About 73% of U.S. women who give birth use an epidural for pain relief. However, natural birth – without pain medications or other routine interventions – is becoming more common.
Why natural birth?Reasons for a natural birth include avoiding the risks of an epidural, having more control over delivery or remembering the experience more clearly. Some women simply want to see what their bodies can do.
Typically, women who birth naturally:
Here are eight ways to prepare you mind and body for a natural birth experience.
1. Choose the right provider Select a health care provider who is on board with natural birth, has experience working with a doula, understands birthing plans, and has a low rate of cesarean births. Look for a location where staff actively work with parents to ensure their birth goes according to their plans.
In Northern Nevada we have a list of, chiropractors, midwives, doulas, acupuncturist, obstetricians, and family medicine doctors personalize care to parents’ needs and preferences.
If you’re unsure who to choose for your delivery, that’s okay. Watch this webinar: Should I choose a doctor or a midwife?
2. Exercise regularlyYou will increase your chances of natural birth by being physically fit. You should work out regularly with 30 minutes of active movement five to six days a week. Flexibility will help you when it comes time to push. Aim for 30 minutes of prenatal yoga one or two days a week.
3. Take a natural birth classWomen who attend birthing classes are more likely to have a vaginal birth. Natural birth classes such as Bradley and hypnobirthing teach strategies to cope with labor pain. They also give you realistic expectations and instill confidence.
Our childbirth education classes teach you what to expect for the birth process, especially if you’re planning a natural birth.
4. Hire a doulaA doula provides you guidance, encouragement, and reassurance during labor and childbirth. While they don’t provide medical care, doulas also act as an advocate for you. According to a 2017 Cochrane review, mothers who received continuous labor support from a partner, midwife, or doula were more likely to give birth vaginally, less likely to need forceps or a cesarean section, had faster labors, and were more satisfied with their births.
5. Write a birth planA birth plan is a document that outlines your labor and delivery preferences. Women who go into labor with a birth plan are 10% more likely to have a vaginal delivery. Discuss your birth plan with your health care provider early to ensure that your wishes can be honored by your health care team.
Why natural birth?Reasons for a natural birth include avoiding the risks of an epidural, having more control over delivery or remembering the experience more clearly. Some women simply want to see what their bodies can do.
Typically, women who birth naturally:
- Don’t push as long in labor
- Have a higher spontaneous birth rate
- Recover more quickly after birth
- Avoid potential side effects from the epidural including low blood pressure, headaches and fever
Here are eight ways to prepare you mind and body for a natural birth experience.
1. Choose the right provider Select a health care provider who is on board with natural birth, has experience working with a doula, understands birthing plans, and has a low rate of cesarean births. Look for a location where staff actively work with parents to ensure their birth goes according to their plans.
In Northern Nevada we have a list of, chiropractors, midwives, doulas, acupuncturist, obstetricians, and family medicine doctors personalize care to parents’ needs and preferences.
If you’re unsure who to choose for your delivery, that’s okay. Watch this webinar: Should I choose a doctor or a midwife?
2. Exercise regularlyYou will increase your chances of natural birth by being physically fit. You should work out regularly with 30 minutes of active movement five to six days a week. Flexibility will help you when it comes time to push. Aim for 30 minutes of prenatal yoga one or two days a week.
3. Take a natural birth classWomen who attend birthing classes are more likely to have a vaginal birth. Natural birth classes such as Bradley and hypnobirthing teach strategies to cope with labor pain. They also give you realistic expectations and instill confidence.
Our childbirth education classes teach you what to expect for the birth process, especially if you’re planning a natural birth.
4. Hire a doulaA doula provides you guidance, encouragement, and reassurance during labor and childbirth. While they don’t provide medical care, doulas also act as an advocate for you. According to a 2017 Cochrane review, mothers who received continuous labor support from a partner, midwife, or doula were more likely to give birth vaginally, less likely to need forceps or a cesarean section, had faster labors, and were more satisfied with their births.
5. Write a birth planA birth plan is a document that outlines your labor and delivery preferences. Women who go into labor with a birth plan are 10% more likely to have a vaginal delivery. Discuss your birth plan with your health care provider early to ensure that your wishes can be honored by your health care team.
