Natural birth

The concept of natural childbirth is the result of criticism of the medically managed birth model.

The term "natural childbirth" was popularized in the 1980s by the French-born British obstetrician Michel Odent in his book The Reborn Birth. He wrote the book after several years of experiencing births conducted differently from the usual medical practices.

The basic principle of this philosophy is based on the mother's ability to give birth to her child on her own, without the need for directive management and medication. Natural childbirth is a process that starts and proceeds spontaneously without external interventions. The woman instinctively determines the course of the birth herself. The healthcare staff aims to assist, ease the process, support, and encourage her.

They are not there to dictate what she should do, how she should position herself, when to push, whether to remain quiet, etc. During natural childbirth, the staff tries to intervene minimally and not disturb the intimate environment of the birth, respecting the intuitive behavior of the birthing mother. They accommodate the wishes and requests of the mother, which promotes positive emotions and contributes to a birth without stress and fear. The staff avoids analgesia and anesthesia to not disrupt the natural hormonal balance.

Research has shown that if a woman is healthy, childbirth is very likely to proceed normally and without complications. The only thing that is truly necessary during childbirth is careful observation to detect any potential complications and intervene in a timely manner. An experienced midwife or doctor can determine through observation whether the mother and child are fine or whether closer monitoring or treatment is necessary. It is a fact that although childbirth as a process is natural, complications can arise, and a specialist—be it a doctor or midwife—becomes essential for the woman.

In natural childbirth:

The mother is allowed complete freedom of movement during both the first and second stages of labor.
The woman herself chooses the position in the pushing phase of childbirth.
The partner actively assists the mother.
There is no shaving of the genital area or enemas performed.
An episiotomy is not routinely performed.
Methods to accelerate labor are not used.
So-called painless methods (epidural analgesia) are not used.
In the case of increased pain perception, natural pain relief methods (massage, shower, position changes) are used instead of medications.
Immediately after birth, the child is placed in the mother’s arms to ensure the important first contact between the child and mother.
After the necessary treatment of the child post-birth, the child is permanently kept with the mother.

Who is natural childbirth suitable for? Natural childbirth is chosen by women accustomed to an active approach to their health care, who reject the role of passive patients. They believe that the natural birthing mechanisms, including pain, have meaning; they feel responsible for the birth and want to experience it fully. Many see it as an extraordinary spiritual opportunity.

A woman considering natural childbirth should know that it is not suitable for everyone and can only be recommended for women who:

Meet the basic condition that they have had a normal pregnancy, indicating a normal birth.
Are interested in actively participating in the course of the birth.
Want to manage and regulate their childbirth themselves.
Have an intuitive confidence that they can handle the birth.
Reject childbirth under directive medical management.
Tolerate pain well.
Do not require analgesics or labor accelerators.

Natural childbirth is chosen by women accustomed to an active approach to their health care, who reject the role of passive patients. They believe that the natural birthing mechanisms, including pain, have meaning; they feel responsible for the birth and want to experience it fully. Many see it as an extraordinary spiritual opportunity.

A woman considering natural childbirth should know that natural births are not intended for everyone and can only be recommended for women who are generally healthy and who, like their babies, do not have any predictable birth complications, have gone through careful prenatal preparation, and have arrived at the decision for natural childbirth based on their own entirely voluntary and informed choice.

And who is not suitable for it? It is not suitable for women who are passive, anxious, dependent, or psychologically unstable, who believe they cannot handle childbirth on their own. It is also not for those who trust institutions and authorities more than themselves.

The advantages of classical obstetrics are indisputable in cases of complications during pregnancy or childbirth. In such cases, doctors save lives. Experienced medical help is also needed for premature infants or women with serious health complications.

However, modern medicine has its pitfalls. In their pursuit of the quickest possible birth, doctors often forget that a spontaneously laboring woman primarily needs a calm passage of time and gentle treatment.