Note, this article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Childbirth is a transformative experience that marks the beginning of your motherhood journey.
While natural childbirth remains a popular option, recent years have seen a significant rise in caesarean births, reflecting a broader global trend. So why the decline in natural births? Is it the fear of pain, convenience, or an increase in high-risk pregnancies?
Here we examine what’s involved in natural birth.
What is Natural Birth?
Natural childbirth generally means to give birth without medical interventions (eg, epidurals, induction drugs, or caesarean sections). The physiological childbirth belief is that women are capable of and have an intuitive instinct about giving birth.
Though it doesn’t preclude all medication, the focus is on minimising its use. Circumstances can change so it’s important to stay flexible and to remember the priority is always a safe delivery.
What are the Benefits of a Natural Birth?
Natural childbirth offers many benefits including:
Empowerment of Satisfaction
Natural childbirth provides an opportunity for personal growth from a deep sense of achievement and emotional well-being. This can have long-lasting effects on self-esteem which can positively influence confidence as new parents.
Hormonal Benefits
Oxytocin is released with each contraction. As labour progresses, endorphins are released which helps, naturally, reduce pain perception. The endorphins also reduce stress and create a sense of well-being which helps women instinctively with the birthing process.
Lower Risk of Interventions
The process of labour and birth is largely driven by hormones. Being able to feel and respond to the contractions, lowers the chances of needing medications.
Faster Recovery
Generally natural birth is associated with faster recovery times. Recovery is based on the actual birth and any medications/surgery.
Increased Bonding
The cocktail of natural labour hormones fosters a strong emotional connection between mother and baby.
Interventions like synthetic oxytocin, used to induce labour or strengthen contractions, is anecdotally linked to breastfeeding difficulties.
Better For Baby
With a vaginal birth, the baby passes through the birth canal and is exposed to the bacteria there. Studies suggest this can lead to a slightly stronger immune system and can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, potentially reducing the risk of allergies, asthma, and certain childhood illnesses.
What are the Risks of a Natural Birth?
While natural birth has its benefits, it’s important to be aware of the risks:
- without an epidural you will feel the contractions, though there are pain relief techniques
- the perineum can tear during childbirth
- you might need an episiotomy
- postpartum haemorrhage is a potential risk with any birth
- there is a chance of incontinence or prolapse
- sometimes there are unforeseen complications that require an unplanned caesarean section
When Shouldn’t You Choose a Natural Birth?
There are certain circumstances where natural childbirth may not be the safest or most advisable option. These include:
- Pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.
- Pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
- Delivering twins, triplets or more often carries a higher risk.
- Are preterm, less than 37 weeks when you go into labour.
- Are considered overweight or have gained too much weight during pregnancy.
- If the baby is positioned feet-first (breech) in the womb.
- Placenta previa, when the placenta covers the cervix.
How to Prepare for Natural Birth
If you’re considering a natural birth, here are some steps to help you get ready:
Attend Prenatal Classes
Birthing classes will help you learn about labour, what your different birthing options are and how to care for your newborn with realistic expectations.
It’s also worth watching documentaries and podcasts with real birth experiences so you know what to expect and if something unplanned does happen then you’ll be able to make an informed choice.
Choose a Healthcare Provider
Surround yourself with a supportive birth team. This can include your partner, a doula, midwife, or other healthcare professionals who respect your preferences and are experienced in supporting natural childbirth. A good support network will give you the encouragement and guidance you need.
Create a Birth Plan
A birth plan outlines your preferences for labour and delivery. Include your desires regarding pain management, interventions, mobility, environment, and postpartum care. Whilst flexibility is important, having a written document can help ensure that your wishes are respected.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualisation, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation during pregnancy will help you stay calm and focused during labour and for dealing with the pain of the contractions.
Address Fears and Anxieties
Talk openly about any concerns with your partner, doctor, or mental health professional. Facing these fears and being mentally prepared before birth can help you approach labour and motherhood with more confidence.
Natural Pain Relief Techniques
Pain during labour primarily comes from uterine contractions, powerful muscle tightenings that help push the baby down the birth canal. These contractions can be intense, often feeling like strong cramps or waves of pressure.
Here are some effective pain relief methods during natural childbirth:
Breathing Techniques
Slow, paced, and patterned breathing (e.g., 2-4 seconds inhale, 4-6 seconds exhale) can be very effective in managing contraction pain. Techniques like visualization can help you relax and cope with the intensity of contractions.
Massage and Counterpressure
Massaging your lower back, hips, and thighs can significantly reduce pain. Your partner or support person can learn specific techniques for labour. Applying counterpressure on your lower back during contractions can be very helpful.
Warmth and Water
Warm compresses, showers, or baths can ease muscle tension and provide relaxation during labour. Soaking in a birthing tub is a popular option, offering buoyancy and pain relief.
Relaxation Techniques
Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualisation, and guided imagery can help manage stress and anxiety, intensifying pain perception.
Focus and Distraction
Visualising a positive birth experience or focusing on a calming mantra can distract you from the pain, giving you a sense of control.
Acupressure and Acupuncture
Applying pressure or inserting thin needles into specific points on the body can stimulate energy flow and promote pain relief. Techniques like squeezing a birthing comb on the hands can help alleviate labour pain and encourage progress.
What To Do After Natural Birth?
Recovery involves physical healing, emotional adjustment, and adapting to the demands of caring for a newborn.
Postpartum Recovery
In the days and weeks following a natural birth, your body will undergo various changes as it recovers from childbirth. Common physical experiences during recovery may include:
- Uterine contractions (afterpains) as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size.
- Vaginal bleeding (lochia) as the body sheds the uterine lining and excess blood from the birth. We recommend using disposable underwear with maternity pads.
- Perineal discomfort or soreness, especially if there were tears or an episiotomy during birth.
- Breast engorgement as milk production begins and the breasts adjust to breastfeeding.
- Fatigue and exhaustion from the physical demands of labour and caring for a newborn.
Perineal Care
If you experienced perineal tears or an episiotomy during childbirth, proper perineal care is essential for healing and preventing infection. This may involve gentle cleansing with warm water, using peri bottles for rinsing, and applying ice packs or witch hazel pads to reduce swelling and discomfort. Sitz baths, which involve soaking the perineal area in warm water, can also promote healing and relieve soreness.
Breastfeeding Support
Seeking support from organisations such as the Australian Breastfeeding Association can be invaluable in overcoming breastfeeding challenges and establishing a successful breastfeeding relationship. Proper positioning, latch techniques, coping with milk leakage and responsive feeding practices can help promote breastfeeding success and support your recovery.
Postpartum Mental Care
Adjusting to life with a newborn can be emotionally challenging, and it's normal to experience a range of emotions during the postpartum period.
- Baby Blues: It's common for new parents to experience the "baby blues" in the first week or two after birth. This can include mood swings, crying, worrying, and feeling overwhelmed. This usually goes away on its own and is thought to be due to hormonal changes.
- Postpartum Depression: For some, the emotional challenges may be more severe and persist beyond the initial weeks, leading to postpartum depression. Symptoms can include prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, insomnia, fatigue, and a loss of interest. It can also include difficulty bonding with the baby, feelings of inadequacy, and in some cases, thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to seek help: https://panda.org.au/
- Anxiety and Stress: The demands of caring for a newborn, combined with sleep deprivation and the pressure to be a "perfect" parent, can lead to significant anxiety and stress. It's important to manage these feelings by setting realistic expectations, asking for help when needed, and practicing self-care. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and gentle physical activity (like yoga or walking) can help alleviate stress.
- Self-Care: Prioritising self-care is essential for both physical and emotional recovery. This may include setting aside time for rest, maintaining a nutritious diet, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It's also important to recognize that taking care of yourself is not selfish—your well-being directly impacts your ability to care for your baby.
- Social Support: Surrounding yourself with a strong support network is vital during this time. This includes not only your partner and family members but also friends, support groups, and professionals such as doulas, lactation consultants, and mental health counsellors. Having a network to share your experiences with can provide emotional relief and practical assistance.
Conclusion
Choosing a natural birth is a deeply personal decision that involves preparation, education, and a supportive environment. Making informed decisions, seeking prenatal care, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team can help ensure a positive birth experience, regardless of the approach chosen. Every birth is unique, and while preparation is important, flexibility and openness to the unexpected are also key. The focus should always be on a safe and healthy delivery for both you and your baby.
Additional Resources
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/population-groups/mothers-babies/overview
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
https://ranzcog.edu.au/
Pregnancy Birth & Baby
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/
Australian College of Midwives
https://www.midwives.org.au/
Australian Breastfeeding Association
https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia
https://panda.org.au/
Beyond Blue
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
