Natural Childbirth

A question I am often asked is "why would someone want to have a natural, unmedicated childbirth?"  Some of the reasons a woman might choose to have a planned natural childbirth (which is quite different from an unplanned, unanticipated natural birth) are the following:

• the knowledge that women have been giving birth since the beginning of humanity, and that the body is capable of birthing a baby naturally

• natural childbirth poses fewer risks for the mother and unborn baby

• women typically enjoy a much quicker recovery after an unmedicated birth

• the mother and baby are more alert for the initial bonding experience

• women who birth naturally have fewer problems breastfeeding

• women who have planned natural births are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression

• a desire to be in control of one's own body

• a desire for the beautiful experience of a natural birth

• a natural, unmedicated birth gives the mother a sense of empowerment and increased confidence in her ability to mother her child

Although a planned natural childbirth is a beautiful and empowering experience, it is worth noting that EVERY birth is a truly special miracle, regardless of how your child enters the world.

*Whether or not a woman feels satisfied with her birth experience has far-reaching, lifelong effects.

Copyright 2006 A Better Childbirth, Inc.