The Ins and Outs of Natural Childbirth

You’re having a baby and want the process to be as natural as possible — just as nature intended, right? That’s understandable. But before you head to the delivery room, it may help to have a better idea of what natural childbirth is and how your options may affect your birthing experience.

Natural Birth vs. Epidural

What Is a Natural Childbirth?

Natural childbirth lets women have a baby without medications, such as epidurals, or other medical interventions. Instead, women use relaxation methods and distraction techniques for pain relief during labor and delivery. Those can include:

• Breathing exercises
• Hypnosis
• Massage
• Meditation
• Support from a partner or doula
• Using a birthing ball
• Walking and rocking

There are advantages to delivering without medications, says Dr. Marlena Masavage, board-certified OB-GYN at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. For one, labor may progress more quickly with a natural birth, and some women have an easier time breastfeeding after a natural birth.

“Recovery time may be faster if you have a natural delivery,” adds Dr. Masavage, who also sees patients in Okatie. “But it can be painful. Some patients do really well with natural childbirth, but a lot of healthier patients who had never had a lot of experience with pain find it to be very intense — everyone has a different pain threshold.”

What Is an Epidural?

Epidurals are the most popular method of pain relief during labor. During an epidural, medication that blocks pain signals is injected through a catheter into a small space in the back.

Women who have an epidural will remain alert during the birth with very little pain. Epidurals are very effective at reducing discomfort and allowing rest during labor. There are, however, some risks to having an epidural. After an epidural, women will experience limited mobility and not be able to move or walk. There are some concerns an epidural could slow labor, Dr. Masavage notes, and they may increase the likelihood you’ll need additional interventions, such as vacuum delivery, at your physician’s discretion.

“I encourage my patients to consider the advantages and disadvantages of epidurals and decide what is best for them,” Dr. Masavage says. “I do recommend epidurals for specific high-risk patients. For example, women who have had a previous C-section may be more likely to need another if the vaginal delivery isn’t progressing. Having an epidural already in place means she wouldn’t need to be put to sleep completely during the C-section and miss the delivery.”

Read More: What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Flexibility Is Key

Natural childbirth is generally safe. However, if things don’t go as planned, it’s important to trust your maternity team to guide you through next steps.

“Births don’t always progress the way we think they will,” Dr. Masavage says. “The wellbeing of mom and baby is our main goal. This is when we step in and recommend alternatives to your birthing plan.”

Birthing complications can include anything from a baby being in the wrong position to problems with the umbilical cord. Older women are also at higher risk for complications that lead to C-sections and may want to talk to their doctors about a natural birth.

You may also change your mind once labor begins — and that’s OK. Our nursing staff works with women to make sure that they are comfortable throughout labor and that their experience is as close to what they want as possible.

“Some women plan to go unmedicated but then realize it isn’t what they want during the labor process,” Dr. Masavage says. “It’s important to know that if they change their mind, we are happy to adjust their birth plan and get them the medication they need.”

Read More: Pregnancy After 35

How to Prepare for Natural Birth

If you decide to try a natural childbirth, Dr. Masavage recommends having open conversations with your doctor.

“Patients should bring a copy of their birthing plan to their prenatal visits,” Dr. Masavage says. “This gives us the opportunity to review it together and make sure appropriate goals are set.”

Women should also take advantage of books and online classes that teach alternative pain management methods. Bradley Method®, hypnosis and Lamaze classes help you learn effective, medication-free ways to handle labor pains. Certain lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, can also prepare your body for labor.

Every labor is different. The important thing to remember is that your OB-GYN and the entire birthing center team is there to keep you and your baby healthy and safe while also helping you have a positive birthing experience.

No matter how you want to bring your baby into the world, our newly renovated Collins Birthing Center has the amenities to help, including comfortable birthing suites, a calming atmosphere, a Level II Nursery and ongoing breastfeeding support.