There’s nothing like bringing a baby into the world. Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are transformative experiences for many women, and it’s no secret that every birth is special.
In the United States, nearly 68% of babies are born vaginally. Of those births, about 73% of women choose medical intervention, like epidurals for pain relief during labor.
But a growing number are opting for natural birth — vaginal delivery without pain medication or other interventions.
Your preferences for birth are highly personal, and if you’re planning a natural birth, you need to prepare ahead of time. Bola Sogade, MD, and our team at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries specialize in natural birth for low-risk pregnancies, and we’re here to answer your questions.
Here’s how to prepare for unmedicated delivery.
The best way to prepare for birth is educating yourself while you’re pregnant. We recommend taking childbirth education classes, and we suggest choosing a program that’s focused on natural birth, if possible.
Your class should teach you how labor and birth work. It should also cover topics like movement and labor positions, pain management techniques, and breathing and relaxation methods.
Remember that birth is unpredictable. Even if you plan to have a natural delivery, it’s a good idea to learn about common interventions like medication and emergency C-sections, in case you need advanced care.
Once you know what to expect, take time to think about what you want from your birth experience. Your birth plan should include details like who you want in the delivery room, what type of monitoring you want during labor, and what medical interventions (if any) you want to have.
Keep in mind that certain conditions could make unmedicated birth unsafe for you. In general, natural delivery isn’t recommended for people who are pregnant with multiples or who have pregnancy complications.
Birth is physically demanding. Preparing your body and mind during pregnancy can help you navigate labor and reduce your need for medical intervention.
Most women should get moderate exercise throughout pregnancy to build endurance and strength. Depending on your health, we may recommend a combination of aerobic exercise like walking and stretching or prenatal yoga.
As your due date approaches, gather support from family and friends. Think about who you want by your side during labor, and teach them how they can support you when the time comes.
One of your first steps in preparing for natural birth is choosing a care team that supports your goals. At ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries, we partner with you to ensure your experience is as safe, healthy, and positive as possible.
We specialize in natural birth. We strive to follow your birth plan as closely as possible, and we don’t administer intravenous pain medications, epidurals, or other medical interventions at our birth center. In most cases, families can go home within eight hours after giving birth.
You deserve to decide how you want to deliver your baby, and our team at ObGyne Birth Center for Natural Deliveries is here for you. Schedule a prenatal appointment to see our Forsyth, Georgia, birth center and learn more about your options.
