How to Achieve an Unmedicated Childbirth

Let’s talk about successfully birthing unmedicated. I do try to avoid the term 'natural' birth because let's be real-- all birth is natural. If you are hoping to labor unmedicated, there are countless beneficial techniques/practices to implement to help you manage any discomfort and keep your labor progressing freely.

Tip 1: Use your breath.

Breathing techniques are a major asset for grounding and management of surges. You can use cleaning breaths, de-stressor breaths, and many other techniques. Specific breathing techniques are awesome and great to know, but when in doubt: just breathe. This will ensure that your uterus, placenta, and baby are all receiving a steady supply of oxygenated blood.

Tip 2: Work on reframing fears.

Have you ever heard of the fear, tension, pain cycle? Well, if we are fearful or anxious, our body will tense up. When we carry such tension in labor, we tend to fight each contraction rather than letting it wash over the body. This directly increases the amount of pain we feel. So, reframing your fears can help to broaden your perspective and allow you to fully surrender to the experience. Becoming educated can also help reduce worries; for example, perineal tearing. Educating yourself on ways to prevent tearing may help you feel more in control!

Tip 3: UFO.

Try to remain in positions that keep your body upright, forward, and open. This movement will encourage strong contractions, blood flow to your baby, and will utilize gravity to keep baby actively engaged in the pelvis. Changing positions every 30 minutes is a good guideline to follow. This will keep your labor progressing at a steady rate.

Tip 4: Trust in your body (and your baby).

You and your baby both instinctively know what to do. Childbirth education courses can help prepare you and provide further understanding of exactly what your body will instinctively do during labor to birth your baby. The unconditional support and encouragement (hello positive affirmations!) of a partner or doula can also increase your self-confidence!

Tip 5: Create a plan and have a supportive care team!

Create a detailed plan about when to go to your birthing location, how you would like your environment to feel, what coping techniques you plan to use, etc. Speak to your care provider and inquire about how they will support you in having an unmedicated birth. Another great team member to have on your side is a doula! Your doula can teach you all of the above techniques and help you achieve your ideal birth experience.

Remember: there is no right way to birth. No matter the path you choose, unmedicated or not, you are the boss of your birth. Envision your most positive birth experience and create a plan to make it happen!