Benefits of Vaginal Birth

While being pregnant is something most women dream of, the idea of going into labor may scare you. It’s even truer if you’re a first time mom. From scenes on television and movies to stories from other mothers, the idea of being in excruciating pain for who knows how long can seem like a nightmare come true. Despite what you've heard, one of the best things that you can do for your body and for your baby is a vaginal birth. Natural vaginal births have extreme benefits for everyone involved and also make for a beautiful birthing experience.

• Vaginal births (non-induced) happen when your body is ready. This is one of the gentlest ways to bring your baby into the world. Letting your body work at its own pace is beneficial for you and the baby and there’s less chance of fetal distress. Letting labor happen in its own timing also lets you know (in most cases) that your baby is fully developed and can safely be bought into the world. 
• As your baby is being delivered, he or she passes through your birth canal. As your birth canal applies pressure, the amniotic fluid is removed from your baby’s lungs. This decreases the chances of your baby being born with respiratory complications. 
• Babies who pass through the birthing canal are also protected by bacteria they ingest! The bacteria moves to their intestines and helps to create a healthy immune system. Having a healthy immune system is important from birth and throughout adulthood :) 
• Mothers who deliver their children vaginally are also known to have much faster deliveries than those who don’t. When having a C-section the recovery time is a bit longer and recovery time is also much more difficult. After successful vaginal birth you’re able to move around quickly and get back to a healthy state. Shorter recovery times means that both you and baby can go home and get used to being in your own space. 
• Vaginal births produce fewer risks for getting scarred during labor. C-sections leave scars from the incision on the stomach. However, vaginal births leave no scaring unless there is tearing which is repaired with a few small stitches. 
• While complications can happen in any birthing experience, studies have shown that mothers who have C-section have higher mortality rates from those who don’t. Vaginal births also mean less interference from medical staff. 

By staying healthy and informed about your pregnancy you can increase your chances of being able to have a successful vaginal birth. For those looking to deliver naturally consider taking a natural birthing class to learn your options for pain management. The more natural your laboring process is, the better it is all around for mom and baby.

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