Natural Child Birth

Many expecting mothers of this generation, thrive on this question “how to have a normal delivery?”. Natural Child birth cannot be promised by a Gynecologist, because the chances of it to happens, when the physiological health of both mother and baby are in good synergy.  In my knowledge, the physiological health includes:

1.       Position of baby’s head during labor

2.       Size of Dilation of Cervix muscle

3.       Fetal Heart Rate (FHR)

4.       Mother’s Vitals (BP, Sugar, Thyroid levels,…)

However, if all the medical reasons for physiological health is fine, a mom-to-be can increase her possibility of having a normal delivery or natural childbirth.

Here is the key:

1.       Have  a mind STRONGLY determined for a normal delivery!!!

 – This may sound non-scientific or philosophical. However, from the country that I come from, this has been the sage advice that has worked over generations. Have a cool open minded attitude which sways with confidence, that you are going to have a natural childbirth and I can assure you that even in odds of physiological health, your determination will work for you to have a normal delivery.

2.       Choose a good Gynecologist and labor Partner

-          The Gynecologist with their medical team should work their best to provide you with expert medical support. Thoroughly learn about the medical team, before deciding on your practitioner. Even with best of medical support, the key for successful natural childbirth, is emotional comfort provided to the mom-to-be, during labor. Choose your laboring partner wisely. It can be your husband, sibling,  mom or even a best friend. Just make sure you labour partner is someone who you enjoy your life with. Avoid laboring partners who just throw sympathy encouragement “to withstand pain”. The pain is beyond words during labour and words of empty encouragement will only irk you more.

3.       Say No to Epidural or C-section

-          Many Mom’s-to-be, not being able to bear the pain during labour, request doctors to go for C-Section or Epidural. Doctors also happily give-in to the requests of their labour patients, in interest of money.  Pain is not the word that can contain the trauma of labour. It very very painful urge, that one feels like pelvic bones, thighs and legs are breaking away,…. But in all this trauma, just do not rush to have a epidural or C-section. Epidural takes away the pain of labour and the mother looses the urge to push the baby out. Result, Forceps or vaccum to take the baby out of mothers womb. This can be causing distress to baby. Have a mind that says come what may, even death, I will have a natural birth. For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain J so I was not scared of death, and such a mind set really helped.

4.       Practice of concentrated Breathing technique for labor.

-          There are many breathing techniques to manage labour pain. Try to close your eyes and listen to your body’s rhythm of movements and breathe hard. Focus your Mind of pushing the baby out!!!

5.       Practice Kegel Exercise

-          Kegel Exercise from third trimester of pregnancy helps cervix dilation.  A mom-to-be, who has control over cervix muscle through kegel exercise, is also better empowered to push the baby out during labour.

6.       Practice Squating exercises from 37^th week of pregnancy

-          Squats helps opening up pelvic muscle and bones. 10 sets of squats in reps of 2 each day, induces labour. Make sure you do not over do it, for there is a risk of water bag being ruptured pre-partum.

7.       Stay active throughout pregnancy

-          Walking and staying active during pregnancy, helps your body to gear up for labour (Apart, from giving increased oxygen supply to your baby in womb). Make sure not to lazy around during pregnancy.