Natural vs Managed Birth

Sharing is caring, please pass this along!

Just this week, I had two friends birthing, with two very different experiences and outcomes. After my first birth I became a strong proponent FOR natural, unmanaged, unmedicated births. In other words, birthing the way God made our bodies to birth.

And after listening to the two birth stories, I am convinced that the way we birth in modern society not only does much harm to our bodies but also colours our entire birthing experience.

We believe that we have been fully redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ and therefore, we are no longer under the curse of the pain of childbirth. Yes, labour is hard work and so we must nourish our bodies and prepare for it by being good stewards of our bodies. And yes, sometimes a natural birth is not possible. But that is not the norm.

The friend who believed and prayed for a supernatural childbirth experienced it herself. She was so high after her birth that she couldn’t sleep till the next day! But the one who went in expecting pain and misery got what she expected. She was so tired out after the birth she couldn’t even hold the baby to nurse! And of course she swore never ever to have any more children.

Why the different outcomes? Simply put, one put her trust in God and birthed the way He intended for women to birth while the other didn’t.

Besides praying and standing on the promises of God, what else can be done to ensure a natural birth? Now, I am no doula, nor am I a trained midwife. But there are basic things that can be done that will have you avoid a managed and medicated birth that results in the mum feeling worn out.

Firstly, pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and wisdom. What works for one may not work for you. Our God is interested in our relationship with Him, not in operating as a formula! You need to be close to God to hear what He is saying to you about your pregnancy and labour.

Next, equip yourself with knowledge. Don’t just accept what you are told. As a popular saying goes, “There are many ways to skin a cat.” Read your standard books and then read your alternative option books. Educate yourself.

Then comes the practical part that I consider most important when labour starts – never, never go to the hospital early. The more you desire a natural birth, the later you should go in! Please note that if you have a medical condition and need to be in the hospital early for monitoring, then go! Don’t be stubborn about it. I am talking about the majority of us who have smooth and uncomplicated pregnancies.

Why is not going in early important? The earlier you go in, the more you will be subjected to unnecessary tests and procedures AND you may be subjected to a timing set in place by the doctor. (Eg. “You need to be dilated __cm by such a time or we’ll have to induce you).”)

Some of these unnecessary tests and procedures include the breaking of the waterbag and numerous, very uncomfortable vaginal examinations to check your cervix dilation. All these are very stressful events for your labouring body and many times your labour can stall because of it. Trust me, labouring at home is by far the most comfortable!

That’s what happened to my two friends. One went in and birthed in 15minutes. This was her 2nd birth. The other went in the moment her waterbag burst at 5am and didn’t birth the baby till 12hrs later at 5pm! It was her 3rd birth.

You do not need to panic and call the doctor the moment contractions start or when you have a show or when your waterbag bursts. Contractions need to be regular and progressive before you rush off to the hospital. You do have some leeway after your waterbag bursts.

Shows can happen for days or even weeks before labour starts. But if you are near your EDD, most doctors will err on the side of caution and ask you to check in to check you. That is why you need to equip yourself with knowledge so that you know what is happening.

You need to pray to know when you should stay put and when you should go. This is especially so for first time mothers.

There are many other things you can do in the practical sense to avoid a managed, medicated birth (choosing a doctor wisely definitely helps!) but like I said, I am not a doula nor a midwife. You can find many of these tips by reading and surfing on the internet. These three points are what I would like to highlight to you to start you off.

Once you have had your natural or better still, supernatural birth, you will enjoy your births and not face it with fear and trepidation.

Sharing is caring, please pass this along!