Normal Delivery Vs. Natural Birthing
Normal delivery, C-section, VBAC, Natural Birthing…When it comes to pregnancy and deliveries, medical jargon has become commonplace, and people use them even in daily conversations. What is interesting is that couples these days take the effort to research and read up on pregnancy and delivery methods even as they start the family planning process. I wholeheartedly appreciate and encourage their interest and enthusiasm to be fully participative in the pregnancy journey.
One of the questions that I am often asked by expectant parents is the difference between ‘normal delivery’ and ‘natural birthing’. Oftentimes, the terms are used interchangeably because they are both vaginal deliveries (wherein the woman pushes the baby out through the vaginal canal) but they are markedly different approaches to childbirth.
In a normal delivery, the woman is admitted to the hospital at the time of her delivery. Painkillers or medicines to induce labour may be given to reduce the discomfort and to speed up the childbirth process. This method became popular in the early 1900s in the West, when women (especially from rich families) wanted painless childbirth. Potent drugs were given to lull the mother into a semi-unconscious state (called ‘twilight sleep’), and the baby was pulled out using forceps. Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II went through ‘twilight sleep’ deliveries. However, the drugs used had harmful side-effects on many patients, and the practice was stopped by the 1970s. In due course, normal deliveries evolved to become primarily hospitalised deliveries, wherein safe painkillers and labour-inducing drugs may be given. The medicines given during a normal delivery are to be overseen and approved by the gynaecologist prior to being administered to the patient.
In natural birthing, we avoid the use of painkillers or labour-inducing medicines. Complete respect is given to the woman’s body and innate natural intelligence, and we wait for the woman’s body to go into labour on its own. Emotional support is crucial, and this is one of the reasons why we ask the husbands to be present and involved during the birthing process. The woman feels much stronger and positive when the husband is present. Moreover, when the couple embarks on this important step in their parenting journey together, the bond between them as a couple, and with their newborn as parents, is much stronger. If you are choosing natural birthing, I would advise doing so in a hospital or authorised facility to ensure complete safety.
Be it is a normal or natural birth, to ease the birthing process, we advise women to go through a series of pre-natal exercises that keep their body flexible and healthy without causing undue physical exertion. We also advise the women on their diet and lifestyle, so that they are healthy and happy in all ways.
Speak to your doctor about which option may be best suited for you. We are here to guide and support you through your parenting journey – one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences of your life.
