These days, few women opt for natural child birth. With options like epidurals and pain management medication, many women ask why should they endure the pain of natural child birth. But there are several benefits to natural child birth that many women are not informed about.
One of the most little known facts about an epidural is that they slow down the labor and can even stop it completely (which results in the need for a c-section) Epidurals slow down child birth through both the fact that the medication used slows the contractions and due to the fact that while under an epidural, you are unable to get into a position that would best help your baby to be born.
Giving birth to your child naturally will be a painful process, and any woman who is going to be giving birth naturally should know that. Realizing this helps you to understand that you will need to look at other, natural forms of pain management. Many women who choose to give birth naturally today look at hiring a doula. A doula can help you learn how to manage the pain and help you to remember what you learned when the time comes to give birth.
Natural child birth also allows you to change positions while in labor. The classic feet in the stirrups position that everyone sees on TV is actually the worst position to give birth in. The force of gravity works against you and your child. It’s like pushing a rock up hill rather than pushing a rock down hill. The popular story is that the stirrup position came into fashion during the reign of Louis the XXIV. His mistress was giving birth and he insisted that he be able to see the child being born. Because the King’s mistress gave birth this way, the rest of France follow suit and the position is still used today. Whether this is true or not, many doctor’s today try to insist that women give birth this way. It is your right to give birth in any position you wish and do not be afraid of insisting on doing things your way.
Another little known fact about natural child birth is that many women who choose natural child birth experience a strong orgasmic-like sensation while in the final stages of pushing. Many women describe the feeling as an overwhelming sense of wonder and awe as their child crosses into this world. Most will say that the intense feeling can not compare with any other sensation they have had in their life.
If you have choosen to give birth to your child naturally, rest easy in the fact that you have made the right choice for both you and your child. Don’t worry that you might not be able to do this. Remember, millions of women for thousands of years gave birth naturally. You can, too.