The term “natural birthing” refers to vaginal birthing that occurs at term with little to no medical intervention. We will attempt to understand the birthing process in order to stay faithful to this type of birth plan.
We humans began walking on two legs during evolution, which changed the alignment of our pelvis. As a result a female pelvis must be strong enough to assist in walking on two legs, and keeping the body upright and birthing the baby.
The size of human brains is large, therefore The size of the human baby’s head is also comparatively bigger .Therefore when it passes through the birth canal, it must rotate. Since babies don’t actively participate in the birthing process, they won’t be able to help if the birthing doesn’t go well.
Modern medicine assists with the birthing process with prioritizing the safety of the mother and baby. So now we can make a birth plan that is monitored by a modern medicine practicing health care provider, well planned and tested life style changes for the expecting mother, diet and nutrition, birth assistant, family involvement and support, and a well equiped birthing centre.
Any situation that compromises the safety of mom and baby is addressed with the use of medications or procedures. So, with a small change, we can say that the birthing process that results in a healthy mother and healthy baby is the most natural way of birth, and it varies for each expecting mother.
We must work on our bodies through targeted exercises, our minds through rational thinking and execution, a healthy and nutritious diet, and becoming more aware of our body and everything around us.
Vaginal birthing is the natural way of birth for any expecting mother. However, that journey requires a well-planned effort from the start. Good pelvic muscle tone, elasticity, core strength of our body all plays the important role in birthing.
This we can encorporate in every young lady who will start her family sooner or later. Yoga, suryanamaskar, deep squats , climbing the stairs bending exercises has to be part of our daily chores.
It is observed that if you start the exercises, yoga with your consultant’s advice sooner the better..The breathing pattern will help the birthing lady cope with pain and maintain good oxygenation. This will automatically increase the probability of a smooth birth. These breathing techniques must be practiced on a daily basis beginning in the fourth month.
Diet is what makes up our body, so of course it is important in birthing. Your daily diet must include lean protein, plant protein, healthy starch, healthy fat and fiber, and adequate hydration. Extra requirement of iron, calcium, minerals, and multivitamnins must be supplied with the advice of a doctor. As the pregnancy progresses, your diet must be adjusted to meet your body’s needs, work style, and any associated conditions.
Adequate nutrition and hydration improve the chances of a vaginal birth. Adequate rest is essential throughout pregnancy. This definitely helps to relax your body and makes it strong to manage the pain during birth. Sleeping on one side, upright sitting positions, pelvic tilts while exercising, ball exercises, and stair climbing can all help with natural birthing.
All low risk birthers can wait for the vaginal birth more safely than high risk pregnant moms. High-risk mothers those with hypertension, diabetes, anemia, obesity, heart disease, or any other associated physical conditions need more medical interventions.
During the nine months of pregnancy, we can focus on our psychological and emotional health. Body and mind awareness, knowing about the conception, growth pattern and style, which is very dynamic throughout the 9 months . Understanding the birthing canal, the forces working for birthing, and our much needed efforts while birthing the baby. If mom knows it better, she will navigate the birthing day with confidence. Surround the people with and health care system upon whom we can trust and rely without confusion. Discuss and express your questions. So, as a team mother, doctor, and staff, we can all make this birthing journey safe and sound.
We all understand and desire normal and natural things based on our expectations and experiences. The most important thing we have to keep in our thoughts is two precious lives are involved in the process of natural birthing, so safety is the first priority, followed by efforts and then what we expect from the day of birth.
- Padmaja Jadhav
M.B.B.S.,D.G.O
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
High Risk Pregnancies Expert
