Benefits of a Natural Birth

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

28 Mar 2006 01:57 PM

Natural childbirth, also called an unmedicated birth, refers to delivering your baby without drugs. This method is most often chosen by people who consider birth to be a natural part of life, rather than a medical event. Oddly, this method is often considered radical by both doctors and many women. In fact, this is how women have been birthing babies since babies have been on our planet.

There are many advantages to both mother and baby with a natural birth. Mothers who have experienced natural birth often feel a greater sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. They enjoy a natural high from the endorphins produced by the body during labor.

With a natural birth, you are more in control of your birth experience and may feel better about the outcome. During a natural birth, the mother follows her body's signals. She naturally moves into positions that feel right and provide relief. These change during the course of labor.

Natural birth is better for the baby. When the newborn is not in a drugged state, bonding is better. The mother and baby respond more to each other and there is more eye contact from the baby. In many cases, drug free babies latch on and breastfeed easier than when they are drugged.

The relaxed atmosphere of a natural birth is beneficial to both mother and baby. The room is quieter and distractions are kept to a minimum. This is much different from the hustle and bustle surrounding a medical birth. Anesthesiologist, doctor, nurses in and out of the room with IVs, drugs, breaking water and administering interventions is much more chaotic, less relaxing and can cause anxiety in the laboring woman. These feelings can actually interfere with the progress of labor.

Perhaps the biggest benefit to a natural birth occurs after the baby has arrived. Rather than being whisked away for bathing, medical evaluation and other procedures, the baby is given to the mother. She is wrapped, held and cuddled as babies have been since the beginning of time. The baby gets to experience the warmth of mom, not the coldness of the nursery. This is by far better for both Mommy and Baby.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger