3 Things to Know If You’re Considering Natural Childbirth

In the 1950s and 1960s, childbirth typically involved sedation that kept the laboring woman asleep and unaware during delivery. A birth plan was unheard of because doctors made all the decisions associated with a woman’s birthing experience. 

Fortunately, times have changed, and many women want as little medical intervention as possible during labor and delivery. We support that decision, which is why Southdale ObGyn offers midwife care emphasizing unmedicated birthing and a mother-to-be’s preferences. 

We understand that women’s bodies are designed to have babies, and though that doesn’t mean medical technology and treatments don’t have their place if unforeseen circumstances occur, the Southdale ObGyn team proudly assists women with having the most self-defined birth possible in a supportive, safe environment.

What is natural childbirth, exactly?

In the 1970s and 1980s, women started demanding changes in the standard delivery procedures. They wanted to be awake and aware during their delivery, have their partners present, and create a comforting environment for moms and newborns. 

The idea behind natural childbirth is that the woman is in control of her birth experience. She chooses the environment, the level of medical intervention, and the people in the room. Natural childbirth looks different for every woman, but here are some hallmarks:

• Using controlled breathing, warm baths, and other nonmedical methods for pain
• Declining interventions like episiotomies and epidurals 
• When possible, letting labor happen naturally rather than inducing it
• Encouraging women to move around during labor 
• Changing positions to find the most comfortable for mother and baby
• Creating a soothing birthing environment with low lights, soft music, and other comforts
• Birthing suites where the woman can stay before and after the birth

Having your baby naturally can be a beautiful experience, but it doesn’t mean you have to forego technology and medical intervention — this isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. 

What to know about natural childbirth

If you want a natural childbirth, you have to make many decisions, but always keep the following in mind:

1. Don’t sacrifice safety 

If you opt for the natural delivery route and seek care from a midwife, it doesn’t mean you sacrifice medical cafre. Southdale’s midwives partner with and are endorsed by physicians so you can be well-prepared for any eventuality, including if medical intervention is necessary.

2. Consider your midwife your intermediary

When you meet your midwife at the hospital, she’s not only there to be a comforting guide and coach throughout your birth, but she’s also a link between you and your physicians. 

She can do everything from clarifying what’s happening to explaining your physician’s recommendation to providing your medical team with knowledge about your health and wishes surrounding the birth. Your midwife is an advocate for and an expert on you, so you can concentrate on just one thing — having your baby!

3. Don’t succumb to “black and white” thinking

Surprises can happen when you’re in labor, and you, your baby, or both of you might need medical intervention. 

Even though you come to the hospital with a carefully thought-out birth plan, the blueprint for how you want your birth to go, remembe that it’s a fluid plan. It represents your ideal birth scenario, but if you stay flexible and open, you’ll have a better experience no matter how it unfolds.

Another important point: You can change your mind about pain medication and any other intervention if, for example, your water doesn’t break or you’ve been in labor for many hours. This doesn’t mean you “failed,” it means you rolled with the punches, which is precisely the approach you should take when having a baby.

Southdale ObGyn’s midwives are dedicated to building a trusting relationship with you, providing attentive prenatal care, and supporting you every moment—in many ways—during your birth. Your midwife will also be a huge support after you’ve given birth to your baby and tend to your and your baby’s evolving needs.

There’s no question that you’re in the best hands at Southdale ObGyn, no matter what treatment you seek. 

Learn more about midwife care at Southdale ObGyn by calling 952-920-7001 to make an appointment at our Edina or Burnsville office or book an appointment online.