August 2010 Archives
What is Natural Childbirth?
You would think that we all give these 2 simple words “Natural Childbirth” the same meaning… But no Sir, no! Even among birth professionals, we disagree. Most midwives and doulas still think that “Natural Birth” means un-medicated birth. In other words, giving birth without epidural or other narcotics -basically, without the drugs that take the pain away. That is also why, for the same midwives and doulas, “Natural Birth” means painful birth (no drugs to take the pain away). But “It’s good pain” they’ll tell you. Ever tried to say that to a woman in “transition”- the last few centimeters that the cervix needs to open before the baby starts moving down? She will slice you with her eyes (and be glad she is too busy for anything else right then). There are natural ways to greatly decrease the level of pain often to the level of comfort, sometime even bliss! It needs some preparation of course and lots of practice but it’s possible!
Natural Birth is totally undisturbed birth: no agenda, no expectations, no time table. The caregiver is there just in case, keeping his/her hands in their pockets. Love and support, trust and confidence and what I call “holding the space” is all that’s needed. Holding and maintaining a high vibrational level (I know, I will need another blog to explain that) is essential. When all the people in the room are able to do that (or even 1 or 2 people in the room), the energy of the whole room changes. Mom senses it and begins to relax more deeply, some call it “being in a zone”. Baby perceives it too (The baby is pure consciousness so of course he/she feels it). Where there was fear or doubt, there is calm and confidence. Where there was fatigue and pain, there is strength, energy and bliss! And, usually, “things” start moving fast…
Undisturbed waterbirth, seconds after birth!
So lets dream together on what it could be like in America’s birthing rooms if we trusted our bodies and received unbiased, empowering information along with the assistance of an informed, confident, patient (as in “full of patience”) and accepting caregiver at our side.
Barbara Harper is a great friend of mine. We teach together and we have very similar, if not identical, views and wishes for childbirth in America. Here is my understanding of what she teaches as “undisturbed birth”. For more information, visit her website waterbirth.org or even better take a “Gentle Birth Guardians” workshop with us.
Undisturbed birth: the way it was intended!
- The Baby is in charge of when it comes out. The baby chooses the date of birth and pushes himself out!
- When fear and doubts have been eliminated, the mother’s birthing body can do what it knows how to do. It secretes hormones and neurotransmitters in the proper amount and at the perfect time so that mom AND BABY are in a state of comfort, if not bliss, during the whole birth process.
- The baby prepares in a calm, euphoric (it’s the endorphins!) environment and aligns easily in the pelvis. He/she is able to find its way out easily without resistance or tension when mom stays relaxed and in an upright position, preferably in a tub of warm water that covers her belly.
- From the womb, the baby goes to its new natural habitat without delay: right between her mother’s breast for at least a couple of hours.
- The baby is allowed to crawl by itself to the breast and self-attach to the nipple for feeding (he is programmed to do so… And with an un-medicated birth, he has the strength to do so!) (More on Self-Attachment soon). This process is well-known to (re-)wire the baby’s brain for best adaptation to the life waiting for him (see Dr Nils Bergman website)
So tell me, what will your choice be for your (next) baby? Wouldn’t you at least want to learn more about “Natural Childbirth?
