The rate of caesarian birth is rising.  Statistics show that almost one in 4 of us will have a C/S section.  These are alarming numbers, so this year (2010) the Australian government has introduced a policy entitled ‘Towards Normal Birth’.  It was developed to give women and their carers more support and information about achieving a normal / natural birth. 

Natural (or ‘Normal’) Birth is defined as having a baby vaginally with no intervention.  ‘Towards Normal Birth’ aims to inform pregnant women of the benefits of normal birth, improve and promote the use of water as a birth strategy, and promote continuity of care during pregnancy.  The policy also allows for debriefing of women who have had to have a caesarian birth, and will therefore promote the spread of information regarding VBAC (Vaginal birth after caesarian).  This is all great news for birth in Australia. 

Most birth classes,including the Birthing Sense Birth Education DVDs, will give women information that is pertinent to optimising their chances for a natural birth.  Pain relief comes in many forms- we don’t have to think of ‘drugs’ first!  Water is a fantastic way of reducing the pain (or improving the comfort) of the labouring woman.  The warmth and the buoyancy of the water allow for movement (in a bath) whilst being a great pain reliever. 

Our bodies are amazing machines.  We also get into a ‘zone’ when we birth.  In the Birthing Sense Birth Education DVDs, independent midwife, Jane talks about the focus required by an elite runner before a race.  This is the ‘zone’ that new mother’s enter- it enables our endorphins to pump through our bodies and our mind to focus on the job at hand – the job of moving the baby through the pelvis!  Remaining in ‘the zone’ is another contributing factor in achieving a natural birth.

Support people are also imperative to natural birth.  A support person WORKS.  They work hard to allow the labouring woman to stay focussed- they massage, they physically support (helping with various positions etc), and they support emotionally.  A Doula is a professional support person who has studied to improve your chances of achieving a natural birth, because they support you and help to maintain your focus.  

Continuity of care, and trust, also come from the support people you choose at the beginning of your pregnancy.  It’s not just about who is going to be with you for the birth of your baby.  Choose your support people wisely.  Ask questions and inform yourself about birth.  

Improve your chances of achieving a natural birth.  Talk to a midwife, be informed (ie don’t be scared of birth education), and train your support people to support you through your labour.