Natural childbirth is the preferred type because it requires little medical intervention. Nature knows best about biological processes, and medical intervention should be used only when necessary. Natural birth benefits both the mother and the child.
Here are a few reasons why mothers should choose natural birthing unless there are compelling reasons to do otherwise:
Risk is reduced
Avoiding any surgical procedures or medications benefits both the mother and child by lowering any risks associated with childbirth. Drugs increase the risk of prolonged labor and may also result in a slow development of the baby in the first month.
Unnecessary disruptions
When injections or other medications cause labor, the baby may develop autism or other neurological disorders. Natural childbirth can help to avoid these problems.
Lower risk of blood transfusion
When released in higher amounts, hormones like Oxytocin can decrease the risk of pneumonia and blood transfusion. Getting a cesarean section procedure can increase these risks.
Breastfeeding comfortably
A Caesarean section is a major surgical procedure that takes weeks to heal. This may be difficult for the new mother because she must adjust her posture in various ways to feed her baby. On the other hand, natural birth helps you to breastfeed easily, as you can recover from childbirth faster. The length of hospital stays for women who have cesareans is significantly longer than for women who have natural births.
Improves the baby’s brain development
Natural birth promotes the production of proteins in the baby’s brain, which aids in brain development and function. A cesarean section delivery does not stimulate the body to release these proteins, so the baby misses out on this critical benefit.
Easier and better recovery
the natural way, and pushing through the discomfort during labor does pay off. Studies have shown that women who have had a cesarean section take more time to recover than women who have had a standard delivery. A cesarean section is a major surgery that requires time to heal. It takes nearly 50% longer to recover than a typical recovery period.
Lower risk of respiratory problems
Babies born via cesarean section do not experience hormonal changes during labor. These hormonal changes aid in lung development, allowing the lungs to function optimally.
Allows for a regular diet
According to research, a lack of nutritional support during labor can result in maternal dehydration, ketosis, hyponatremia, and increased maternal stress. Women who give birth naturally in a hospital or birthing center can eat and drink freely, which keeps their energy levels up during labor.
Natural childbirth benefits babies in the gut
Babies born via cesarean section are more prone to asthma, allergies, and infections in the long run. Without natural birth, the babies miss out on the beneficial bacteria in the mother’s body. This is important for the child’s immune system. Having a child through natural birth increases the baby’s chances of surviving many health complications and provides them with the bacteria they need to fight other diseases.
Pain-relieving hormones
Each hormone plays a vital role in keeping the mother and child safe. Oxytocin and endorphins, two pain-relieving hormones, are released during childbirth. After giving birth, these hormones leave the mother energized and happy. Oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “love hormone.” It also aids in the prevention of postpartum depression.
Why choose a natural birth? In the end, the benefits of natural birth determine the response to that query on their own. They require our cooperation as childbirth educators to understand how beautifully nature’s design functions. Natural childbirth brings excellent delight to confident women who are supported, encouraged and have the flexibility to access their wisdom. Mother and baby are ideally prepared to continue their trip together through the process.
In some cases, women, due to pregnancy complications, must choose to have a cesarean section. To be clear, there is nothing inherently dangerous about the cesarean procedure, but natural childbirth has numerous advantages. Going natural reduces postpartum complications, promotes faster recovery, and produces a more robust, healthier baby.
Reference
Ten benefits of natural childbirth: Pros and cons. Apollo Cradle. (2022, August 30). Retrieved December 12, 2022, from https://www.apollocradle.com/10-benefits-natural-childbirth/