Normal, straightforward, intervention-free, healthy, natural birth is still the safest, most practical and advantageous way for a baby to be born.
Babies born vaginally have a lower risk of respiratory problems. It is widely accepted that the contractions of labour help prepare the baby’s lungs to breathe air. Babies born by caesarean section have a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome than babies born vaginally at the same gestational age. Adults with asthma are more likely to have been delivered by caesarean section compared with adults without asthma.
It is also widely acknowledged that the baby plays a part in deciding when the time is right to be born. It has been commented that babies born by elective caesarean section can show signs of being angry and do not appreciate being delivered before they are ready.
The passage down the birth canal also gives a baby a wonderful all-over massage that wakes up various systems in the body – cranial osteopaths claim to be able to detect whether a baby was born vaginally or by caesarean.
Mothers who feel safe, confident and well supported rarely find the level of pain reaches the point where it becomes unbearable. Their hormonal state supports the process rather than fighting against it. Labour is not perceived as being a trial, the pain is more like that experienced by athletes when they are giving their all and trying their hardest. Labour and birth are often the hardest physical work a modern woman ever has to do, but can also be the most rewarding.
A mother who has experienced a natural birth can generally walk unaided after the birth and can begin caring for her baby straightaway.
More Benefits
A mother who has experienced a natural birth is usually able to become involved in family life within hours of the birth and can get back to normal daily life within just a few days. Diary appointments can generally be attended, albeit with a baby present!
Mothers who have experienced natural birth are often able to drive very soon after the birth. It has been known for mothers to drive the same day of the birth and most feel fully confident after just a couple of days.
When the birth has gone well, the baby is often peaceful, quiet and relaxed.
When the birth has gone well mothers feel stronger, both physically and emotionally. There is a wonderful sense of achievement and peace, of strength and control, of health and completeness, of being able to cope and get on with life in general. It is a very positive life-changing experience.
