Childbirth methods – knowing your options

© The U.S. National Archives (Flickr) Woman Who Has Just Given Birth in the Delivery Room of Loretto Hospita
© The U.S. National Archives (Flickr)

Natural delivery remains the most preferred way of giving birth because mothers who gave birth by vaginal birth recover faster than those who underwent surgeries. It is less expensive, too. You also get to breastfeed your baby soon after giving birth. Because of the benefits and popularity of vaginal birth, it has been modified by coupling it with pain management techniques, such as hypnobirthing, lamaze, and the Bradley method.

Hypnobirthing makes use of hypnotherapy in childbirth. It helps you to understand pregnancy and the birthing process as well as how your body is designed for it. With this method, you are encouraged to trust the whole process so that you can stay calm yet fully in control. It frees you from fear and tension during pregnancy labour by understanding that the surges are normal and the ideal way to deal with the pain is to relax so that your muscles can function as they should and your body would release endorphins, which are your natural analgesics.

In lamaze method, your attention is diverted away from pain onto the breathing techniques learned early in pregnancy classes. Women get to learn early about breathing practices, concentration, and relaxation.

In the Bradley method of natural delivery, your partner takes a crucial role. As a couple, you get to practice different relaxation and pain management techniques so that when it is time for your childbirth you are conditioned to relax from the soothing voice and touch of your partner.

There are instances when giving birth naturally without intervention can pose real harm to your health and your baby. When certain circumstances call for it, an assisted vaginal delivery using forceps or vacuum extractor may be necessary to assist you in child delivery.

Cesarean delivery is another option when natural childbirth is not safe. In this method, an incision is made on the abdomen and the uterus to take the baby out. It is often recommended when the baby is too large, in the breech position, or in distress.