• Normal birth is empowering for the mother. You play an active role in bringing your child into the world. • You avoid major surgery and its associated risks, including anaesthesia, and you won’t have a scar. With normal birth there is less risk of infection, blood clots or blood loss. • Research indicates that babies who pass through the birth canal have a decreased risk of certain because they are exposed to beneficial bacteria which colonise the baby’s intestines. • After the birth you can hold your baby immediately and start breast-feeding. • A recent study from Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that babies born by C-section were 15% more likely to become obese as opposed to those born vaginally. The increased risk may continue through adulthood. • If you’ve had a normal delivery, immune system disorders like allergies and asthma. This is
Birth options
of pain but can be left to wear off so you can still push your baby out.
Normal birth
You can also opt not to have continuous monitoring of the baby’s heart rate so you can move around freely during labour. At the last stages of labour your baby is born through your vagina and you deliver the placenta after the baby’s birth. Benefits of normal birth • Your stay in hospital is short – about one to three days. • Your recovery time after baby’s birth is much faster – around one to two weeks. • Natural birth is a process – each stage prepares baby for life outside the womb. Babies delivered naturally are less likely to develop respiratory problems as fluid is squeezed from their lungs during the birthing process.
You go into labour naturally and will not know exactly when your baby will be born. He or she may be born before or after your estimated due date. Once labour begins, you will go to hospital where you are monitored by staff on the maternity ward. As your labour progresses your cervix is monitored to see how quickly you are dilating. An obstetrician or midwife will assist you during labour and will be present at the birth of your baby. Your spouse, partner or birthing assistant can also stay with you. You don’t have to opt for a vaginal birth without pain management – there are a number of options available, including an epidural procedure which blocks all sensation
You don’t have to opt for a vaginal birth without pain management...
you are less likely to need a C-section in a subsequent pregnancy.
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