Many people will ask, what does natural childbirth mean and why should I even consider it? Well, we think you should ask a different question: Why NOT consider birthing your baby naturally? Natural childbirth is the original way of childbirth. It used to be mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters (family!) supporting and guiding the mommy-to-be, with midwives present at births starting in the early 1700s and the professional study of midwifery coming into existence in the 1800s. Hospital births only became a professional practice in the 20th century, so why is it that natural childbirth seems like a new idea? In 1901, 5% of woman gave birth in hospitals versus now, an astounding 97% of births occur in hospitals.(1)
The licensed midwives at the SCV Birth Center believe in empowering women to give birth naturally by listening and responding to their bodies. No one else knows your body like you do. A woman’s body is naturally designed to develop, nourish and deliver a child. When you let the natural process of birth happen instead of clouding the process with drugs and restrictions, you can experience deep satisfaction and connectedness.
Most mommies who are hesitant to consider natural childbirth are most concerned about the pain. Part of experiencing a natural childbirth is channeling your inner strength while supporting yourself with natural pain management tools and your birth team. The pain experienced in childbirth is a natural response that is very important in bringing your healthy baby earth side. Each contraction is a sign that your baby is progressing through the birth canal properly while oxytocin and endorphins are naturally released. There are no time or movement restrictions. Your response to the pain that each contraction brings can range from eating to drinking to walking to grunting. Your natural childbirth is YOUR childbirth.
So why not consider natural childbirth? The original and safe way of birthing your baby is what your body is readying itself for. “’Why natural childbirth?’ The more important question might be ‘Why not?’”(2)