Tips for Having a Natural Birth at a Hospital

As the big day nears for your little one’s debut, the urge to have a natural birthing experience is likely very high. Giving birth in a hospital is certainly a common consideration for most mothers.

There are some steps that you should take before and during your child’s birth in order to ensure that things go as smoothly as possible and that you can achieve your dream of wanting a natural birth. Below are a few suggestions on how you can effectively achieve your birthing goals. 

Would you like more detailed info preparing for a safe, successful natural birth?  Get our free pregnancy and birth planning guide, as well as our free childbirth mini-series.  Just enter your details below:


Before Your Due Date

1.      Educate yourself – There are a lot of misconceptions about a “natural” birth. Some women assume that as long as you don’t have a c-section, it’s still a natural birth. Others would assume that not taking an epidural equals natural birth. It is important that you become educated on what a natural birth is and how you want your personal birthing experience to be for you and your newborn baby. Learning more about the birthing process and the pros and cons to your decisions is ideal.

2.      Opt for a Doula – During natural birthing experiences it is certainly ideal to have a certified doula on hand for support. Even if you have your spouse for support, a doula has the expertise and knowledge to make sure that both you and the child are doing find. Doulas are there to help make the birthing experience more enjoyable. Most importantly, they are there to support the mother in whatever she might need to feel relaxed while the baby enters the world.

Labor Day

1.      Allow Labor to Flow – your baby and your body are fully aware of when it is time for labor to begin. Allow the natural process to occur on its own. If inducing is best (as it sometimes is for medical reasons), consider natural ways of inducing such as sexual intercourse, castor oil inductions, walking, or even nipple stimulation. You can talk with your doctor, doula, or midwife about other safe and natural methods.

2.      Move Around – walking or moving around in an upright position can decrease the length of labor. As long as you and your baby are not in any distress this should not be a problem to request to be off monitors and moving around.

3.      Do Not Use Medications – yes, the pain can become difficult at times to deal with. But if you’re looking to achieve a natural birth it is going to be important that you don’t use medications of any kind unless there is a real medical need for it.

4.      Push Correctly – When you are flat on your back pushing your baby out is much more complex. When sitting in a more upright position, gravity can actually assist you in getting your baby out more effectively. It can also help in reducing the need for assisted deliveries with forceps and vacuums, and decreases the possibility of needing an episiotomy.

By following these tips you are sure to achieve the natural birth you always dreamed of, even while staying in a hospital. Once your baby comes out, remember to request to hold them right after. This helps in supporting breastfeeding and also allows for the child and mother to bond right away. 

Would you like more detailed info preparing for a safe, successful natural birth?  Get our free pregnancy and birth planning guide, as well as our free childbirth mini-series.  Just enter your details below:

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