Women are inherently capable of giving birth. They have a deep intuitive instinct about birth, and when supported, are very capable of giving birth without interventions and suffering.
Benefits to the mother
- Unrestricted movement lessens pain and allows a women to find her own optimum position to labor and birth
- Freedom to customize her labor choices.
- For example can eat and drink in labor
- Can use a birthing pool to reduce pain and to promote comfort, relaxation and less stress
- Use of Birthing pools lessens swelling and lowers blood pressure
- Easier to move and relax in a birth pool
- At home or at the birth-center, a familiar environment and known caregivers promotes less stress and greater relaxation
- Significantly lower rates of third and fourth degree tears from delivery
- Free of narcotic anesthesia
- Higher rates of breastfeeding
- Shorter recovery time
- Lower C-section rates
- Less likely to have complications in future pregnancies
Benefits to baby
- Unrestricted movement of mother promotes better oxygenation to baby and optimal fetal positioning for birth
- Babies are more alert when mothers don’t have narcotic anesthesia which promotes bonding and lessens stress
- Babies born vaginally are imparted beneficial bacteria and probiotics which are further promoted by skin to skin and early breastfeeding
- Painful procedures and separation are avoided which lessens stress and promotes early breastfeeding and bonding
- Less respiratory distress due to gentler births
- Delayed cord clamping promotes oxygenation during transition and less anemia
Benefits to family
- Promotes intimacy of the birthing couple
- Customizes your personal preferences for your birth.
- Fathers are more hands on and involved
- Fathers that are more hands on and involved promotes bonding
- Early bonding with siblings
- Lower cost and disruption to the family when mother is NOT hospitalized