Benefits of Opting for a Natural Birth

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Let me start by saying, I do not have a high pain tolerance, but I don’t have a low one either. But, I am a big baby when it comes to needles. NO WAY was I having a big needle stuck in my spine. The IV catheter was enough for me.

So for the women that opt for epidurals or have a C-section, you are brave and I applaud you.

Either way, we are some amazing beings that can do wonderful and beautiful things!

Whatever path you choose—whether natural labor or an alternative—you are making a decision with great thought and care. Your strength and love for your baby are evident in every choice you make, and that makes you truly amazing. Your journey into motherhood is unique and admirable, no matter the route you take.

I had all three of my girls without any kind of pain medication. My first two I had all natural, meaning labor came on its own and I labored without any kind of interventions. My last I had to be medically induced due to blood pressure issues and I still chose to deliver without pain medication for the sake of my baby. I’m not going to lie, with my last I was begging for pain meds at the end because I was SO exhausted and ready for it to be over, the induction definitely made the whole experience more intense, but as they were getting ready to give me the medicine, I delivered my third beautiful baby girl.

There are many wonderful reasons a mother decides to have a natural birth, so, let’s go over them.

1. Personal Choice and Empowerment

Many mothers see natural birth as a way to actively participate in the birthing process, feeling empowered by the experience of giving birth without medical interventions. It allows them to trust their bodies and their ability to manage labor and delivery naturally.

2. Avoiding Potential Risks and Side Effects

Medical interventions during birth, such as epidurals or synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin), carry potential risks and side effects. Some mothers choose natural birth to minimize these risks and allow labor to progress at its own pace without artificial intervention.

I’ve heard so many stories of mothers that have permanent back problems after having an epidural and I did not want to chance that.

3. Faster Recovery Time

Recovery after a natural birth is often quicker compared to births involving medical interventions.

A fast recovery time was a big plus for me. If there are no problems with you or baby after birth you are able to go home within 24 hours. This really mattered to me, especially when I had my second and third baby because I was able to get back home to my other babies. I’m way more comfortable at home and the faster I can get there the better.

4. Freedom of Movement and Positioning

During natural birth, you have the freedom to move around, change positions, and utilize techniques like walking, squatting, or using a birthing ball to manage labor pain. This mobility can aid in progressing labor and finding comfort.

This is a BIG plus to natural birth. Moving is the best thing you can do during labor. Being able to choose what position is most comfortable for you when baby is coming helps deliver faster. You do not want to be stuck on your back the whole time. Laying on your back during delivery does not do you justice. Gravity is your friend when it comes to delivering.

5. Reduced Medical Interventions

Natural birth often means fewer medical interventions overall. This can lead to a more straightforward birthing process and fewer interventions that may disrupt the natural hormonal balance essential for labor progression.

Obviously there are times when being induced is necessary for the safety of you and baby and I am thankful we have those options. But, there are times that the doctors push induction because baby hasn't came according to their timeline.

When you're induced you're given medicine that forces your body into labor. Your body knows what to do and when to do it on it's own so if there are no concerns and you are willing to wait then that is you best option. I went 41 weeks with my second baby and labor came on it's own.

I hear a lot about mothers being induced and then end up having a c-section because they're not progressing fast enough. Well, to me that tells me your body/baby is not ready yet!

I was induced and it felt like it took forever to make any progress. Having a c-section was one of my biggest fears when I found out I had to be induced with my third. I was so scared it was going to end that way. It almost came to that when they said baby’s heartrate kept dropping. Thankfully they were able to break my water and she was delivered in an instant. The fluid is actually what was keeping her from coming but they were worried about breaking my water too early and cause a cord prolapse. That would have turned into an emergency. But, my WONDERFUL midwife knew what I wanted and she was determined to make it happen. She was so patient and so helpful the whole time. I was so thankful for her and her knowledge that in the end I was crying and repeatedly thanking her.

6. Cultural or Religious Reasons

In some cultures or religions, natural birth is considered the preferred or traditional method of childbirth. Mothers may choose natural birth to align with cultural practices or religious beliefs surrounding the sanctity of childbirth.

7. Enhanced Bonding and Emotional Experience

For some mothers, the process of giving birth naturally fosters a deeper emotional connection with their baby. It allows for a more intimate and involved experience, enhancing the bonding process from the very first moments after birth.

8. Personalized Birthing Experience

Choosing natural birth often means having more control over the birthing environment, such as the ability to labor in water, use certain positions or even a home birth. This personalization can contribute to a positive and memorable birthing experience.

9. Support for Mother and Baby's Health

Some mothers choose natural birth to support their baby's immediate health, believing that avoiding medications during labor may reduce potential impacts on the baby's initial breastfeeding ability and overall well-being. Without medications that can affect alertness and mobility, mothers may find themselves and baby more alert and able to bond sooner after delivery.

I didn’t want my babies to be exposed to anything that could potentially make them drowsy and less alert when born so they have a better chance at breastfeeding. I completely trusted my body to do what it was made to do. I had that choice with my first two. Unfortunately with my third I didn’t have a choice due to medical reasons that put me and baby at risk and I had to be induced. Thankfully that’s all it came to and I was able to successfully deliver my third healthy baby girl as natural as I could. There were no side effects to baby or me and we bonded and breastfed without any problems.

10. Previous Positive or Negative Experience

Mothers who have had a positive natural birth experience with previous children may choose to replicate that experience with subsequent births, feeling confident in their ability to manage labor naturally.

Mothers who have had a negative experience previously by either c-section or other interventions may want to try a natural birth for a better outcome. Some women are able to go on to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean section) as long as their medical provider finds it safe for mother and baby. Always discuss this decision with your provider. There are not many providers that are willing to participate in this scenario. As long as there were no major medical concerns previously or during your pregnancy then advocate for yourself and find a provider that is willing to work with you.

Even though all three of my births were different in their own way, some harder than others, I’m so thankful all my babies were delivered safe and healthy as can be. If I had to do it all over again I would still choose a natural birth. There’s no experience like it and it’s quite an experience!