Top 10 Reasons Why Natural Childbirth Benefits the Family
Normal vaginal birth prepares your baby for life outside the womb in a myriad of ways, not the least of which is seeding the baby's gut with the very foundations of their immune system and initiating a healthy gut / brain connection. Babies born vaginally have less type one diabetes, better long term cardiovascular and respiratory health as well as coordination. They have been shown to be more alert immediately post birth which supports a good latch and successful breastfeeding.
It’s far safer for mom and baby. Every intervention no matter how subtle can have a profound effect on the unfolding of birth. Common protocols can undermine a mom's confidence in her body's ability to birth normally and without the help of experts. These interventions often cascade in a domino effect of complications each needing to be solved by adding another intervention under the guise of keeping you safe while you move closer to a surgical birth. Depending on your place of birth the cesarean rate with its complications and consequences can be as high as one in three. Ask questions and choose carefully.
Hormones. A well supported birth that is allowed to unfold in its own timing brings on a flood of amazing hormones. Oxytocin, endorphins, and beta endorphins crescendo in a euphoric symphony that is shared by mom, her partner, and her baby. These hormones secreted when mom has access to privacy and intimate care are natural pain killers and can create an incredible exhilaration paving the path to profound bonding. Holding a warm, wet, sweet smelling baby with your partner's arms around you initiates the mysterious transition to three entirely new people.
Bonding! Most of us want our babies placed directly in our arms at birth or to gently bring baby to your belly with the help of your calm partner and practitioner. Babies born vaginally are much less likely to require separation from mom. Time spent quietly opening to life outside the womb prepares baby to be more likely to nurse well and sets a strong foundation for the breastfeeding relationship that will continue to nurture and nourish your precious little one giving them the very best start.
Natural Childbirth allows for the freedom to move and respond during labor. Natural birth mamas move! Movement and staying upright is strongly associated with faster and easier labor. They dance, sway, moan and sing. These rhythmic movements in combination with deep relaxation and ritualistic repetition create a rhythm where the family can invite their labor and their baby. Not being tethered to monitors, beds, I.V.s, and epidurals or under the influence of narcotics will allow mom to be in intimate contact with her baby and her partner.
Mamas are often hungry! Eating and drinking during labor can give you the energy to complete what will probably be the most challenging physical experience of your life. Natural birth moms should have the freedom to take in nourishment throughout labor and in most cases will not require I.V. fluids which can cause swelling in mama's breasts making them difficult for baby to latch as well and a precipitous weight loss in a baby who has been exposed in utero to hours of I.V. fluids.
You will avoid the side effects of narcotics and epidural anesthesia as well as the complications for you and for baby. Women who give birth without pain medication are more likely to avoid cesarean section or a vacuum extractor. The babies are more alert, breathe and nurse well, regulate their own body temperature and best of all won't need to leave mama. They are far less likely to need Newborn Intensive Care or receive antibiotics which disrupt their newly forming microbiome, the very foundation of their immune system. Their brand new and immature livers will not be taxed trying to remove drugs from their bloodstream. Those same drugs that you carefully avoided while pregnant.
Quicker recovery. Mamas that give birth without a lot of interventions tend to have far quicker recoveries. If they choose to give birth in the hospital their stay will be shorter. They can expect less blood loss, trauma and postpartum complications. The natural birth mom who is well cared for will regain her strength, energy and more easily produce milk. She will often find that her body and heart will be more resilient in the weeks after her baby is born.
There is a profound sense of mastery and empowerment for the woman who gives birth confidently supported in her own choices. This overwhelming sense of accomplishment translates into far more confidence in caring for and protecting her newborn. Ultimately if she feels that she is supported and well cared for, always listened to and never left to feel unsafe, even in the event of necessary interventions her recovery physically, mentally and spiritually will all be more complete.
Babies remember birth. Our births are implicitly linked to our psyches and that memory lives deep in our cells. Doing your best to welcome your baby in a peaceful and calm manner takes planning, studying, and careful choices. Simply hoping for a natural birth will not serve you nearly as well as committing to and preparing for one.
To read Tracy’s full story, click here.