Planning a Natural Childbirth

For women who like to keep things “all natural,” giving birth the natural way is a popular choice. Rather than have a C-section, going natural means having the baby without resorting to medication, even when it’s painful.

With that in mind, if you’re thinking of having a natural childbirth, you should get into the mental state of mind that says, “Yes, I am ready for this!” Therefore, you should do research, consult with others who’ve done it, and know full well what to expect.

Since labor is quite an intensive experience, you should prepare your body for it. Eating a healthy diet, drinking lots of water, and getting regular exercise will help keep your body strong. You can also do yoga, meditation, and stretching, as well as meet with a chiropractor like Dr. Gerard at Lakewoods Chiropractic weekly in order to de-stress your body during your pregnancy. Chiropractic care has been a godsend for many ladies, helping relieve pain on the joints caused by carrying extra weight, for example.

Pregnant moms who want to have a natural birth should find a doula– a professionally trained birth attendant– as well as a midwife to help deliver the baby. Midwives are health care providers while doulas are more like childbirth coaches. Both can help a woman through the process of giving birth. Actually, having a doula has been found to reduce a woman’s need for pain meds, epidurals, forcep or vacuum assisted births, and C-sections. Some positives that come from having a doula as a coach include lower blood pressure during labor, lower pain during the birthing process, higher maternal self esteem and higher breastfeeding success. You can find a doula via www.doulamatch.net.

If you want to increase your “chance” of having a natural birth, some of the main things to concentrate on during pregnancy and right before giving birth include movement, relaxation and patience. For example, movement will help ease tension and take your mind off pain. Gravity and mobility combine to help move your baby into the birth canal. Relaxation methods, like meditation and rhythmic breathing, can calm you down so you don’t feel so overwhelmed. As for patience, giving birth is a marathon rather than a sprint. Prepare yourself to take plenty of time– usually several hours– for the whole thing to happen. Have some things to keep you entertained, hydrated, and at ease for the time when the baby’s “almost ready.”