Understanding the Benefits and Challenges of Natural Childbirth
From the team at Willow OB/GYN in San Antonio, Texas, congratulations on your pregnancy! We know the time leading up to your baby’s birth is exciting, filled with lots of planning and preparation.
If you’re considering having a natural childbirth, you need to understand both the benefits and challenges this type of labor and delivery brings. Board-certified OB/GYN Kelly Morales, MD, FACOG, specializes in natural childbirth, which involves giving birth without medications.
Keep in mind that even the best-laid plans may need to change during childbirth based on your and your baby’s health needs. But when possible, natural childbirth, which uses different relaxation techniques to help you through labor, can be a wonderful option.
There are many different ways to go through labor and delivery without using pain medicines, including but not limited to:
Deep breathing
Massage
Hypnosis
Aromatherapy
Relaxation techniques
Moving and positioning strategies
Heat or cooling therapies
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and challenges associated with natural childbirth.
Benefits associated with natural childbirth
Natural childbirth comes with some amazing benefits for both baby and mom. Here’s a look at some of the top advantages of natural childbirth:
Freedom to change positions and move around during labor
Faster labor with no medications to slow it down
Lower risk of needing medical interventions (e.g., forceps)
Increased likelihood of vaginal delivery
Ability to get up and move sooner after delivery, which promotes faster healing
Stronger sense of control over the birthing experience
More alert newborn after delivery, which makes breastfeeding easier
No drugs entering your baby’s system, which is better for your baby’s health
In addition, women report feeling empowered and more connected to their bodies after natural childbirth.
Challenges associated with natural childbirth
Generally, natural childbirth is a very safe approach if you have a low-risk pregnancy. While it can be a wonderful experience, it’s not without its challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most common challenges women endure when attempting natural childbirth:
Exhaustion and fatigue
Issues managing pain
Risk of injury to the baby (e.g., fractured collarbone)
Risk of pelvic trauma from vaginal delivery
Many of these challenges can be overcome by preparing for a natural childbirth with your provider and support team.
Which type of labor and delivery is right for you
There is no right or wrong way to labor and birth a baby into the world. No matter if you have a natural childbirth, vaginal delivery with medications, or a cesarean section, the goal is always the same: a healthy mom and healthy baby.
As a mother, Dr. Morales understands well the challenges that come with trying to decide what’s right for you and your baby. She offers continuous care from the family planning stages through pregnancy and childbirth, always keeping your health top of mind.
While natural childbirth can be an empowering experience, it doesn’t make you a better mom. In fact, for nearly a third of pregnant women, complications arise that make a C-section a health necessity. This never affects your ability to be a good mother.
Dr. Morales respects your wishes and goals, including those for a medication-free childbirth. But if your labor doesn’t progress or your well-being or baby’s health is at risk, Dr. Morales discusses the importance of staying open to medical interventions when necessary.
Learn more about the benefits and challenges associated with natural childbirth and what type of labor and delivery might be right for you by scheduling an appointment at Willow OB/GYN in San Antonio, Texas.