by Anne Warchol

Created on: September 29, 2009   Last Updated: October 02, 2009

Childbirth Is Not Painful

Surprised to hear those words? Why not discover a few methods available to ensure your birthing experience is a family-oriented event and not a medical occurrence? Forget the horror stories of painful childbirth and consider a natural, vaginal delivery, where pain is transformed to surges of energy and strong muscular contractions. Is childbirth painful? Only if you believe it is.

This article covers a few alternative methods for a normal vaginal delivery, sans pain.

I delivered all three of my children using the Lamaze method, with no artificial and foreign drugs intervening in the natural process. It's true, no one wins a badge for delivering a baby naturally and epidural blocks can reduce the intensity of the labor.

Moms I know who have used artificial intervention are detached from the birthing process. I wanted front and center stage for all my deliveries and although I have no badge, the simple pleasure of knowing I was able to fulfill my motherhood duties without medical intervention still thrills me.

Natural childbirth empowers women. It instills self-confidence. But this is not why women choose it. They are not trying to prove their worth or be martyrs.

http://www.givingbirthnaturally.com/

HYPNOBIRTHING (The Mongan Method)

http://www.hypnobirthing.com/

This birthing practice involves the use of hypnosis to induce a feeling of relaxation and comfort. Contrary to objections, no one, other than the mother controls her mind. This hypnosis distracts the laboring mom, using techniques that induce a mental state of calmness.

Read more on this technique in several publications, including a video on Foxnews.com

http://www.hypnobirthing.com/hb_news.htm

THE BRADLEY METHOD (HUSBAND COACHED CHILDBIRTH)

This method of natural childbirth requires enrollment in a twelve week course focused on ensuring healthy babies, parents and families. The intimacy of small classes ensures a personal touch.

The Bradley Method is registered and can only be taught by teachers affiliated with The Academy.

http://www.bradleybirth.com/

LAMAZE

Lamaze is the most familiar term heard when discussing natural childbirth. The emphasis has shifted from the original technique where a mom focuses on an object while breathing. They strive to promote safe and natural birth experiences for the entire family.

Lamaze is a nonprofit organization that promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting

http://www.lamaze.org/

WATERBIRTHING

Does the term Waterbirthing scare you? Not to worry, your baby will not drown.

Imagine walking from your warm house out into a snow storm without a coat. Such is a child's entrance from womb to world.

http://www.waterbirth.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=3856 4&orgId=wi

More intriguing insights into the magical world of natural childbirth.

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/naturalchildbirth/Natu ral_Childbirth.htm

Happy Baby!

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