As a mother-to-be, you probably have beautiful dreams about the day you give birth to your baby. Maybe you imagine a comfortable, painless birth in a modern hospital, with all the medical facilities. Or maybe you have a different picture in mind. That is, a completely natural birth, without any drugs or injections, surrounded by your loved ones.
In fact, unless there are medical complications, you have every right to decide how you bring your baby into the world. However, just like getting ready for a wedding, a natural birth requires a lot of preparation, research, and planning. And that too, long before labor pains begin.
What exactly is natural childbirth?
Simply put, a natural birth is letting the natural process of childbirth happen without any medical intervention. In this, you are not given any medications to control the pain.
During normal childbirth, things like epidurals , which are used to reduce pain during childbirth, are not used during natural childbirth. Also, sometimes the area between the vagina and the anus is cut to make a larger opening for the baby to come out, which is called an episiotomy . Even such medical interventions are minimized in this method.
However, while there is no cure for pain, there are other ways to help you cope with it. For example, you can use things like massage, hypnotherapy, or taking a lukewarm bath.
Many doctors praise natural childbirth because it can help alleviate the unnecessary fear and anxiety that many people have about childbirth. However, this method is not suitable for everyone . It may not be suitable, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
"The relationship with the doctor who sees you during pregnancy is very important here. Because it is in the pregnancy clinics that the decision is made about who is suitable for natural childbirth and who is not," the expert believes. Therefore, it is best to discuss this thoroughly with a doctor you trust and make a decision.
How to prepare for a natural childbirth?
If you decide to go this route, it is very important to prepare yourself mentally and physically.
Mental preparation
Natural childbirth can be a painful experience, so be aware of how to manage pain beforehand.
- Breathing exercises: Learning how to breathe deeply and control your breathing can help relieve pain.
- Relaxation techniques: You can calm your mind by doing things like meditation and listening to music.
- Be aware: Learn about each stage of childbirth well. It will help a lot to overcome the fear of the unknown.
Physical preparation
You need to prepare your body for this challenge.
- Exercise: Engage in simple exercises that are suitable for pregnant women. Things like walking and yoga are very suitable. However, you should definitely ask your doctor before starting any exercise.
- Nutrition: Eat a balanced, nutritious diet. Drink plenty of water.
- Rest : Getting enough sleep and rest is essential for physical strength.
Who do you choose to assist with childbirth?
It's very important to have a good team to support you and encourage you during a natural birth. Think of it like a cricket match, you need a good team to support you. Here are the people who can be part of that team.
| Your Support Team | Their Role |
|---|---|
| Doctor and hospital staff | They are your main protectors, constantly monitoring your and your baby's health, ensuring the safety of both of you, and talking to you about your birth plan. |
| Support Person | This could be your husband, mother, sister, or a friend you trust a lot. Whatever it is, their job is to keep you calm, encourage you, and communicate your needs to the medical team. |
| "Your 'Rescuer'" | This is very important. If the pain is unbearable, say, "I need painkillers now." Choose a ``Safe Word'' in advance that only the two of you know. For example, a word like "mango." As soon as you say that word, the other person knows that you are at your limit, and they can then let the medical team know. |
Remember, choosing a natural birth doesn't mean you have to be 'super slow.' There's nothing wrong with asking for painkillers if the pain is unbearable. The most important thing is that you and your baby are healthy and safe.
In an emergency, for example, if the baby's heart rate drops or another complication arises, doctors will intervene immediately and do what is necessary. This may include a Caesarean section. You should also understand that in such a case, previously made plans may have to be changed.
Take-Home Message
- Natural childbirth is the birth of a child without medical reasons, without interventions such as medication or surgery.
- This may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with risk factors during pregnancy .
- Talk openly with your doctor about your wishes and plans. That's the most important thing.
- Being well prepared mentally and physically is a great strength to face pain.
- Have a support group around you that encourages you and that you trust.
- The ultimate goal should be for you and your baby to be healthy and safe, so be prepared to change plans if necessary.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 🤰 What is BMI and does it affect natural childbirth?
BMI (Body Mass Index) measures whether you are at a healthy weight for your height. Maintaining a healthy BMI before and during pregnancy can help you have a natural childbirth. Being overweight can increase your risk of complications during delivery.
💬 ⚖️ How do I calculate my BMI? (How do I calculate my BMI?)
You can easily check this using our BMI calculator. A healthy BMI is generally between 18.5 and 24.9. If you are planning a natural birth, maintaining a healthy weight can greatly reduce your risk of having a C-section.
💬 🥗 If my BMI is high, will I be unable to have a natural birth? (If my BMI is high, will I be unable to have a natural birth?)
Oh no, you can't say that. But if your BMI increases too much, conditions like high blood pressure can occur during pregnancy. Therefore, if you want a natural birth, it is important to control your weight by eating properly and exercising according to your doctor's instructions.
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