Natural Childbirth or Not?

Many pregnant women spend allot of time debating if natural childbirth is for them. It is such a decision to make for any expecting mom. Many women falsely believe that natural labor will make them a better mom, when in fact that has nothing to do with motherhood.

Having a child is not an Olympic sport, so no one will win a medal! The idea of giving birth with no drugs involved is very encouraging for some pregnant women, while other women want to focus more on relaxing with pain medication. Getting an epidural or other pain management drugs will not make you a bad mom, it will actually allow you to relax and make your labor and much more pleasurable one! Every labor is different, some being 1 hour with others being 24 hours or more. Every woman also experiences different levels of pain during childbirth.

Many women find comfort in the Bradley Method of childbirth. The Bradley Method of child birth was developed by Obstetrician Robert Bradley in the late 1965. The Bradley Method of child birth came from Dr Robert Bradleys belief that birth is a natural process, that women could handle without drugs or interventions and birth could be natural. For those interested in attempting a natural childbirth, the Bradley Method has helped many laboring women give birth naturally.

The Bradley method is a comprehensive program that includes instruction on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum issues. One of the other primary goals of the Bradley Childbirth Method program is to educate partners to be supportive and effective labor coaches. Breathing methods are emphasized as a coping mechanism to deal with the intense pain of labor. Mothers are taught to “tune in” and manage pain, instead of distracting themselves from it as other methods teach. The Bradley Childbirth Method class also instructs partners in effective labor coaching. Couples also learn about the different stages of labor and how to cope with the transitions between them. Learn more about the Bradley
Method

Lamaze is also another alternative. Lamaze is a childbirth preparation method where relaxation, breathing techniques and informed decisions are paramount.

The Lamaze Technique is a natural childbirth technique developed in the 1940s by French obstetrician Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze as an alternative to the use of general anesthesia during labor. The Lamaze mission is to promote normal, natural, healthy and fulfilling childbearing experiences for women and their families through education, advocacy and reform. Learn More About Lamaze Classes

If you feel that the use of an Epidural or other pain relief medications are right for you, that is ok! You are the only one who knows what you can and can not handle. Talk with your medical professional and ask for his or her input. Your medical professional can help you make the right decision for you!