by Shannon Lawrence

Created on: September 28, 2009   Last Updated: October 02, 2009

Natural Birthing Methods for Drug-Free Delivery

Childbirth is often described as a beautiful thing, a mystical experience, and the most wonderful day of a woman's life. While it is all these and more, it's also a painful experience, as much as some women may deny this (while others might pound it into your head the second you mention trying to get pregnant). There's no reason to fear this pain, though, and neither is there a reason you can't avoid medications and drugs in your child birthing experience. There are many methods available to aid in a natural childbirth, with the methods in this article being but a handful.

One of the better known methods is Lamaze. Lamaze classes simply teach you the best ways to care for yourself and your unborn child, educate you on the processes and stages of birth, and give you methods to cope with the pain. Primarily, your coping mechanisms through Lamaze involve breathing through contractions and focusing on a peaceful item. Breathing exercises can help relax your muscles, as well as insure you don't hold your breath or hyperventilate, both of which can make things harder. In Lamaze classes, women learn that lying on your back isn't the best way to give birth, which has become the modern standard. In fact, Lamaze International says "[...]74% of women gave birth lying on their backs" (http://www.lamaze.org/ChildbirthProfessionals/Resour cesforProfessionals/CarePracticePapers/tabid/90/Defa ult.aspx). They also encourage women to stay in shape physically, teaching exercises and diet help that are best for this. Being in shape will help a woman's body deliver the baby more easily, and the easier it is for your body, the easier it is for you!

Hiring a doula, while not a method in itself, is another good way to insure a natural childbirth. Unlike labor nurses and doctors, a doula will attend your birth, and yours alone. She will be there to support you and help reduce your pain through natural means. According to DONA International, "Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications[...]" and "[...]reduces the mother's request for pain medications and/or epidurals" http://www.dona.org/mothers/why_use_a_doula.php. Doulas are well-versed in labor and delivery, as well as methods to get through them. They'll lend you the attention you need to insure a pleasant birthing experience, which includes helping you find a comfortable position to labor in, providing

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