Preparing for Natural Birth: What Every Michigan Mom Needs to Know

Introduction: Benefits of Natural Birth

Choosing how to bring your baby into the world is one of the most personal and empowering decisions you’ll make as a mom. For many, the idea of a natural birth—one that minimizes medical intervention and allows the body to lead the process—can be incredibly appealing. Admittedly, the word ‘natural’ gets thrown around a lot, in the birth and wellness space, or even on packaging (e.g., “contains natural flavors,” “all-natural skincare”), so it’s important to get specific about what we mean. We could alternatively use “physiological birth” or “mother-led birth,” which of course for all of history, before the advent of hospitals and anesthesia, was just called…birth :)

The benefits of natural birth go beyond the physical; it’s about embracing the full experience of childbirth in a way that is empowering and transformational. How you prepare for and experience birth can have a lasting effect on the rest of your parenting journey and decision-making process. Will you automatically accept the standard medical care model that is designed by insurance companies, lawyers, and administrators, or will you work with your body and your intuition to advocate for your and your child’s best interests?

Will you automatically accept the standard medical care model that is designed by insurance companies, lawyers, and administrators, or will you work with your body and your intuition to advocate for your and your child’s best interests?

Natural/physiological birth allows for greater control and active participation in the birthing process. It often leads to a quicker recovery, as the body hasn’t been subjected to interventions like epidurals or C-sections. Additionally, natural birth can foster a stronger start to mother-baby bonding and breastfeeding immediately after delivery, thanks to the uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and baby-led breastfeeding. Moreover, many women who choose natural birth report a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, knowing they navigated the birth process in a way that felt true to them. If this approach does not appeal to you, that is perfectly fine! The beauty of our advanced medical technology is that for those who want or medically need interventions to bring baby earthside, many options are available. The main takeaway is that these are options, not mandates, and women have the right to choose how they prepare for and experience labor and birth. 

Choosing the Right Birth Setting

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning a natural birth is where you want to give birth. The setting can have a significant impact on your birth experience, so it’s important to choose a location that aligns with your goals and comfort level.

Hospital Birth

Hospitals offer the reassurance of medical support if needed, making them a popular choice for many moms and their partners. However, the hospital environment can sometimes be more clinical and less conducive to the natural birth experience you might be seeking. It’s essential to communicate your birth plan clearly to ensure your wishes are respected. Some hospitals in Michigan offer midwife-led birthing centers within the hospital, which can provide a more home-like environment while still having access to medical care.

Birth Center 

Birth centers offer a middle ground between home and hospital births. These centers are designed to be comfortable, homelike, and supportive of natural birth. They typically have midwives and doulas who specialize in natural birthing techniques and prioritize a non-interventionist approach. Birth centers are equipped to handle most natural births but have protocols in place for transferring to a hospital if complications arise.

Home Birth

For those seeking the most intimate and personal birth experience, a home birth may be the right choice. This option allows you to be in your familiar environment, surrounded by your chosen support team. Home births are generally overseen by a midwife who is trained to manage natural births and monitor the health of both mother and baby. While home birth can offer the most control and comfort, it’s important to have a backup plan in case a transfer to a hospital becomes necessary. 

In Michigan, there are several well-regarded birth centers and home birth midwives who can support you in whichever setting you choose. It’s important to visit and interview potential birth locations to see which one resonates with you and your vision for your birth.

Preparing Your Mind and Body

A successful natural birth begins long before you go into labor. Preparing both your mind and body is crucial to having the experience you desire.

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Childbirth can be as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Preparing your mind involves building confidence in your body’s ability to birth naturally and creating a positive mindset. Practices like prenatal yoga, meditation, and visualization can be incredibly beneficial. Visualization, where you mentally rehearse the birth you want, can help reduce fear and anxiety. Affirmations are another powerful tool—repeating positive statements like, “My body knows how to birth this baby,” can help reinforce your belief in your ability to have a natural birth. The reality is that through media and word-of-mouth horror stories, our programmed beliefs about birth can be scary and dramatic. Reprogramming subconscious and conscious beliefs are crucial in preparing for a natural birth. When labor feels challenging, you will need to know deep down, below your conscious awareness, that you are safe and capable. This will allow your body’s built-in birthing capabilities to do their thing.

Body Preparation 

Physical preparation for natural birth involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle throughout pregnancy. Regular exercise, particularly activities that strengthen your core and pelvic floor, can make a big difference. Pelvic floor exercises, such as those done in prenatal pilates or yoga, help prepare your body for the demands of labor and delivery. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients is also essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health during pregnancy.

In addition to exercise and diet, attending childbirth education classes that focus on natural birth can provide you with practical tools and techniques. These classes often cover topics like labor positions, breathing techniques, and what to expect during each stage of labor. 

Managing Labor Sensations 

One of the most common concerns about natural birth is how to manage the sometimes intense sensations. While it’s true that natural birth involves experiencing the full intensity of labor, there are several effective pain management techniques that don’t require medication. 

Breathing Techniques

Controlled breathing can help manage the sensations and challenges of labor. In general, deeper breaths are calming to the nervous system, and it is important to keep a steady flow of oxygen for mom and baby through labor and delivery. Focusing on your breath can act as an anchor during labor, helping you stay grounded and focused.

Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing is a technique that uses self-hypnosis, visualization, and deep relaxation to help manage sensations and reduce fear during childbirth. The idea is to enter a deeply relaxed state, where your body can work more efficiently, and intense sensations are perceived differently (thanks to the naturally-released Oxytocin!). Many women who use hypnobirthing report a more peaceful, controlled birth experience. Hypnobirthing courses are available both in-person and online, and practicing regularly before labor can make a significant difference, even if you do end up deciding to use medication or other interventions. 

Movement and Positioning

Changing positions during labor can help ease discomfort and promote the baby’s descent. Upright positions like walking, squatting, or using a birthing ball can help gravity do its work and make contractions more effective. Some women find relief in hands-and-knees positions or lying on their side. Trusting your instincts and moving in ways that feel right to you can make a big difference in your comfort level during labor.

The Role of a Supportive Birth Team

Having a supportive birth team is crucial to achieving a natural birth. Your team should include people who respect your birth plan and are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

Midwives and Doulas

Midwives are trained professionals who specialize in supporting natural births. They often take a holistic approach, focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of childbirth. Note that there are some differences among differently certified midwives.

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs)

These midwives are nurses who have completed graduate school and are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. They are licensed in every state and specialize in reproductive health. CNMs can provide general care, order lab tests, and prescribe medication. They often practice in hospitals and support women during pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Certified midwives (CMs)

These midwives have a background in a health-related field other than nursing and graduate from a masters-level midwifery education program. They have similar training to CNMs and conform to the same standards, but they don't need to have a nursing component.

Certified professional midwives (CPMs)

These midwives often attend births in homes and birth centers.

Doulas, while not medical professionals, provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout labor and delivery. Doulas have attended many births and know how to anticipate the needs of the laboring mother as well as her support person. Studies have shown that women who have continuous support from a doula are more likely to have a positive birth experience and less likely to need medical interventions.

Studies have shown that women who have continuous support from a doula are more likely to have a positive birth experience and less likely to need medical interventions.

Partner and Family Support

Your partner or chosen family members can also play a crucial role in your natural birth. Their support, encouragement, and presence can help you stay focused and confident. It’s important to communicate your wishes and involve them in the preparation process so they can fully support you during labor. Having the birth you want may mean saying “no” to someone you love being with you during labor and delivery. You know yourself and your relationships best and can determine who will calm you and who may cause you to feel anxious or second-guess your own instincts.

Medical Professionals

If you’re giving birth in a hospital, having a supportive OB-GYN or midwife who respects your desire for a natural birth is essential. Make sure to discuss your birth plan in advance and choose a provider who has experience with and a positive attitude toward natural birth. During your stay you will likely have several different Labor & Delivery nurses. Each will have a different perspective on supporting natural birth and breastfeeding, so you may need to communicate your preferences to each new nurse at shift change. 

Conclusion: Empowering Michigan Moms for Natural Birth

Choosing a natural birth is a powerful way to embrace the full experience of bringing your baby into the world. By carefully selecting your birth setting, preparing your mind and body, learning labor management techniques, and building a supportive birth team, you can create a birth experience that is both empowering and fulfilling.

Remember, your birth is your own, and it’s important to choose what feels right for you and your baby. With the right preparation and support, you can approach your natural birth with confidence and strength, knowing that your body is fully capable of this transformative experience that generations of women have gone through before us (which is how we're at all - thanks great-grandma!).