No matter how you decide to bring your little one(s) into the world, having birth preferences in place can help you feel more prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally for the experience. Through creating your plan, you’ll learn about your labor and delivery options, clarify your goals, and document your care preferences for everyone involved, from partner to providers.
As you explore your options, you might decide a “natural” birth is right for you. So let’s talk all about making a natural birth plan and how you can best prepare yourself.
Benefits and Risks of Natural Births
Natural births–also called unmedicated or low-intervention births–look different for everyone.
Most people who say “natural birth” are referring to a vaginal birth without medication taken for pain management (like an epidural or IV pain medication). But a low-intervention birth can also include spontaneous labor (rather than induction) and other holistic interventions like delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin contact after delivery.
Low-intervention births can bring a sense of empowerment to the birthing person. But it’s important to consider all the pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision that aligns with your values.
The benefits of a low-intervention birth often include:
- Avoiding risks or side effects of routinely offered pain medications
- Moving around and walking freely during labor
- Experiencing each sensation of the birthing process
- Pushing more effectively, which may minimize the risk of tearing
- Recovering faster post-delivery
- Having the option to birth outside a hospital setting
- Lowering your risk of additional medical interventions
There are also risks of an unmedicated or natural birth, like:
- Feeling significant pain
- Needing general anesthesia if an emergency C-Section occurs
- Potentially feeling disappointed if medications are used
Is a Natural Birth Right for Me?
There’s no wrong way to give birth. The right birthing situation is whatever keeps you and your baby safe and healthy. But you can certainly have hopes, goals, and preferences for your labor and delivery experience.
When people are considering a low-intervention, unmedicated birth, they often explore their risk factors in pregnancy (like diabetes or high blood pressure), support systems, and preferences for pain management. These can help determine if a natural birth plan is right for you.
You can also ask yourself, “What are the reasons I want a low-intervention birth?” Is your goal to limit intervention? Or promote a sense of personal accomplishment? Whatever your reason, clarifying your goals and values in the planning process can bring clarity to your birth plan.
Making a Natural Birth Plan
Just like there’s no right or wrong way to bring your little into the world, there’s also no right or wrong way to build your birth plan! Take the time to carefully consider and communicate your preferences to those involved in your care. This can keep everyone on the same page and get you one step closer to the birth you’ve been envisioning. Having a birth doula during the planning process and during labor and delivery can also help.
A great birth plan is clear, concise, and well-informed. It should cover labor, delivery, and postpartum care for you and your baby. Generally, a birth plan includes information for your preferred atmosphere, labor experience, pain medications, delivery, feeding, and care at the hospital. As always, talk with your provider to determine if you’re a good candidate for a low-intervention or natural birth and what that might look like based on your care needs.
For specific exercises to prepare for a natural childbirth, check out this blog for step-by- step guidance.
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