Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Natural Childbirth Basics

We are stronger as a family because of the encouragement I received on your wonderful website and my children adore their baby sister. Please keep this vital resource going! ~Paula

Your body is built for natural childbirth. Amazing, isn't it? You've been designed to give birth to your baby - without lots of medical intervention.

Women don't choose drug-free birth to win medals. Giving birth naturally is a healthy choice for you and your baby - and it's empowering.

Why Choose Natural Childbirth?

Natural birth is the best birth for you and for your baby. Despite what you might be told, all medication - even the epidural - has an effect on your baby. The medications used during birth cross to your baby and change the way your body responds to labor.

Are you new to the idea of natural birth?
Unsure of what to expect?
Would you like inspiration?
Go watch NBBC's Birth Video Collection!

Medical intervention and surgical birth - either by cesarean section or by "assisted delivery" (forceps and vacuum extractors) and episiotomy - interferes with birth. Birth interventions can interrupt those precious first moments with your new child. Even worse, they can cause those moments to be lost forever.

Cesarean section vs. vaginal birth is a huge topic. The bottom line is (though there are times when cesarean birth is a lifesaver) in the vast majority of the cases a cesarean was neither best or even preferable to the mother. The cesarean epidemic is out of control. You were designed to give birth - without surgery.

Your Birth Options

One of the first things you'll decide is where to give birth. You have several options. Some women want to be in the hospital. If you find a good care provider and are able to advocate for your rights it's possible to have a wonderful natural childbirth experience in the hospital - lots of women have done it!

You can also choose a birth center. You may like the thought of the extra backup at a birth center - while enjoying more intimate care and a home-like feel. Birth centers generally have low intervention rates and transfer rates and natural births happen most of the time.

Home birth is an option. Birth at home is intimate, empowering, and beautiful. It's a wonderful experience that gives your baby and excellent start and allows you the most freedom.

Another choice to consider is who should be at your baby's birth. This can end up being a complicated choice. There are many considerations to take into account - but it comes down to what you want. You choose who to have there and even if you want your older kids at the birth.

A doula is a woman who is specially trained to support you during labor - to "mother the mother." Doulas offer amazing (and scientifically proven) support during natural childbirth and it's well worth researching doulas in your area.

There are women who choose unassisted childbirth with only their partner and family. Some want to birth alone. The choice of where to birth and who to have there is yours to make!

Have you thought about waterbirth? Labor is the time to dip in and relax! Water can feel great in labor. It may also help you birth more gently and avoid intervention such as episiotomy.

You may also be asked to about inducing labor - it's good to know the different methods and effects of each one. It's also very helpful to know natural methods for inducing labor!

Learning about your birth options allows you to be an informed consumer. Know your choices and your rights - you're the customer!

Click on to discover more information on preparing for natural birth!