
Natural Birth
Natural birth is the process of giving birth that starts spontaneously as long as there is no medical obstacle. Natural birth is minimally interfered with. The mother's contractions begin on their own. No medication or medical intervention is applied during labor, and the baby is placed on the mother's chest immediately after birth.
A natural birth should always be overseen by a doctor who is an expert in this field, along with their team. The doctor and team create an ideal environment that supports natural birth. They ensure the mother is both mentally and physically prepared for delivery.
During a natural birth, intervention is avoided as much as possible. The mother’s body and the baby instinctively know what to do throughout the process. Therefore, they work together as an extraordinary team.
Interventions can disrupt the delicate balance of the birth process. The ideal approach is to provide an environment that supports this process while maintaining control so that immediate medical action can be taken if necessary.
Is There No Medical Intervention in Natural Birth?
The philosophy of natural birth does not completely reject modern medical interventions. Natural birth takes place in an environment where medical help can be provided quickly to the mother and baby if needed. In natural birth philosophy, it is essential to apply routine medical checkups to every mother and to allow birth to occur naturally under appropriate conditions.
It is not recommended to aim for birth without any intervention or monitoring. Providing assistance when necessary helps ensure the process concludes in the healthiest way. Therefore, natural birth should be as intervention-free as possible while focusing on the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
What Are the Advantages of Natural Birth?
The greatest advantage of natural birth is that medical intervention is kept to a minimum. Since medication use is limited, it does not negatively affect the secretion of hormones that initiate labor.
In a birth with minimal medication and intervention, the mother will fully experience the intensity and joy of childbirth. The baby will be more active and responsive since it is not affected by drugs. The hormones released during birth are incredibly beneficial for both the mother and the baby, and they naturally facilitate the birth process.
What Are the Core Principles of Natural Birth Philosophy?
- Labor should begin on its own without any intervention.
- Freedom of movement during labor is one of the most important factors. The mother does not have to remain lying down. She should start labor in the position that feels most comfortable for her.
- A supportive physical and emotional environment should be provided for the mother throughout labor.
- Routine procedures should be avoided. For example, highly concentrated IV fluids are often administered routinely to every pregnant woman. The philosophy of natural birth avoids such practices.
- Freedom to push in upright and natural positions should be encouraged during delivery.
- Immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby should be established right after birth.