One of the many decisions that women have to make when they become pregnant is whether to use natural childbirth or rely on painkillers to make it through the birthing process. While you may not be sure what you will do until you are in labor, here are some of the benefits of natural childbirth that you should consider.
Labor Is Shorter
If epidurals or other forms of pain medications are used during labor, it can slow contractions and prolong your labor. With natural childbirth, you can feel when contractions take place, so you know when to push to help facilitate your child’s birth. This allows the labor to be shorter, since you are working with your body’s natural rhythms.
Easier Breastfeeding
Babies who are born using natural childbirth are usually more alert and are often ready to be fed not long after being born. They have an easier time latching onto their mothers’ breasts, as well as sucking and swallowing when they’re feeding. There are many clinics that offer natural childbirth classes as part of their pregnancy services.
Better Recovery
When natural childbirth is used, mothers have an easier time recovering from giving birth. Epidurals and other drugs that numb pain can leave a new mom lethargic and unable to care for herself for several hours, sometimes days. It can also slow down a baby’s responses for several days when the mother has used pain-numbing drugs.
If you want to use natural childbirth techniques, many holistic clinics offer classes as part of their clinics’ pregnancy services. They can also teach you about how to take care of yourself and your baby before, during and after childbirth. Holistic birthing clinics can also assist you with having a better birthing experience, by offering doula services to mothers-to-be who want to use natural childbirth.
