Natural Birth

Natural birth is a method of childbirth in which medical intervention is minimized and mothers tap into their inner wisdom and strength, using relaxation techniques to control pain and facilitate labor and birth. With natural childbirth the mother is in charge, usually with a labor assistant guiding her through the process and allowing her to deal with labor and birth in any way she is comfortable. Nature is allowed to take its course.

Women with low-risk pregnancies often choose natural childbirth to avoid the risks that medications may pose for themselves and their baby. As well, the experience of being fully present and aware during birth is very empowering and rewarding for many. The ultimate goal of natural birth is the health and well-being of newborn babies and their families.

Bloom Blog Articles

Lamaze
Lamaze philosophy states that birth is “normal, natural, and healthy.” With training, the use of deliberate breathing, focusing, massage, walking and positioning, should help a woman better facilitate labor and make herself more comfortable. Lamaze supports birth in hospitals, birthing centers, or at home with as little medical intervention as possible. Lamaze childbirth educators “empower” women to be proactive in their healthcare and make educated decisions about their bodies and their babies. Find local instructors.

The Bradley Method
The Bradley Method of childbirth aims to keep pregnancy and delivery natural—it is adamantly opposed to pain medication. Bradley is a comprehensive approach, beginning during the second trimester, which addresses much more than labor and delivery. Many consider Bradley a lifestyle, rather than a childbirth method. It places tremendous importance on the birth coach, presumed to be the husband. It strongly supports nutrition, exercise, relaxation, communication and teamwork from early pregnancy through delivery and beyond to baby care and family life. Find local instructors.

Hypno-Birthing
There are multiple schools of thought on hypno-birthing, but all come down to the same basic conclusions—hypnosis can enable a woman to block the pain perception and ease anxiety during natural childbirth. With the assistance of a certified therapist at the delivery or through previous training, the laboring mother-to-be is able to control her body with deep relaxation, breathing patterns and the self-guided release of endorphins (the body’s own pain reliever) resulting in a safe, comfortable, pain free (or less painful) delivery. Find local instructors.

Note: Lamaze, Bradley Method and HypnoBirthing summaries are provided by Women’s Healthcare Topics, your online resource for information on women’s health issues.

More Information about natural birth
Birthing Naturally
Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
Dare to Give Birth Naturally
Have a Natural Childbirth
Love Natural Birth
Mothers Naturally
Natural Birth Project