What is a Natural Birth?

What is a Natural Birth? 
The First Thing You Need to Know...

As a licensed midwife with over 25 years of experience attending more than 1500 births, the first thing I want you to know is: the hospital is NOT the only safe option for having your baby. 

In fact, studies show that when care is provided by licensed, experienced midwives, the outcomes achieved in non-hospital births are generally better than those achieved in hospitals (Vedam, Stol, MacDorman et al. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 2018)

That said, a hospital birth does have it's place.  For some mothers - in particular those with medical complications - it is absolutely the right choice.  

But for the vast majority of births, a hospital setting is unnecessarily expensive and physically invasive.  Stick with me for awhile and I will show you WHY it's not necessary. More importantly, I will show you alternatives that may work better for you.

Definition of a "Natural Birth"

The World Health Organization defines natural childbirth as “a process in which a woman delivers vaginally without the use of instruments, epidural anesthesia or general anesthesia.”

While there are many variations of this definition, they all emphasize the general avoidance of medical interventions in what has always been a natural process.

Sometimes people will use the words ‘traditional hospital birth’ or ‘normal hospital birth’ as they try to describe labor and birth options.  

Do you know how wrong that is?

The TRUTH is: natural childbirth was a thing long before people started delivering babies in hospitals.   In fact, for thousands of years it was the ONLY thing!

So why is it that more than 97% of all births in the United States today occur in hospitals?

Well, that’s a great question.  There are some very good reasons to have a hospital birth with standard healthcare providers.  But they don’t apply to everybody.  

Not even close. Let me explain.

Differences: Natural Birth vs Hospital Birth

Studies such as Homer, Leap and Edwards et al, "Midwife-led Continuity Models of Care: A Meta-Analysis" (2017) show that for healthy women with low-risk pregnancies, birth outcomes in ‘out of hospital’ (OOH) settings – meaning at home or a stand-alone birthing center – are just as favorable as they are in hospitals. Often much more so. 

Statistically speaking, natural childbirth results in:

• Fewer medical interventions (inductions, epidurals, c-sections)
• Faster recovery
• Enhanced bonding between mother and baby
• Fewer health issues for mother and baby (in particular related to cesarean section)
• Lower risk of postpartum depression
• And many more benefits

It’s important to understand, when WE talk about OOH births, we are referring ONLY to healthy, low-risk pregnancies and childbirth under the care of licensed professional midwives.

And when we say ‘healthy, low-risk pregnancies,’ we mean ‘free from a defined set of risk factors identified by medical authorities.’  According to the CDC, 85% of all pregnancies fall into this low-risk category.  

Translation:  the vast majority of pregnant women are good candidates for natural childbirth.

Factors that "Might" Make the Hospital a Better Choice

According to the Medical Board of California, some of the risk factors that call for a hospital-based birth include:

• Pregnancies with multiples (twins, etc)
• Breech presentations
• Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC)
• Certain medical health conditions such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes

Standards will differ by location.  Consult your medical authority for local regulations and guidelines. 

Why Natural Birth is Usually Better

Now, with all of that said, let me offer a very powerful perspective on pregnancy and childbirth.  As trained, licensed midwives, we know that:

So then, what is a natural birth?  In short, it is birth the way it is supposed to be.  Women were having babies for thousands of years before hospitals came along.

Yes, medical doctors can help with pregnancy and childbirth. In some cases they should help. But as we now know, in the vast majority of cases (at least 85% of the time) they are not necessary.   

The bottom line is, you were MADE to do this, Mama.  You CAN do this. Unless you fall into a higher-risk category you DON’T NEED a hospital.   

Even if you do fall into a 'higher' risk category, you should make your preference for minimal intervention known to your doctor (if that is what you want.)  They can often make accommodations that would not have been made if you had not asked for them directly.

A Comparison:  Hospital vs Out of Hospital Birth

Let’s take a closer look at what you might expect from each kind of experience (hospital-based birth vs. natural childbirth).

I could go on and on. But these are some of the key differences.

How to Choose

Now for some new moms, following a specific protocol, being directed by medical doctors, having immediate access to pain relief and emergency intervention if needed is comforting. It feels like the best thing for her and for her baby.  

If that is you, wonderful!  The hospital will play an important role in your birth process. Find your perfect OB / GYN and work with them to create the birth experience of your dreams.  If you have read my bio, you know I have had that experience.  Twice :-).

For other new mothers, it is much more important to have their baby, their way.  They want to be in control of their entire birth plan. They want to trust their bodies and avoid unnecessary medical interventions.  They have a clear answer to the question "what is a natural birth," and they believe that the outcome will be healthier for both mom and baby.

If that is you, wonderful!  Find your perfect licensed, experienced midwife and work with them to create the birth experience of your dreams.  I’ve had that experience as well.  Three times :-).

Which experience did I prefer?  You can probably tell by now :-).

If you would like to see my personal reasons why, click over to my article on "10 Advantages of Natural Birth."

Learn more about Paula here ...