A Guide to Normal Childbirth

 

Introduction

Birth used to traditionally be a community and family event and not a medical event like it’s now become. Yes, there are times when medical help is required but at its very core it is a normal function of the body – a process that unfolds given the proper preparation of the body and the mind, the right environment, and proper support. With the advent of hospitals and modern obstetric care, it has become more and more medicalized. And with all the medical rigmarole and jargon surrounding it, women often feel like disempowered subjects in their own labor and birthing process.
This post is a great starting point in understanding the basic physiology of a normal birth.

What is a normal birth?

A normal birth or delivery, alternatively referred to as a vaginal birth or vaginal delivery, pertains to the natural childbirth process in which the infant is delivered through the birth canal (vagina), without the aid of surgical procedures like a cesarean section (C-section).

What is the difference between a natural and a normal birth?

Physiologic or natural labor and birth represent a specific category of normal birth that follows an unhurried and well-supported progression, accompanied by less intrusive monitoring. In the natural birth approach, women undergo spontaneous labor and delivery without the use of an epidural or other obstetric interventions, unless dictated by medical exigency.

Why do we need to learn (and talk about) the physiology of a normal birth?

When you learn about the natural process of giving birth (the physiology of birth), and get familiar with it, you empower yourself with assurance and confidence in your own self and your body.
Informed decision making
In today’s birth culture, informed decision-making should be a gold standard of care that must be accessible to every birthing family. Right from the investigations i.e. the blood work and ultrasound scans in pregnancy, to learning, understanding, and tuning into your body & baby, waiting for labor to begin to going through the experience, and finally the postnatal recovery process – through each stage of the journey it is crucial that the birthing family, especially the mother be empowered with information, support, and the opportunity to make decisions for herself. It is the first step you take as a parent.
Seeking out a care provider who is well-versed in shared responsibility and facilitates true informed decision-making can create a powerful and joyful experience for the birthing family.
Birth as an experience
Every birthing experience is distinctive. It’s an experience uniquely woven into your cellular fabric, shared only by you, your baby, and your family. At the same time, childbirth is as universal as it is unique. As a mother embarking on this path, you can educate yourself, observe, read, and engage in discussions about childbirth. Learning about birthing helps demystify it, diminishes fear, and enables the birthing family to approach the process with confidence.
In conclusion, comprehending and openly conversing about the physiology of childbirth is crucial for your holistic well-being during this transformative period. It allows you to make informed decisions, acknowledge the sacredness of each birth experience, and foster confidence, ultimately nurturing a positive journey into parenthood.

Having set the context, let us first meet the key catalysts of the process:

Hormones – messengers that facilitate the process of a normal birth

Hormones are the all-important chemical messengers released in the body that orchestrate childbirth. The delicate balance and the dance between the different hormones guide the whole process with incredible precision – facilitating the rhythmic contractions and retractions of the uterus and moving the labor along in each stage as it progresses, while also helping the mother to deal with the rigors of labor and the baby to cope with being an active participant in the whole process. Hormones cross the placenta to the baby during labor and birth. This enables the baby to cope with the rigors of the contractions, get into an optimal position, fire the neurons in the brain, and prepare the lungs for birth – basically to prepare for life outside the womb.Read more at  https://veiralife.com/a-guide-to-normal-childbirth/