As I get ready to assist in the births of my doula clients, I wanted to share some tips and strategies for a natural labor. I’ve noticed a lot of questions lately about this, so I’m addressing my choices and some helpful tricks from my own natural labors.
My own labors tend to stretch out to over 24 hours, which has been a plus since it gives me a lot of time to try different techniques. Although I’ll admit, I’m a little envious when I see a mom who goes through a short labor and only has to push once.
Let me start by saying these are the choices I made after a lot of research, but they aren’t necessarily right for every woman. I hope all women have the information they need to feel empowered and make the best decisions for their own births.
When I talk about preferring natural labor, some friends think I’m crazy, while others have such easy births they don’t see the need for coping strategies. For me, labor is tough and requires both strength and surrender. After exploring the options, I chose natural labor for the sake of both my baby and myself.
From personal experience, the endorphin rush and quick recovery from a natural birth are wonderful, while my c-section was both emotionally and physically draining.
Though labor augmentation and medical intervention can be life-saving, they’re often unnecessary. It’s important for us as mothers to carefully weigh any intervention since they all carry potential risks for mom or baby.
Recently, I learned that nearly a quarter of women in the U.S. are induced rather than laboring naturally. While medical induction can be necessary, many times it’s elective, and it disrupts the balance of hormones critical during labor and birth.
Labor might be induced for several reasons: concerns about the baby’s size, the mother’s fatigue, scheduling conflicts, or true medical needs. Often, women are induced at 41 weeks or not allowed beyond 42 weeks due to studies suggesting increased risks. However, these studies aren’t always accurate.
A lot happens biologically in the last weeks of pregnancy: the baby gains weight, stores iron, and those final preparations help both mom and baby get ready for birth. Inducing labor can interrupt these crucial developments.
Induction carries its own set of risks and side effects, including fetal distress and an increased likelihood of a c-section. Personally, I refuse induction, augmentation, or other interventions without a clear medical reason, like my case of complete placenta previa, which made natural birth impossible.
I completely understand why women might choose pain relief during labor. Sometimes I cry and curse with the intensity of it. However, while there are risks with medical pain relief options, such as epidurals, they can be tempting. An epidural provides significant pain relief but immobilizes the lower body, and it too carries risks like any medical intervention.
I experienced horrible itching after a spinal for my c-section, which can be a side effect of epidurals, and I’d have chosen the pain over that itching if I could.
Opiate-based medications are another option but affect both mom and baby, and I personally wouldn’t use them during labor.
Choosing not to use medical pain relief doesn’t mean going through labor without help. There are natural pain relief methods that work with the body and aid labor progress. These options may not relieve pain as completely as an epidural, but they also don’t involve the same risks.
From my experience and from helping others, preparation and understanding are keys to a successful natural birth. I haven’t yet met anyone who went into labor with the mindset of “I’ll see if I can handle it without drugs” who ended up going drug-free. Being prepared for the various stages of labor can significantly reduce fear and discomfort.
Reading key pregnancy books and taking natural labor classes are invaluable for those planning a natural birth. Hospital classes often cater to a more general audience and don’t prepare you specifically for natural labor.
There are several things that can ease labor pain, and as a doula, I often use these to help women through labor. It’s important to have a birth plan, starting small and using kind language, to guide hospital staff in supporting mom. Even a simple, one-page birth plan can make a significant difference.
A supportive team is vital for moms planning a drug-free labor. There are moments when support helps decide whether or not to use drugs.
Labor isn’t something you just “tough out.” Relaxation is crucial to progress, and that’s why so many women dilate quickly after an epidural – they relax! If you’re aiming to avoid medication, here’s my advice: prepare, stay informed, and gather support.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on birthing options. Did you opt for natural childbirth or medication? Please feel free to share any tips!
