A natural birthing experience is desired by many expecting mothers…But what does ‘Natural Birth’ really mean? For some women it means a vaginal birth with little or no medical interventions, for some it means a vaginal birth without pain medications (or without an epidural), for others it may mean any accomplished vaginal birth, and not a cesarean section.
Nearly a third of babies in this country are delivered by cesarean section. The more recent adoption of early skin-to-skin contact and intraoperative breastfeeding, not only benefit maternal-infant bonding, but also benefits the baby in terms of earlier success with breastfeeding. It simulates a more ‘natural birthing’ experience, preventing the feeling of ‘disconnect’ for the parents of cesarean section babies, while separated from their baby in the operating suite.
As a practicing Ob/Gyn, I hold no strict or definite definition of ‘Natural Birth’. I allow the patient to decide and define whatever ‘Natural Birth’ means to them.
Suzanne Hall, MD (@drsuzyyhall)
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