Planning a natural birth without using medications? Here are some tips on how to plan for a natural birth.

1. Choose Wisely

Have you heard of the saying “location, location, location”? Well in this case it’s more like “provider, provider, provider”. Your health care provider during your pregnancy should be someone that is supportive of your birthing options. And it’s more than “sure, we can do that” responses that you’re looking for. Instead, you’re looking for someone that can answer all of your questions and supports and encourages natural birthing options. Ask questions such as how many natural births she attends, what is her Cesarean birth rate, what is labor protocol during your labor (ie can you move around, will you have to have continuous and constant IV and monitoring, etc.). Interview a few birth providers in your area before making your decision.

2. Create a support network

Surround yourself with people that support your natural birth. Join online groups of women that have birth naturally. Talk to other women around you that have birthed naturally. Hire a doula to provide you with support and encouragement both before and during your labor. A doula also helps and supports your birth partner to enrich both of your experiences.

3. Take a birth class

There are various birthing classes in your community – choose one that is taught by a teacher that believes in natural birthing. This may or may not be a hospital based class for you, as there are many other classes taught at other locations such as Bradley Method, Hypnobabies, Prepared Childbirth classes and more. Choose a teacher that has trained and certified in the birthing method she is teaching. Talk to the teacher about your desire for a natural birth. Before signing up to her class ask  her give you a class overview to see if it’s a good match for you. Birthing naturally is something you can do when you know what to do. The birthing class will teach you what to expect and how to prepare for labor.  You may find like so many others before you that because of your preparation labor wasn’t painful – but powerful! If you’re not able to take a class, educate yourself through books as much as you can. Be sure to discuss what you learn with your birthing partner so both of you know what to expect.

4. Believe in your body

As you prepare for your labor give yourself affirmations that you can birth naturally. Follow your instincts. Be inspired and empowered by the goddess that you are. Your labor is powerful, the birth of your baby is amazing and with your knowledge and preparation you will be in control of every decision. You’ll birth your baby with the best birth you were able to give to your child.

{ 0 comments }