Families For Life | A Must-Have Guide to Natural Birth

As a first-time mother, the idea of a natural birth may be daunting and worrying, especially if you’ve come across horror stories about it. Not to worry, we’ll give you the lowdown on what happens so that you can be mentally prepared for the delivery of your newborn!

How does it get during labour?

We’ll be honest – labour is going to be one of the most unglamorous experiences you’ll ever have, but it’ll be worth it to see your baby at the end of it!

Once your mucus plug passes and your contractions begin, you will progressively enter the more active stages of labour. This is when you may start to push under your doctor’s guidance.

In the midst of all that pushing, you might unintentionally push waste out too, and that’s absolutely alright. The doctors have seen it all at this point, and they aren’t going to be concerned about it. They are there to help you and your baby have a smooth delivery and a little poop will not deter them from that!

How much will it hurt?

We won’t lie and say that it doesn’t hurt at all. While your doctors and nurses will do their best to help you get comfortable, pain levels will vary for different individuals. However, rest assured that there will be pain relief options available to put you at as much ease as possible. Discuss these options with your doctor early so you know what to include in your birth plan!

1. Epidural

Most of us know what this is since it is usually the go-to option. This is an anaesthetic that is delivered via injection through the lower back, and allows you to be fully awake during labour.

2. Entonox (Laughing Gas)

This is another popular option and is least invasive. A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is breathed in intermittently to reduce stress and pain on the mother during labour.

3. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation

Another less invasive option, where currents are passed along your body through electrode pads on your back to stimulate endorphins which also reduces stress and pain. This method has to be administered early to be effective as it takes 30 minutes to kick in.

4. Pethidine

This drug helps to relieve pain for the mother during labour and is typically injected in the thigh or the buttock.

Your doctor will be able to advise you on which option is the safest and most suitable for you. Whatever you choose, remember to take deep breaths during your labour to trick your mind into relaxing, even if you are anxious (understandably so!).

Will they cut my perineum during labour?

The perineum is the skin between your vagina and your anus, which can tear during labour for some women. In order to prevent trauma to the skin in that area if it tears in every direction, the doctor will professionally perform an episiotomy, a cut on your perineum. This might sound painful, but remember that you will most likely have pain-relief options in place. This will also help your affected areas heal better during recovery!

At the end of your labour, seeing your healthy and happy baby will make all that work worth it! Discuss any other worries you may have with your doctor so that they can put your mind at ease. At the end of the day, your healthcare professionals just want the same thing as you – for you to deliver safely!