Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and deeply personal time in a woman’s life. There are so many decisions to be made, from what color to paint the nursery to whether you want a natural birth or an epidural. There’s no wrong decision, as each choice is uniquely yours.
If you’re leaning towards natural birth, but you’re not sure about what exactly to expect, you’re in the right place. Our dedicated team at FemmPro OB/GYN has helped deliver thousands of babies this way. We’re here to support you from start to finish, and it begins with learning what you can expect from natural birth.
In most cases, you’re introduced to our midwife, a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during your pregnancy. When you opt for natural birth, you’re choosing to have little to no medical intervention. This experience varies from mother to mother, but generally, this means you’re rejecting the use of pain medication during delivery. You may decide to use a fetal heart monitor, or you may want to do things entirely naturally without any modern medical devices.
Midwives are highly trained, licensed, and certified nurse practitioners. They’re an excellent option for women with low-risk pregnancies who want to have a natural birth. In some cases, they can work alone, while in others they collaborate with doctors, especially in high-risk pregnancies or emergency C-sections.
One significant benefit of opting for natural birth is that you’re able to move around during labor. When you get an epidural, you have to remain lying down in bed. Without it, you can choose alternative positions for delivery, including leaning against someone or something, kneeling on your hands and knees, or squatting.
Another benefit is being able to push more effectively. When you’re not numbed from medication, you’re able to feel what’s going on and may be able to have a faster delivery. Additionally, recovery can happen more quickly and efficiently when you’re not groggy from medication.
Immediate skin-to-skin contact is an attractive feature of natural birth - or any type of birth. As soon as you deliver your baby, you’re able to hold your newborn, allowing bonding to start right away. This may help with breastfeeding, as some studies suggest that immediate skin-to-skin contact makes this process easier.
There are many benefits to natural birth and you will be amazed by what your body can do. For more information about natural birth, including the risks associated with it and if it’s the right option for you, come in for a visit with one of our expert providers including our resident midwife. They can give you support and insight to determine whether natural birth is the best choice for you and your baby. Contact our Garden City or North Massapequa, New York office today to schedule an appointment.
