Many expecting mothers want to experience a natural birth – or at least as natural as possible. However, what you may consider to be a ‘natural’ birth might be very different from what your doctor, friends or sister consider to be a natural birth.

Does it mean no pain medication?

No intervention unless medically necessary?

Or simply having a vaginal delivery?

Whatever it is, a good obstetrician should support your wishes as much as possible. Discussing concerns you have during your regular prenatal appointments.

Here are some points you may like to address:

Vaginal birth

Most women do want to deliver vaginally, no matter how nerve-racking the prospect is. There's plenty of scientific evidence suggesting a vaginal birth may be preferable for both mother and baby. For example, it usually means a quicker recovery for the mum and babies receive ‘good’ bacteria when they pass through the birth canal.

Nevertheless, sometimes a caesarean may be necessary to ensure safe delivery of the baby and for the mother's health. If you've previously had a caesarean then you’d like to have a vaginal birth this time so ask your obstetrician about a VBAC.

Little or no pain medication

The typical medical pain relief options include a spinal epidural, the nitrous oxide and oxygen ‘gas’, or a pethidine or morphine injection. It is completely up to you if you choose to have one of these, or not.

Non-medical pain relief options include massage, a warm bath or shower, meditation, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, TENS machine, light bouncing and rocking on a labour ball, aromatherapy, heat packs, walking, and swaying your body. Some of these, such as hypnotherapy, will need researching well before the birth. Also ask your midwife for their suggestions while you’re in labour.