*Printed with permission from Birthing with Guinever. This is an awesome site with several great articles about pregnancy and birth.

So you’re pregnant, and you think you might want to have a natural birth. Having had 5 natural births myself, I’d like to offer what I feel are a few of the most important things to do in order to achieve a drug-free birth.

1. Going natural is a mindset. Make the commitment during pregnancy that drugs are not an option for labor. Believe that you can do it, and you will. If you have the feeling that you’d like to try it to see how it goes, but you’re open to getting an epidural, I guarantee you that you will have the epidural. Labor is hard work and to get through it, you can’t be wishy washy going into it. One medical intervention leads to another.

2. Surround yourself with friends and family who believe that you can have a natural birth, who assume that you can do it. Tune out the negative birth stories that some girlfriends might tell you about how awful labor was until the epidural took effect. Instead, seek out labor stories from women who have had natural birth and you’ll hear how awesome the birth was, how the baby latched on right away, how the nurses kept making comments that the baby was so alert. You’ll hear how proud her husband was, what a great help to her he was during labor, and that the birth was an empowering, amazing experience.

3. Take a private, independent childbirth class. (in other words, don’t take the birthing classes offered by the hospital.) If this isn’t possible, prepare yourself by reading several pregnancy books and learning labor coping techniques. Consider my list of recommended books.

4. Choose your doctor or midwife carefully. If you don’t know where to start looking for a care provider, ask your local childbirth educators and doulas for ideas. Ask lots of questions in your first few pre-natal visits so there aren’t any surprises later on. Be wary when the answer is always, “I only do that when its medically necessary.” You need to ask them, “How often do you feel its medically necessary?” (to do inductions, planned cesareans, episiotomies, etc) You want to find someone with a low induction, low cesarean, low episiotomy (and low tear) rate. Don’t be afraid to switch doctors or hospitals no matter how late it is in your pregnancy. Remember, it is your birth, and you are hiring them to work for you. There should be a mutual respect.

5. During labor, just take one contraction at a time. Don’t worry about the length of labor–how long it has been or how much longer it might be. Women talk about their long labors, but remember, its not as if they were in constant pain for 18 hours. Contractions only last for about a minute (longer during later labor) and you get breaks in between. Don’t let anyone tell you that your body isn’t working if your labor slows down. That is just the body’s way of giving you a rest. Be thankful for the break because labor will pick up soon enough.

*To read points #6-10,  visit Birthing with Guinever’s website here. You can also read many other articles including several positive and encouraging birth stories. Click here to read the small but growing collection of birth stories on this website.

State of American Childbirth

Pregnancy and childbirth are normal, healthy processes for the majority of women and babies.

SCOPE AND SCALE OF MATERNITY CARE — EACH YEAR IN THE UNITED STATES:

1. Over 4 million Births
2. 99% in Hospitals
3. Over 90% Attended by Surgeons
4. Second Most Common Reason for Hospitalization
5. Most Common Reason for the Hospitalization of Women
6. Care for Mothers and Babies combined Rank 4th in Hospital Expenses
7. Over 6.8 million Obstetric Procedures Performed – 2nd Most Common Category of Surgical Procedures
8. Three of the Four Most Common Surgical Procedures Performed in the United States are Obstetric

Nearly all women giving birth in hospitals are subjected to some level of technological or medical intervention.
THE MOST COMMON INTERVENTIONS ARE:

1. Over 31% (1.3 million) Cesarean Surgeries – Has risen over 50% since 1996, HIGHEST EVER
2. Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC) rate has fallen over 50% since 1996, ACCESS DISAPPEARING
3. 34% (1.4 million) of Labors Medically Induced
4. 41% (1.66 million) Need Vaginal Stitching (episiotomy, tears, vacuum extraction, forceps)
5. 47% (1.88 million) of Labors Artificially Stimulated
6. 60% (2.4 million) of Women Denied Fluids
7. 76% (3.04 million) of Women Restrained In Bed
8. 85% (3.4 million) of Women Denied Food
9. 86% (3.44 million) Given Drugs For Pain Relief
10. Over 90% (3.68 million) of Women Attached To Electronic Fetal Monitors

What do we have to show for all this intervention?

OUTCOMES IN THE UNITED STATES:

1. High Infant Mortality Rate – Stayed Flat over the last 6 years, 29th in the world – Twice as High for African American Babies
2. Maternal Mortality Rate – Not Improved in 20 years, 25th in the world – Four times as High for African American Mothers
3. 12.8% (over 546,000) of Babies Born Preterm – has Risen 21% since 1990
4. Over 8.3% (over 354,000) of Babies Born Low Birth Weight – has Risen 19% since 1990
5. 44% (1.76 million) of Mothers have Emotional Or Physical Impairment after Birth Interfering with Ability to Care for their Babies
6. Over 25% (1 million) of Mothers have New Health Problems after Birth
7. 63% (2.52 million) of Mothers have some symptoms of Postpartum Depression
8. 18% (720,000) of Mothers show symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress with 9% showing all signs of PTSD.

With all the money we spend, why aren’t our outcomes better? Countries with lower costs and better outcomes for mothers and babies rely on midwives to attend most births – and many support out-of-hospital births.

The Midwives Model of Care & The Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative
www.cfmidwifery.org/mmoc www.motherfriendly.org
Promote Wellness, Education, and Individualized, Motherbaby-Centered Care.
Midwives are Key to Effective, Affordable Mother-Friendly Childbirth

Reprinted with Permission from Citizens for Midwifery

Click here for this article along with references.

What would you do if you were told that scientific studies have uncovered a way to have a shorter labor with less pain — and that method is completely natural? Would you get excited? Many women hope for a shorter, natural birth. And studies have proven there is a way for women to have this. This amazing way to help laboring women is called the doula.

A doula is another woman who stays with a mother throughout labor and birth. The word “doula” comes from a Greek word that means “servant” or “women’s servant.” A doula is a traditional role that women have been filling for centuries. Careful scientific studies in this century have proven what birthing women have always known — doulas help women to have better birth outcomes.

Proven Around the World

International studies have shown the benefit of doulas to birthing women. Women who have continuous doula support during labor have a lower cesarean section rate and a lower rate of assisted vaginal delivery (forceps and vacuum extraction). These results are consistent no matter what country the woman is giving birth in.

One to one care has been shown to shorten labor by two hours or more. A hospital in Dublin, Ireland gives all birthing women one-to-one, continuous support. At this hospital almost all mothers have labors of twelve hours or less. Studies in the United States have also shown that women who use doula support have shorter labors.

Doulas even help women choosing epidural pain relief to have better birth outcomes. A woman who chooses and epidural and doula support is less likely to have a cesarean section and is more likely to have an unassisted vaginal delivery.

Minimizing Interventions

A birthing woman who chooses to have a doula support her throughout labor is less likely to need synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin). Synthetic oxytocin results in stronger, harder contractions that many women have a hard time dealing with. The doula is full of wisdom to help a woman progress through labor, which lessens the likelihood of needing a synthetic hormone boost.

If a woman is induced or has synthetic oxytocin given to her during labor, her doula is able to help her cope with the strong contractions. Doulas are able to assist birthing women in a multitude of ways.

Helping Fathers Too

Even fathers find that doulas benefit them. Births where a father and doula are present usually result in happy parents. The fathers feel like they were given the support that they needed. A doula is able to help the father help the mother as much as possible. Doulas are also able to give continous care to each mother, allowing the father to take a break or freeing him to be there emotionally for the mother.

A True Asset

Doulas help mothers of all ages. Studies have shown that when young mothers are given doula support they have better birth outcomes and a higher breastfeeding rate. Older mothers are also assisted by a confident doula who has many ideas to help the mother through labor.

A doula is truly an asset to any birthing team. If you are looking for a shorter labor with less pain, find a doula in your community. Your doula is in infinite source of wisdom and support — no matter where you give birth, how you give birth, or who else you want with you. Allow yourself the luxury of someone focused completely on your success — have a doula on your team.

Author: Kristen Burgess

Kristen Burgess is the owner of http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com She is passionate and committed to helping women have healthy pregnancies and happy, natural births. Learn more about doulas, pregnancy, and natural birth at http://www.naturalbirthandbabycare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristen_Burgess

*Note from Brenda: I have had 3 water births and they are wonderful! I bought a Kiddie blow-up pool and saved a lot of money. Feel free to e-mail me if you’d like to explore the possibilities of a water birth for you.

Water childbirth is becoming very popular. Many women are finding that is a great way to give birth. They say it is more comfortable, easier, and healthier. Water is known to help ease pain during labor, making a natural birth more bearable. It aids in keeping a steady pulse, stabilizing your blood flow and helps you to be more relaxed. It also helps the baby slip out more easily, helping quite a bit in managing pain and cutting back on labor time.

In order to decide if a water birth is for you, you will want to do some research. Those who are nervous about a home birth should probably decide against a water birth as, currently, water births are not conducted in many facilities. In addition, women who aren’t comfortable working with a midwife are not prime candidates for water birth. For more information, visit waterbirth.org or birthbalance.com.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to find a midwife. Since water childbirth is still relatively new, many midwifes are not experienced and are reluctant to try it. If you are not able to find a midwife who has experience with water childbirth, try finding one who is open to it. With the proper research, you and your midwife can learn what is needed. Some women choose to deliver without a midwife, but you’ll want to make sure you are 100% comfortable and as educated as you can be if you choose to do this.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to obtain a birthing pool. You have the option of purchasing or renting one. Renting one will cost a few hundred dollars, while purchasing one will be around a thousand. If you plan to use your birthing pool for multiple children, it is probably more economical to purchase rather than rent. You should purchase a birthing pool that can comfortable seat you and another person. There are also birthing pool accessories available such as booster seats, thermometers and liner patch kits.

Author: Sarah Freeland

Pregnancy these days is trendy and fashionable. No more hiding a baby bump, motherhood is redefined! Maternity clothes are evolving too. Funky maternity clothes and punk rock baby clothes and maternity wear are now the norm! Shop for cool pregnancy outfits and funky diaper bags as well as alternative baby clothing and accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

There is an expectation in the United States that childbirth is the worst pain you could ever feel. Because of this, women approach childbirth with overwhelming fear of the pain and attempting to remove it all in search of a good birth experience. How painful is childbirth really? What does it take to handle the pain? Can you have a good birth experience if you feel pain?

How painful is childbirth, really?

Ronald Melzack researches experiences of pain, and studied the pain of labor. Through his research he found that overall childbirth can be called severely painful, but the intensity of the pain is variable. About 25% of first time mothers and only 11% of experienced mothers rated labor as horrible or excruciating. In fact 9% of first time mothers and 24% of experienced mothers said they had low levels of pain. With 17% of women having low levels of pain, the ‘easy’ labor can’t possibly be as rare as we think it is.

For many women labor is the first experience with any real physical pain. Women who have experienced other physical pains tend to rate childbirth lower on the scale than things like kidney or gall stones, Lyme disease, chronic back problems, some broken bones, double ear infections, toothaches in need of root canal and recovering from cesarean surgery. Some women even claim the pain of labor is easier to handle than the pain of a broken heart. The point is, how painful childbirth feels is somewhat relative. Without another pain to compare it too, calling childbirth the most painful experience is prejudiced.

If only 18% of mothers rate labor as excruciating, how likely are you to be included in that group?

Research by Lederman found that overall, you are likely to experience more intense pain if you:

• Are a first time mother
• Have less education
• Are younger
• Experience menstrual problems
• Have a history of miscarriage
• Have difficulty accepting this pregnancy
• Feel conflict about becoming a mother
• Are anxious about labor
• Fear being helpless, in pain, losing control or losing self-esteem
• Have a previous psychological issue requiring counseling
• Have unstable emotional feelings
• Have unrealistic expectations of the pain
• Have a partner who is negative or indifferent toward this pregnancy

What does it take to handle the pain?

One of the most startling truths about the pain of labor is its relation to the mother’s confidence in her ability to cope. In general, the more confident you are you will be able to cope, the less pain you will feel. Another important factor is the people you have with you at labor, because your ability to cope with the pain of labor will be influenced by the interactions you have with those attending you (midwife, doctor, nurse). This paints a far different picture of what you will need to get through labor than the old ‘high pain tolerance’ theory. In fact, you can be a wimp about pain and still cope well with labor pain.

In A Wise Birth, authors Penny Armstrong and Sheryl Feldman explain that women who are treated well by birth attendants, have their needs considered and bodies respected and whose mothering responsibilities are honored will give birth more easily. In contrast, women who are challenged by their birth attendants, restrained, distrusted and treated indifferently will have more trouble with labor. They conclude, ‘drugs and technology in birth, as in life, have proved to be poor substitutes for true, human attention.’

Studies on doulas continue to prove their statement correct. A doula is a professional childbirth assistant. She does not offer medical help, instead her job is to simply be with the mother and serve any needs she may have. You may find a doula rubbing a back, suggesting positions, teaching a partner how to give a massage or just talking to the mother. What effect does this attention have? Women with doulas need less medical intervention to give birth, are less likely to need medication for pain, and are more satisfied with the childbirth experience. Again we see a high pain tolerance is not what it takes to cope well with labor.

Can you have a good birth experience if you feel pain?

Not only can you cope well if you are a wimp about pain, but you can have a great labor and be satisfied with the experience even if you feel pain. In fact, in one study, the mothers who refused anesthesia felt more pain, but they had higher scores of satisfaction with labor both immediately after the birth and one year later. Another study found no difference in satisfaction immediately after birth, but within two days mothers who had chosen to use epidurals had less positive feelings about childbirth. All of this tells us that removing the pain is not related to having a good childbirth experience.

Where does all this leave you? There are several things you can do now to give yourself the best chances for a low pain labor and positive birth experience. First, educate yourself about the process so you are less likely to be anxious and fearful of what to expect. Second, learn different techniques for working with your body and managing the pain you feel in labor. Third, make sure your caregivers will be supportive of you during labor – if they won’t or can’t, hire someone else. Finally, hire a doula to be with you during labor. These four things will give you the best odds for a manageable labor, regardless of how painful it is or is not.

Resources:

Melzack K, Taenzer P, Feldman P, Kinch R, (1981). Labor is Still Painful After Prepared Childbirth Training. Canadian medical Association Journal, 125:357-363.

Lederman R, Lederman E, Work B, McCann D. (1979) Relationship of Psychological Factors in Pregnancy to Progress in Labor. Nursing Research, 28(2):94-97.

Lowe, N.K. (1993). Maternal confidence for labor: Development of the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory. Research in Nursing and Health, 16(2) 141-149.

Standley K, Nicholson J (1980). Observing the childbirth environment: A research model. Birth and the Family
1ff8
Journal, 7, 15.

Armstrong P, Feldman S. A Wise Birth. London:Pinter & Martin, 2007.

Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, (2003). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003 Issue 3.

Morgan B, Bulpitt CJ, Clifton P, Lewis PJ, (1982). Analgesia and satisfaction in childbirth (The Queen Charlotte 1000-mother survey). Lancet, 1, 808.

Author: Jennifer Vanderlaan

For more information about the pain of labor, and to learn effective ways to cope with the pain, Jennifer invites you to visit http://www.birthingnaturally.net Jennifer Vanderlaan is a childbirth educator and doula who helps families discover what they need to be successful at childbirth.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Vanderlaan

For hundreds of thousands of years before the advent of the epidural and pharmaceutical pain products, women gave birth naturally and without the use of medications or interventions. Yet for modern women, the thought of giving birth without an epidural can be a frightening concept, no matter how much a woman desires natural childbirth. A lot of information out there seems to claim that if you just think happy thoughts and believe childbirth doesn’t have to be painful…it won’t be.

I’m sorry to say I fell into that trap. I read a few books about childbirth that argued that it doesn’t have to be painful. And I believed it. I wasn’t worried in the least. I mean it’s a natural process your body has to go through, how hard could it be? As it turns out it was really, really hard. I went into labor on a Tuesday morning. My daughter was born on a Friday. What happened between those days is a little fuzzy but basically involves pain way more intense than I had imagined, hours and hours and hours of enduring contraction after painful contraction, only to find out I was barely making progress. I had basically no tools to cope with the pain (that wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place!) All of this eventually led to many unwanted interventions and good deal of emotional trauma on everyone’s part. After enduring all those contractions, “naturally”, I ended up with pitocin, an epidural and a vacuum delivery.

So what’s the one thing I would do over again if I had the chance? (Besides actually complete my Hypnosis Course instead of just falling asleep…) I would hire a doula. The word ‘doula’ comes from the Greek word for servant. For centuries before modern medical birth, women helped each other give birth using techniques passed down through generation after generation. Today pregnant women can hire a doula to provide emotional and physical support during labor and delivery. Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth and can provide a wide range of non-medical pain relief measures.

Surprisingly, science seems to overwhelmingly support the benefits of using a Doula. A 1997 study found that laboring women who were supported by a doula experienced the same levels of pain as those who had received an epidural. Additionally, women who used a doula were able to cope with their pain equally well to those who used an epidural.

Additionally, while epidurals do lead to less pain, they also tend to lead to more interventions, often times ending with caesarian deliveries, which are a greater risk to both the mother and baby’s health. Doula support, on the other hand, lowers the risk of c-section. A university study found that women whose labors were induced and used a doula had a 20 percent c-section rate, while those who did not use a doula, had shocking 63% c-section delivery rate. Another study found mothers who were supported by a doula or labor companion during birth had more positive interactions with their newborns after birth. Women who use doula support during labor have been shown to have 1/2 as many c-section as those who do not use a doula. They have also been shown to have large reductions in the need for interventions such as forceps and vacuum. Many women also experience shorter labors.

I was advised to hire a doula when I got pregnant, and I’m very sad to say I didn’t do it. I really believe my labor and delivery would have been a more positive, natural experience had I taken that advice. Please consider hiring a doula and sharing information about doulas with any pregnant women you know. And of course, doulas and epidurals are not mutually exclusive. Doulas can be beneficial to your labor experience even if you choose to use medication.

Author: Tara N Smith

To find a doula in your area visit The Doula Network

Tara Smith is a mom, perennial researcher, reader and author of growbabygreen.com, a website that helps parents “go green” for their baby and family.To learn more green, organic and natural living ideas and tips visit http://www.growbabygreen.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tara_N_Smith

Water childbirth is becoming very popular. Many women are finding that is a great way to give birth. They say it is more comfortable, easier, and healthier. Water is known to help ease pain during labor, making a natural birth more bearable. It aids in keeping a steady pulse, stabilizing your blood flow and helps you to be more relaxed. It also helps the baby slip out more easily, helping quite a bit in managing pain and cutting back on labor time.

In order to decide if a water birth is for you, you will want to do some research. Those who are nervous about a home birth should probably decide against a water birth as, currently, water births are not conducted in many facilities. In addition, women who aren’t comfortable working with a midwife are not prime candidates for water birth. For more information, visit waterbirth.org or birthbalance.com.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to find a midwife. Since water childbirth is still relatively new, many midwifes are not experienced and are reluctant to try it. If you are not able to find a midwife who has experience with water childbirth, try finding one who is open to it. With the proper research, you and your midwife can learn what is needed. Some women choose to deliver without a midwife, but you’ll want to make sure you are 100% comfortable and as educated as you can be if you choose to do this.

The next step in planning a water childbirth is to obtain a birthing pool. You have the option of purchasing or renting one. Renting one will cost a few hundred dollars, while purchasing one will be around a thousand. If you plan to use your birthing pool for multiple children, it is probably more economical to purchase rather than rent. You should purchase a birthing pool that can comfortable seat you and another person. There are also birthing pool accessories available such as booster seats, thermometers and liner patch kits.

Author: Sarah Freeland

Pregnancy these days is trendy and fashionable. No more hiding a baby bump, motherhood is redefined! Maternity clothes are evolving too. Funky maternity clothes and punk rock baby clothes and maternity wear are now the norm! Shop for cool pregnancy outfits and funky diaper bags as well as alternative baby clothing and accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Freeland

Hypnosis for natural childbirth is making a come back. Future parents are interested in this tool but may have a lot of unanswered questions. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions on hypnosis for childbirth and their answers.

Is natural child birth using hypnosis a new trend? Will we be guinea pigs if we use this method for the birth of our baby?

Hypnosis has been used for natural child birth ever since the first baby was born (or almost). It was frequently used in the nineteenth century before Ether was introduced in obstetrics and surgery. Long before the nineteenth century, men and women instinctively went into a deep focused and relaxed state whenever they needed their bodies to perform certain tasks. They just did not call this phenomenon hypnosis.

With all the potent drugs medicine has to offer, why would anyone consider child birth without using all the technology available?

Pregnancy and birthing are very special times and we always have to keep in mind that there is a precious and vulnerable being involved: THE BABY. The placenta transmits all the nutrients and oxygen the baby requires but although it acts as a filter, most drugs can cross its barrier and are passed on to the baby. The book Medications and Mothers’ Milk rates medications with their potential risks to the unborn. In summary, we can say that the classification goes from A to X, an “A” being a drug that has no harmful effect on the baby whatsoever. Counting the over-the-counter common drugs offered like Tylenol, Advil, Gravol, Maalox, can you guess how many medications are perfectly safe to use during pregnancy and childbirth and are classified class “A”? The answer is “0″! In short, besides water, a breath of fresh air and love, a mother has to be careful what she exposes her unborn baby to. This is one of the reasons so many expectant couples consider avoiding taking drugs during pregnancy and especially the birth of their baby and opt for a natural child birth.

I am scared to be a “zombie” during the birth of my baby. If I choose a natural child birth using hypnosis, will I remember all that happened or will I miss out on such a special event?

Hypnosis is only a state of deep physical and mental relaxation. Many famous athletes such as Tiger Woods use hypnosis regularly (if you look at him when he plays, he just seems deeply focused, not in a spaced-out state). The state of mind that hypnosis brings laboring mothers into has been described as being ‘in the zone” by many athletes; that is to say that you are deeply focused and living the experience to its fullest. Isn’t this exactly what everyone wants for that special day when their baby is born?

Programs of hypnosis for child birth also allow future parents to achieve, by practicing and mastering self-hypnosis, eyes-opened hypnosis. Laboring mothers are also able to talk and move around during their labor and use all the other important tools to obtain a peaceful and natural child birth using hypnosis. These tools include: using the tub or Jacuzzi, massages, changing positions frequently and using gravity to aid the baby’s descent.

Experience has showed that hypnosis for childbirth answers a profound need of future parents to have a natural and comfortable childbirth.

Author: Nathalie Fiset

For more complete information on hypnosis for childbirth please go to: http://www.hypno-beginning.com/products.htm http://www.hypno-beginning.com http://www.drnathaliefiset.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

If you know you are planning to use an epidural to help you manage pain during childbirth, you may not be thinking about natural childbirth techniques. In contrast with an epidural which almost always provides good pain relief with no effort from the mother, natural childbirth techniques take time to learn, time to practice and you don’t know which ones will help you most until your labor begins. But as is so often true in life, there is great value in the things you have to work harder for.

1. Your labor may move faster than you expect – the typical labor may start slow, and slowly build to active labor, but not all do. About 2% of women experience a precipitate labor, one in which the early stages pass so easily they are unnoticed and the mother suddenly finds herself dealing with a fast active labor. If your labor starts fast, the natural childbirth techniques you learn will not only keep you comfortable, but also help you stay calm and as relaxed as possible until you get to your birth place.
2. It can take 20 minutes to an hour or more from the time you request an epidural to the time you get pain relief. Instead of being a specific medication, epidural and spinal are advanced anesthetic techniques. This means you need an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist to administer one. Unlike simpler, less effective pain relief methods which your midwife, doctor or nurse could administer, when you choose an epidural you need to wait for the anesthesiologist to be available.You could have pain relief in as fast as 20 minutes if everything was already set up and the staff ready, or you could be waiting for another woman to have an epidural administered first, or waiting for an anesthesiologist to finish assisting a cesarean surgery or come to the hospital. In some smaller hospitals, epidurals are not available ‘after hours,’ the staff relying instead on simpler methods of pain relief which are not as effective. Natural childbirth techniques will be your only choice for pain management until things are ready for an epidural to be administered, and can be helpful if you receive a less effective pain medication.
3. Holding off on an epidural allows you to use positioning to move the labor along as quickly as possible. Once you receive an epidural your mobility is greatly reduced, if your baby is not in a good birth position at that point, it becomes harder to get him to move. Epidurals inhibit fetal rotation for a posterior baby (commonly known as back labor). Henci Goer reports in The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth that one study found a 450% increase in persistent posterior (the baby never turned) with epidural use.Ms. Goer also reports that first time mothers with an epidural are more likely to have a cesarean surgery for failure to progress. One study showed women with a slow labor who had an epidural were five times more likely to have a cesarean surgery than women with a slow labor who did not have an epidural. Delaying an epidural gives you the best chances of getting your baby into a good position and labor progressing normally.
4. The longer you can wait to receive pain medications, the less medication you and your baby will receive. This means you lower the potential risks during and after childbirth. Even with lower dose epidurals to reduce the side effects, there are still some. Minimizing the time you have an epidural minimizes some of these side effects, such as risk of maternal fever. Minimizing the time you have an epidural also minimizes the amount of medication you and your baby are exposed to, further reducing risks of side effects.Using natural childbirth techniques can give you the ability to manage pain and discomfort well into active labor. You may find you labor so well with them, you do not need to add the risks of medications. This can mean a faster recovery from the birth, since your body does not have to spend time removing the medication.
5. Natural Childbirth Techniques are helpful for all stages of life, not just giving birth. Comfort skills such as massage and relaxation, can help you relieve tension or stress on a day to day basis. Good positions for childbirth can be helpful for relieving backaches and other discomforts during pregnancy. Women who practice relaxation techniques use them to sleep better before and after their baby is born. The good nutrition and exercise habits learned through most natural childbirth programs can help keep your whole family healthier.Many women find the coping mechanisms they develop using natural childbirth techniques in labor increase their self confidence which helps them manage other parts of their lives. Other women express that even though labor hurt, they were glad they did it because it challenged them in new ways and showed just how strong they were. There is no link to satisfaction with labor and the use of pain medication, which means you are no more likely to look back at labor favorably whether you use medications or not.

Natural childbirth techniques are useful in unexpected labor situations, when you can’t get what you want and when things are not going quite the way you planned. Knowing the medications have risks, and there are benefits to using natural childbirth techniques beyond labor, it can make a lot of sense to try for a natural childbirth with the understanding an epidural is available if you decide you want it.

Author: Jennifer Vanderlaan