Why Natural Birth Is Worth the Pain…Almost

Becoming a mother can be one of the most daunting and overwhelmingly amazing experiences. For many, the delivery process is the most intimidating part of the pregnancy journey.

I remember being a 28-year-old woman beyond excited to become a mum. As the date got closer, I became more concerned about giving birth. I couldn’t wait to meet my unborn child. Rather see the mystery unfold around if it’s a he or a she. Destiny had some other plans for me and my baby. I had to undergo emergency c-sections for reasons best known to the doctors. A few hours later when I gained consciousness I had my bundle of joy calmly lying beside me. I was on top of the world. All through the 9 months of my pregnancy, I was preparing myself to deliver naturally and how it would heal my body in no time and that I will get back to my routine with a blink of an eye. However, there was no water break and no contraction. I could not feel how it would feel like to deliver naturally. This whole incidence led me to speak to mums who had delivered naturally as I wanted to eagerly know how it is to deliver naturally in true sense.

I had heard that with every new birth comes a question to a mother, have you delivered through natural birth or a c-section?  In fact, even I was asked by my friends. The question has become very common as many don’t have a natural birth or some don’t prefer to opt for it. Well, this is the most common scenario everywhere, especially in India where for known and unknown reasons women are led to deliver via c-section. The word “Natural Vaginal Birth” may sound a little scary for all the pain that is associated with it. Most opt for epidural and drug medicated labour or caesarian that involves a surgical procedure. Some unfortunate women have no choice. Natural childbirth, which, while painful and not without complications, has worked reasonably well for thousands of years ensuring the survival of our species and its indeed worth all the pain. Originally developed as an emergency procedure to be used if vaginal delivery would negatively impact the health of either the mother or child is now being used as an easy/quick way out.

In the end, what truly makes a difference is not how we deliver our children but the plain fact that we are able to do so. However basis the experience of few known mums I am listing down reasons why natural birth is better than epidural or caesarian.

Reasons why Natural Birth is worth the pain
When it comes to natural birth, there should be no shortcuts, although some suggest a painless epidural birth. Many people think if drugs or technology allows you to avoid the pain and choose an easier option, then why on earth tolerate all the pain. Let me tell you why.

1} Natural Occurrence
Since ages, women have been giving birth without the assistance of drugs, forceps, episiotomies or caesarian sections. Most natural childbirth techniques are not invasive, so there’s little potential for harm or side effects for you or your baby.There has been no technology earlier and there was no hospital birth before. The body knows how to conceive, grow a baby and also deliver outside at a proper time. It is simply the most natural and safest way to have a natural birth, simply because nature is made like that. Most importantly your partner can be involved with you in the whole process of birthing.

2} Awareness
Natural birth allows a woman to monitor her body due to the pain which gives her signs if labor is progressing or not. She is more aware of the frequency of her contractions and knows when to push the baby out. Basically, one can move around more freely and find positions that help stay comfortable during labor. And mother will be able to actively participate in the delivery process when it’s time to push the baby out. Many women have a strong feeling of empowerment during labor and a sense of accomplishment afterwards as they are actively involved in the birthing process. Epidural births or caesarian cuts out this natural feeling.

3} Bonding
When you have a caesarian or epidural birth you are moved into a recovery room and do not get to bond with your little bundle immediately. However, in a natural birth, your baby is kept right before you. You can instantly feed your little one and spend some alone time to bond with her.Basically, mums who deliver naturally have shorter recovery span and get to bond right after the bun has been popped out of the oven.

4} Avoids side effects and complications
Avoiding medications and surgeries eliminates risks for both the mother and the baby. As mentioned earlier most natural childbirth techniques are not invasive, so there’s little potential for harm or side effects for you or your baby. Administering pain relievers or undergoing caesarian can cause weak contractions, fetal distress, and longer recovery. Natural birth eliminates drug-related complications and other side effects caused by artificial methods.

5} Affordability
Last but not the least, from the financial point of view natural childbirth is much cheaper and affordable. So for those who do not have maternity benefits at a workplace or do not own a maternity insurance, natural childbirth is the best option if you have a choice.

Overall, there are significant factors that affect the decision to choose your option, and the choice is yours to make. Of course, in cases where a c-section is necessary for the health of the mother and baby, (such as high risk of passing sexually transmitted viruses or complications from fetal distress) the procedure will be carried out even if a natural birth is preferred.

Happy Parenting!