there is a tear in the perineum
• There is a lower infection rate and a shorter hospital stay for a vaginal birth, when compared to a C-section

Childbirth Methods

Vaginal births without medication can be less painful if the mother and her spouse and partner learn some breathing techniques and other tactics in a childbirth class.

• Lamaze Method: This is the method I used for my births. The controlled breathing techniques and other strategies helped me to work with the contractions rather than fighting them.
• The Bradley Method: This method is a natural childbirth where the mother is coached by her husband as she gives birth vaginally without medical assistance.

These classes give the parents tools to use during labor and childbirth.

Action

If you are pregnant, please consider a natural birth for a healthier baby and mother.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What experiences have you had with childbirth?