Natural Birth: Myths, Definitions & How I Define It
It's hard to argue with “natural” being a positive thing when we’re walking around the grocery store. You see the word in bright colors and attractive fonts: “natural,” “organic,” “from nature,” and “all natural.” It's clear that when it comes to what we put into our bodies–natural is best. Yet, when it comes to birth, and a woman's body, somehow it's always up for debate. Here’s a summary of the best natural birth definitions and some clarifications on common myths!
What Does “Natural” Really Mean?
The first thing you need to know when considering a natural birth is what it actually means to “go natural.” There are a lot of misconceptions of what this may involve, so it’s helpful to start with a clear definition. Traditionally, a natural birth can be defined as a birth that involves no medical interventions. As Merriam-Webster defines it:“A system of managing childbirth in which the mother receives preparatory education in order to remain conscious during and assist in delivery with minimal or no use of drugs or anesthetics”
In my own words: a natural birth, also called medical-free labor, is the action of giving birth to a child without medical intervention, assistance, or interrupting the natural flow of labor with medical help. Basically anything that augments the labor process, or changes the path of labor.
What Are Considered “Medical Interventions?”
Common pain management medications that hospitals use to progress labor include the following: pudendal block, Pitocin, Nitrous oxide, or opioids. Other interventions to the mother’s labor may not be necessary and in turn can cause further complications. These steps include fetal heart rate monitoring, multiple vaginal exams, breaking of water, stripping of the membranes, etc. A natural birth also generally means the exclusion of over-the-counter pain medications.
Myth #1: Natural Births Are Traumatic
Western movies have classified birth as a traumatic, fast-moving, whirlwind of medical interventions and life-or-death scenarios. This perception leaves first-time mothers with nothing but fear going into labor. A non-medicated natural birth trusts the body in the labor and delivery process under the care of an experienced midwife and birth partner (doula, partner, family member, etc.). Many women experience a beautiful and non-traumatic, or even a healing birth following a past traumatic birth. Everyone's birth story is different.Also, in speaking of natural birth myths and definitions, I feel that it is important to define “trauma.” The trauma can often be the anticipation of the unknown. However, when we prepare with knowledge, education, and a support person or team alongside us, the traumatic experience is less often the case.“There is empowerment in knowledge and with that knowledge a beautiful birth story can be written.”
However, a natural birth is not painless and therefore free of any trauma–birth is unknown and can take many turns. But, the idea of being out of control and IN pain for many hours without understanding can lead to a traumatic experience. There is empowerment in knowledge and with that knowledge a beautiful birth story can be written.
Myth #2 Preparation Isn't Required, You Just Let it Happen “Naturally”
This is single handedly one of the BIGGEST myths out there when it comes to natural birth and why correct definitions are needed. I hear first-time moms say: “I want to have a natural birth, but I will just hope for the best.” This is also the biggest regret I hear. Meaning, they didn't know what the experience was actually going to look like, so they were scared and only had the option to do what the doctor told them was best. Here's the truth: birth is like a marathon and without preparation and practice with the body and mind, you will not finish the race with a smile on your face.
“Birth is like a marathon and without preparation and practice with the body and mind, you will not win the race with a smile on your face.”
Myth #3: Natural Birth Moms Look Down Upon Medicated Births
This is simply not true! We all know that birth is the hardest thing a woman can do and when women choose medication, that's OK! JUST- know the risks. There shouldn't be shame wrapped up in a medicated birth, whether it’s where the labor ended up or if that was the original plan. It shouldn't mean that the mother failed, lost a battle, or wasn't strong enough. Shame is not mentioned anywhere in natural or medicated births. “Knowledge is empowering and the more you know about your own body in pregnancy and in preparation for labor, the LESS you have to fear.”
At the same time, I think it's important to mention plainly, like other things, natural is…natural. Likewise, medicated doesn't always mean the safest or quickest way to the finish line. Knowledge is empowering and the more you know about your own body in pregnancy and in preparation for labor, the less you should fear. That’s why I’m so passionate about advocating for natural birth, eliminating myths, and promoting moms and educating us all!Do What Comes Naturally
There is so much support and training out there for you if you choose to do a natural birth. I cannot recommend The Bradley Method enough as the best natural birth classes to prepare you for your natural birth. Hypnobirth classes also have high success rates! Education and understanding for parents is essential, regardless of the mothers choice for intervention. Without education there will be fear. And decisions made out of fear are not always the best decisions. Go into your natural birth with a plan, hoping for the best outcome, and it will be all that you dreamed!Preparing for your natural birth? I would love to help you in your process!
