Natural Birth in Austin, TX
What is a Natural Birth?
Natural birth is childbirth without routine interventions, particularly pharmaceutical pain relief.
Why Do Women Choose Natural Childbirth?
Women select natural birth to minimize medical interventions during labor and delivery. This includes things like Pitocin induction and augmentation, epidurals, episiotomies, and forceps. Natural birth allows for freedom of movement during labor which increases the likelihood that one can give birth without medical intervention.
What to Expect During Natural Childbirth
Natural birth requires preparation, so prenatal education such as hypnobirthing or Lamaze, is crucial. Childbirth is not painless, and getting ready for it takes time. Childbirth training will help establish these expectations for you and your family.
Where Can I Have a Natural Childbirth?
Natural Birth at Home
Most natural births at home are attended by a midwife who has also been caring for the family prenatally as well.
Natural Birth at a Birthing Center
Most natural births in a birth center are attended by a midwife who has also been caring for the family prenatally as well.
Natural Birth at a Hospital
While it is more challenging to stay committed to natural birth in a hospital setting, with strong inner conviction and good support from a doula, a laboring mom can achieve her goal under the right circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions: Natural Birth
How do I prepare my body for a natural birth?
Begin by eating the most nourishing foods available to you, avoiding sweets and processed foods, and staying very hydrated. Daily exercises such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga can also have a positive impact on your health and help prepare you for natural birth. In addition if you have a full time, stress inducing job, plan to take off at least 2-4 weeks before your due date. It's important to make your upcoming birthday a priority.
How long does a natural birth take?
That depends! For a first-time mother labor can last between 12 and 36 hours. Subsequent labors tend to be shorter, anywhere from 3 to 20 hours.
How long is the hospital stay after a natural birth?
Hospital stays are usually at least 48 hours after delivery.
Can you walk after a natural birth?
Yes, you can! In fact, you will need to walk to the toilet a couple of hours after your birth (with help, of course!).
Can you shower after a natural birth?
Yes, you can! We would like someone to be with you in the bathroom and to keep the shower less than 10 minutes as you’ll likely be tired.
