What is Natural Child Birth?

Just what is natural child birth? Many women think it’s when you have a vaginal birth. Some think a natural birth is one that happens outside of the hospital. Many women are surprised to find out that a natural birth can include both of those answers.

A Definition

A natural child birth is all about a woman giving birth anywhere WITHOUT the intervention of medical devices (scalpel, syringe, forceps, etc.). This can happen in a hospital, or outside of a hospital. This also includes vaginal deliveries, but not always. Typically natural birth occurs in three places: a hospital, birth centers or at home.

Getting Started

Mothers who are interested in having a natural birth start by choosing their attendant. Some mothers may pick an OB/GYN that is familiar with natural birthing techniques. Other mothers seek out midwives or doulas to be their birth attendant. A rare few (although their numbers are growing) seek to educate themselves to be prepared to be their own attendant or opt to prepare a family member or other trusted persons to be the attendant. This is called an unassisted childbirth.

No Matter What, BE INFORMED

No matter who attends their birth or where their birth is planned to happen, natural mothers should always be educated on how to birth naturally. Many mothers don’t even know the basics of what’s going on in their bodies during labor. They are oblivious to the hormones that react to certain thoughts and cause a more pleasant or more challenging labor. Some mothers may think they can not have a natural birth because of a previous condition, like a prolapsed uterus. Any mother considering natural birth should seek out websites, books, magazines, home birth videos, a birth documentary and even anecdotal stories told by word of mouth to educate, empower and inspire her on her journey towards a natural birth.


Click here if you would like to see natural childbirth in a childbirth video.

To see clips of the Doula! film and read an interview of the film's creator, click here

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