How to Be Prepared for Natural Childbirth

Gathering useful and accurate information is one of the first things you should do to prepare yourself for natural childbirth. 

Being well-informed gives you many advantages. For example, it will help you come up with a birthing plan for bringing your child into the world.

You should prepare and discuss this plan with your doula, midwife, or whichever medical professional that will accompany you during childbirth.

Keep in mind the possibilities of the center or institution where you will be having your baby. This will not only give you more peace of mind, but it will also help you communicate with the professionals that will assist you in this delicate and intimate moment.

It’s also important to remember that every labor and delivery is unique. To be well prepared, it’s good to know all of the options available to you to make natural childbirth successful.

Ask as many questions as needed to decide what kind of assistance best fits your expectations and circumstances

The birthing process is a time of intense feelings and emotions. Having the right information beforehand will allow you to make good decisions throughout the process.

Here are some recommendations to keep in mind as your prepare for natural childbirth.

Choose good company

As you get ready for natural childbirth, it’s good to surround yourself with the right people. Look for people who understand how important respectful treatment is during labor. 

This isn’t just about being nice, but also about respecting your desires, expectations and preferences. Knowing you can trust those around you will make your birthing process more relaxed.

In fact, health professionals and midwives testify that the presence of trusted company during labor makes a major difference. It reduces the need for painkillers, the number of birth instruments, and the probability of C-section. And it increases the level of satisfaction.

Having a family member or another trusted friend nearby during birth will make you feel more secure. It will also help you better tolerate the pain of contractions, making natural childbirth easier.

The right person will help you, encourage you and care for you when you need to feel calm and confident.

Studies also show that having a midwife or doula present during childbirth has its benefits. Their participation increases your chances for spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD).

SVD refers to labor without the use of drugs or techniques to induce labor. This means reduced chances of epidural anaesthesia, episiotomy and the use of forceps, etc.

Having a midwife or doula also improves your chances of breastfeeding success. And finally, they give you a greater sense of control during labor and delivery.

General details about natural childbirth

Preparing yourself to receive your baby into the world via natural childbirth means taking care of your own health. But it also means paying attention to the following details:

Environment

The ideal place for natural childbirth is an environment of intimacy, behind closed doors. The only people there should be those who need to tend to the mother during birth – including chosen friends or family.

Your birthing room should be considered a personal space that is pleasant and cozy. The temperature should be warm, and there should be adjustable lighting. Birthing instruments should be kept out of the mother’s sight.

Attention

Expectant mothers should receive continuous attention throughout the birthing process. They should only be left alone upon her own request, and only for short periods of time.

Mobility and comfort

The first stage of natural birth is dilation. During this stage, experts say you should not necessarily stay lying down. In fact, to get through this stage as successfully as possible, you choose the position that’s most comfortable for you. This stage tends to be long.

It’s also a good idea to drink clear liquids like water and juice. Sports drinks are a great idea, since they keep you hydrated, provide small amounts of glucose, and prevent ketosis. You should avoid teas and caffeine. 

Pain management

There are many techniques for managing the pain associated with the expulsion stage of childbirth. Ideally, the people who assist you during delivery should meet your expectations regarding pain relief as much as possible.

During this stage, it’s also convenient to adopt whatever position makes you most comfortable. You might be surprised to know that health experts recommend you avoid staying on your back.

Vertical positions (sitting, standing, squatting) or lateral positions (lying on your side) are associated with shorter expulsion stages.

Women who get down on their hands and knees often find this to be the most comfortable position for giving birth. They also report less lower back pain and less postpartum perineal pain.

During this stage of labor and delivery, the role of those around you is key – friends or family as well as professionals. 

Numerous scientific studies indicate that women who receive continuous professional support have higher chances of spontaneous vaginal birth. This means they have less chances of needing anesthesia, the use of birthing instruments, C-section, etc.

Tending to these details will help you feel more satisfied with the experience of natural childbirth, which should be peaceful, intimate and happy.