Birth is one of the most natural processes of the female body. When preparing for the birth process, expectant mothers can choose between different birth methods. In recent years, natural birth has become more preferred because it involves minimal intervention in the processes offered by nature. Natural birth is a birth process that respects the biological rhythms of the mother and the baby and involves minimal medical intervention.
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What is Natural Birth?
Natural birth is a birth method in which the mother's body directs the natural birth process without the need for medication or surgical intervention. In this method, no medical stimulants or accelerators are used when labor pains begin. The mother-to-be is only given physical and psychological support, and is guided on correct breathing techniques and birth positions. During natural birth, the father can also be a part of the birth team and actively participate in the process.
Differences Between Natural Birth and Other Birth Methods
Natural birth is different from cesarean section or normal vaginal birth. While cesarean section is a surgical procedure, interventions such as artificial pain, epidural anesthesia or episiotomy (vaginal incision) can usually be applied in normal vaginal birth. In natural birth, interventions are minimized and the body is allowed to progress completely with its natural processes.
Advantages of Natural Birth
Fast Recovery Process: Since surgical incisions or medications are not used, the mother's recovery period after birth is shorter.
Strengthening the Bond Between Mother and Baby: The oxytocin hormone secreted during birth creates a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby.
Acceleration of Breast Milk Production: The hormones secreted by the body after natural birth accelerate the production of breast milk.
Natural Adaptation of the Baby: Babies born through natural birth can better empty the amniotic fluid in their lungs and begin to breathe more easily due to the feeling of compression while passing through the birth canal.
Less Intervention, Fewer Side Effects: Since epidural anesthesia or artificial pain is not used, the side effects that may be caused by medications during birth are not experienced.
Active Participation in the Birth Process: The expectant mother does not lose consciousness during birth and gives birth to her baby by fully feeling the birth process.
Natural Birth Process
How to Prepare for Natural Birth?
Natural birth is a process that requires both physical and psychological preparation. The following should be taken into consideration during the birth preparation process:
Receiving childbirth education: Natural birth techniques, breathing exercises and relaxation methods should be learned.
Exercising: Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and movements that support birth positions should be done.
Eating right: Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet throughout pregnancy makes the birth process easier.
Preparing psychologically: Birth should be accepted as a natural process and unnecessary fears should be reduced.
How Does the Natural Birth Process Happen?
The natural birth process consists of three basic stages.
1. Initial Stage of Labor
The first contractions are irregular and gradually become regular. The cervix (cervix) continues to open until it is 10 cm dilated. This process can usually take 6-12 hours. The expectant mother can take a walk or relieve her contractions with relaxing movements.
2. Stage of Labor
When the cervix is fully open, the baby's head moves into the birth canal. The mother gives birth to her baby with strong pushing. After the baby's head comes out, the baby's shoulders and body pass through the birth canal and the baby is completely born.
3. Placenta Expulsion and Postpartum Care
After the baby is born, the placenta is expelled from the body. The mother is given the necessary care, bleeding and tissue tears are checked. As soon as the baby is born, skin contact is established with the mother and the breastfeeding process is started.
