How to have a successful natural birth.

Nikita Johnson COBST, CD(BAI), LC, CNA

Preparing for labor and birth is exciting and worrisome. One important goal to set for yourself is to determine if you would rather labor and birth naturally and or with the use of medications and interventions.

Unmedicated birth is "Natural Childbirth" without the use of anesthesia, pain medications, and medical interventions. Natural childbirth is possible, and you can do it. Recruit some experienced birth professionals to support and help you and your family prepare for a natural birth. Here are a few things to keep in mind when seeking natural labor and birth support.

1.) Find an OBGYN or Midwife that will support your goal of having a natural birth. Ask about their approach to birthing people declining the use of pain medications and medical interventions during labor and birth. Ask about their approach to birthing people declining the use of pain medications and medical interventions during labor and birth.

2.) Take a tour of the hospital or birth center of your choice. Take the time to tour and meet the staff. Ask staff about questions pertaining to the laboring process, protocols, etc.

3.) Take a virtual, online, or in-person childbirth education class. Childbirth education classes are geared towards breaking down the labor and birth process for a better understanding of what to expect and how your body will work to birth your baby.

4.) Hire an experienced birth doula. A birth doula will provide hands-on guidance and support to birthing people and their families. They provide educational, informational, emotional, and mental support alongside physical comfort. A birth doula can help you through labor by engaging the mother with breathing exercises, birth ball techniques to help reduce pain while helping the baby descend into the pelvis, and counter pressure to help the pelvis relax while allowing the baby to engage.