Many women desire to have a natural childbirth. Discover some tips to help you when preparing for this monumental event, and ensure you create the best birthing environment.

1. Learn about childbirth
It’s important when preparing for a natural childbirth to learn all you can. Spend some time during your pregnancy finding out about the process, and how your body works. Giving birth is a natural process and your body is prepared to do it.

2. Talk with others and avoid horror story tellers
No, childbirth is not a walk in the park, but it is a beautiful, intense event that will change a woman’s life forever. Listen to stories of childbirth from women who have a positive outlook on it. Many women will have had difficult experiences, listen to their stories only if they can still remain positive about it in some way. I have had three childbirths, one that was quite difficult and long, but I don’t focus on that when I am talking to other mothers. I look at the positives of the birth such as the fact that I was blessed to have a great midwife to help me through the journey, and baby and I both came out healthy and happy. Everything that is worth having, is worth fighting for. I look at that childbirth as the one that really defined my power as a woman. Don’t spend time listening to stories that concentrate on pain or fear; listen to stories of joy, endurance and the excitement of bringing a child into the world.

3.  Learn about natural pain relief options
There are many things you can do to aid you in natural childbirth besides medication. One of the most important things my midwife and I talked about was how I wanted to handle discomfort, and what I needed from her. If you desire a natural childbirth, let your care provider know this, and tell them what you want. You can request that before medications are offered, they offer you things such as position changes, massage, a birthing ball, the tub, music, aromatherapy, visualization, hypnotherapy and definite positive reinforcement.

4. Consider having a doula
A doula is a wonderful addition to your birth plan. Doulas are trained and experienced professionals who are there to provide emotional, physical and educational support before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Studies have shown that having a doula can decrease complications and length of labor. You can also get help from your doula with breastfeeding which is a definite plus!  To learn more about doulas and to find one in your area you can visit DONA.