Natural childbirth, everything you need to know

Natural childbirth is in vogue. More and more women are rejecting the medical universe around birth and are looking for a more physiological approach without machines or instruments.

Un natural childbirth is a birth that we do not intervene from a medical point of view. We let the body do it, which spontaneously knows the procedure to follow. Clearly, the epidural, which is an anesthesia, does not belong to the landscape of natural childbirth.

Giving birth naturally: preparation is essential

It is better to attend preparation classes which allow you to learn more about what happens during childbirth. This helps build self-confidence in the face of the unexpected, with complete peace of mind. Needless to say, people with anxiety are often not very keen on this type of childbirth where too much is out of their control or that of the doctors.

Beware of misconceptions about natural childbirth

Before embarking on a natural childbirth, better not to have misconceptions, in particular by imagining an ideal childbirth, soft and without violence. Childbirth is like a physical adventure with its ups and downs. And it’s getting ready.

Natural childbirth: finding the right place

To promote a smooth delivery, the place of birth is important. There is the option “home” (Read the file “giving birth at home”), “maternity” or birth center. In the latter case, it is better to choose an establishment known for its openness to alternative practices, or known for its particular listening to the wishes of women. It will then be necessary to discuss with the maternity team our desire to give birth as naturally as possible.

Talk to the midwife about natural childbirth

If you are registered in the maternity ward, we try to be followed by a liberal midwife rather than a doctor. This specialist in physiology, that is to say in normal childbirth, often has many little tips to advise. Finally, we check with her whether, at the time of the birth, one of the midwives on call will be able to be a little more present at your side, because support is often essential at this time.

Stay active with natural childbirth

The key to coping with contractions is to stay active. It is about following the movements dictated by the body. Thus, when a contraction occurs, we spontaneously settle in the least painful position (for example on all fours). You have to listen to yourself like that until the end. After a while, even strong contractions become bearable because the body adapts to them.

Natural childbirth: accepting minimum security

Certain gestures or are difficult to negotiate in the maternity ward. This is the case, for example, with monitoring, which causes expectant mothers to have the feeling of being tied up or immobilized on the delivery table. It is true, but lmonitoring by monitoring can be done on arrival to ensure that all is well then interrupted. On the other hand, it will be necessary to accept regular monitoring of the fetal heart rate. Another compromise: the catheter in the vein of the arm. This is a minimum to be accepted in order to be able to quickly set up an infusion if necessary.

Know your limits to give birth naturally

At the very moment of childbirth, the force of the contraction can overtake us. It does not look like what we had imagined. You can feel the part, have the feeling of never getting there. We try to sort things out with the midwife in the birthing room to find out what really is pain or fear. And if the pain is too much, then an epidural can be installed. No need to live it as a failure of the initial project. What matters is to have gone as far as possible in your project.

Natural childbirth: in case of complications