What is natural childbirth?

Natural childbirth is vaginal labor that you perform with very little or no medical intervention. To some people, natural childbirth means that you reject pain medication but use a fetal heart monitor. To others, natural childbirth means that you opt-out of all modern medical devices during labor.

You can participate in natural childbirth anywhere — from a birthing center to your home to a hospital. If you choose natural childbirth, FemmPro OB/GYN supports you with information, education, and access to a midwife who can be present with you during labor.

What does a midwife do?

Midwives have played an important role in childbirth for centuries. Today, they provide prenatal and postnatal care to mothers. During labor, they coach you and provide you with both practical and emotional support. 

After birth, your midwife teaches you how to breastfeed, provides lactation support, and guides your nutritional choices.

What are the benefits of natural childbirth?

Women and families often opt for natural childbirth because of its benefits, which include:

The ability to move during labor

When you receive an epidural, you can’t move during labor. In contrast, during natural childbirth, you can move around as a way to cope with the pain. Many women find comfort from bouncing on an exercise ball, walking the halls, or taking a hot shower during labor.

Faster delivery

Because you don’t lose any sensation during natural childbirth, you may be able to push more effectively and deliver your baby more quickly.

More successful breastfeeding

After a natural birth, you can immediately initiate skin-to-skin contact with your baby. Studies show that immediate skin-to-skin contact leads to better bonding between mom and baby, which in turn leads to easier breastfeeding.

Quicker recovery

Often, women find that they recover from natural childbirth quickly. This is because, without the grogginess of medication or the numbness of an epidural, you can get up and start walking around earlier. The earlier you start walking, the more quickly you can recover. Also, early walking helps you avoid postpartum constipation.

A sense of accomplishment

No matter how you choose to deliver your baby, you’re a strong woman, and you should be proud of your accomplishment. However, many women choose natural childbirth to witness and marvel in the strength of their body and spirit.

If you’re interested in natural childbirth, you need a supportive team that listens to you and respects your wishes and needs while ensuring that you and your baby are healthy at every step of the way. 

For this kind of care, reach out to FemmPro OB/GYN, which has delivered over 8,000 babies in the last 25 years. To connect, call the office, or book an appointment online via ZocDoc.