Giving birth naturally is an option many women choose for various reasons. Mommas who go through it describe it as their most empowering experience, and if their stories inspire you, you’re probably wondering if it’s the right decision for you. It’s crucial to consult your health professional to ensure that natural birth is safe for you, and once you get the green light, the fun part begins: exploring the best natural birth preparation ideas and tips!
What is a Natural Birth?
A natural birth is when a woman gives birth without medications such as an epidural. Natural childbirth can be given at home, at a birth center, or in the hospital.
What are the Benefits of Natural Birth?
Natural birth is not invasive, and the mother remains lucid throughout the process. Without an epidural, they can move around to find more comfortable positions during labor. Most of all, women drawn toward natural birth tend to feel massively empowered after delivery.
Top Natural Birth Preparation and Tips for before Birth
A successful natural birth starts long before you go into labor. The natural birth preparation tips will help you bring your bundle of joy into the world with the most ease possible.
Find the Right Doctor or Midwife
Your team significantly impacts your pregnancy and birth journey. Work with an obstetrician or midwife who supports your decision to give birth naturally and has a demonstrated track record of successful natural deliveries. Hiring a doula is another way to add someone to your team who can offer extra support.
Decide where You Want to Give Birth
Tour birth centers and hospitals, and ask questions about how the staff assists with pain management and what protocols are in place should you need emergency intervention. Also speak to your midwife or doctor about whether home birth is the right choice for you and what interventions would be available should you need emergency care.
Write Your Birth Plan
Writing a birth plan helps your partner and your team stay on the same page when labor starts. Labor is an intense time, and having the plan to reference helps everyone stay focused. That said, we’ll offer a bonus natural birth preparation tip to welcome the unexpected and not be surprised if everything doesn’t go as planned!
Consider Hypnotherapy or Some Method of Positive Belief Programming
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can help pregnant women, no matter what kind of birth they want to experience, have a positive experience during labor. There are online programs, and many hypnotherapists can work with you one-on-one for a personalized experience.
Take a Natural Birth Class
Taking a birthing class that focuses on natural birth preparation and tips goes a long way in educating you and your partner on what to expect when the big event comes.
Practice Self Care
The more you take care of yourself during pregnancy, the more relaxed you’ll be. The more you can relax leading up to your natural birth, the more likely your body will be able to do what it was designed to do and help you complete a successful, safe, natural delivery.
Natural Birth Tips for During Birth
All of your preparation comes down to the moment of truth. Here are our favorite natural birth preparation tips for when the time comes to welcome your baby!
Create a Serene Environment
Whether you want serene classical music or feel like you want to have a dance party, create an environment that suits who you are. Music, lighting, essential oils, and scents are all ways to enhance your environment so you can give birth in a space that delights you.
Lean on Your Team
Your team is there to take care of the medical details and ensure you’re safe throughout the process. Your job is to lean into your journey while staying as relaxed as possible. Your body is designed for this process, and the rest is truly mind over matter.
Trust Yourself
While you’ve spent plenty of time educating yourself on natural birth preparation tips, remember that the foremost authority on your birth experience is you. Staying strong in your mind and leaning on all of your tools is essential for successfully completing a natural birth. However, if something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to tell your team so they can explore whether medical interventions are necessary. No matter what happens, you’re amazing and so is your baby!
Giving Your Baby the Best: Beyond Natural Birth Preparation & Tips
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