How to Prepare for Natural Birth
Let’s begin by clearing the air. At Barefoot Birth, we believe that all births are natural. Like the rising sun or the changing tides, few experiences in life are more natural than bringing new souls earthside.
What Is Natural Childbirth?
Natural childbirth is a term commonly used to describe an unmedicated birth, or a birthing experience without the use of an epidural or other medications for pain relief. Unmedicated births can happen in many different settings such as a hospital, birthing center, or in your own home.
Child birth can be an intense experience, but it’s also a normal experience. Women have been giving birth without medication for centuries. Your body was made for this. With thoughtful research and preparation, you can join the hundreds of Barefoot Birth families in having a safe, positive, and dare we say joyous birthing experience.
Make A Natural Birth Plan
Making a natural birth plan helps you visualize the details around your birthing experience, ease anxiety, limit surprises, and allows you to fully focus your attention on bringing your new baby earthside. Not sure where to start? Check out our blog on how to make a natural birth plan.
Take Natural Childbirth Classes
Natural childbirth classes will educate you about what to expect before, during, and after your birthing experience. They will also teach you how to minimize risk, and give you an opportunity to ask questions to an expert in a judgment-free environment. Natural childbirth classes ultimately help you build trust and confidence in your mind and body, and prepare you to have the best possible experience.
The natural childbirth classes at Barefoot Birth are taught by certified childbirth educator, Rachel Crissman. Our families learn things like:
Diet and exercise during your pregnancy
Taking care of your mental health
Communicating with your partner and birth team
Encouraging your baby throughout your pregnancy to land in optimal fetal positioning for labor
How massage and chiropractic care can benefit you in your pregnancy
The role of a doula and how they can support you
The stages of labor, when to call your midwife, and what to expect during labor
Induction techniques
What to expect in case of an emergency requiring hospital transfer
Postpartum preparations
We also offer a refresher class for experienced moms wanting to regain some confidence!
Choose The Right Holistic Pregnancy Provider
Selecting the right provider is a crucial step in preparing for your natural birth. You will want someone who respects your birth plan, has a low rate of emergency transfers, and actively works with parents to advocate for their wishes. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your provider and confident that they will support your unique needs when you go into labor.
Our holistic doulas have extensive experience supporting hundreds of families during pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum. They are an excellent resource to help you navigate every tiny detail, and craft a thoughtful birthing plan that meets your unique needs.
Prepare Yourself to Face Contractions
Learning how to relax through pain will do wonders for your natural birthing experience. Of course, this is easier said than done. If you stiffen your body during contractions, it will only intensify your pain and make your laboring experience more difficult. We recommend practicing pain management techniques ahead of time like meditation, breathing exercises, movement techniques, or even hypnotherapy.
Exercise During Pregnancy
You wouldn’t run a 5k without preparing for it, right? The same goes for giving birth, which becomes especially important when pushing. Regular exercise during your pregnancy helps prepare you for natural childbirth and makes labor easier (and even faster in some cases). The most beneficial exercises will work to build endurance, lengthen the pelvic floor, stretch the perineum, and strengthen your core and thighs. Start by checking out our five favorite exercises to prepare for natural childbirth.
Read Natural Birth Stories
Unmedicated childbirth requires you to come into the experience feeling mentally and physically strong and confident in your body’s abilities. Reading natural birth stories from real women can help you understand what to expect from your birthing experience and ease potential worries. Check out our Footprints page to read natural birth stories from Barefoot Birth families.
