How to Have a Natural Childbirth

Having a natural childbirth means that you won't be medicated and neither will your baby. Unmedicated mothers and babies are more alert and awake during labor and delivery because their senses are not dulled through medication. Giving birth naturally is not easy but then again, when is anything that involves the word labor ever easy? Read on to learn how to have a natural childbirth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Birth plan
• Natural birthing classes

1. Make a birth plan. A birth plan is an outline of what you want and what you do not want to happen during labor, delivery and postpartum. The Baby Center website has an easy birth plan template if you would like to make things as simple as possible. See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Share your birth plan with everyone involved. This includes your doctor or midwife, your loved ones and your partner.
3. Take natural childbirth classes. These sessions will teach you pain management and relaxation techniques as well as what to expect during labor and delivery.
4. Read everything you can on the subject. Try "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" or "Natural Birth the Bradley Way."
5. Go over what your have learned through books and classes. Reviewing what you have learned will ensure that you don't forget everything when labor begins.
6. Relax as much as possible. When you feel your first real contractions, take deep breaths and do your best to relax. Becoming tense will only create anxiety for you and the baby.
7. Use every method you have learned to manage your pain. Breathing techniques, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, massage, a birth ball, hot and cold compresses, music, position changes or walking. Use one or use them all, just use them because they work.

Tips & Warnings

• Use affirmation. As your due date approaches, remind yourself that you are a strong woman. Do the same when you are in active labor.
• Pack before you go into labor. Make a list of things you want and check them off as you pack them before the big day arrives. This way, you won't forget anything.
• Know your limits. If anyone's health is in serious jeopardy, let the doctors take over.
• Don't be hard on yourself if you have to abandon your natural childbirth plans. If you can't stand the pain or your labor won't progress without medication, it is fine. The end result remains the same, a beautiful baby boy or girl.