How many of us have had a natural birth?

[human bean]

I consider DD a natural birth, I had 1 internal and that was actually at my Ob's office for a check up, not realising I was in established labour and finding out I was 8cm. Was sent to the hospital, and they used the doppler a few times, but otherwise that was it. The bath was my drug and I pushed when I needed to, placenta arrived by itself about 40 minutes after DD did.

[Madham]

I have with DD almost 15 years ago, no intervention no drugs not even a doctor.
DS i had no intervention but had pethidine once other than that it was natural.

[misty]

I have had 3 completely natural births. The first one they broke my waters though (at pushing stage), because bubs got distressed and the sack was preventing her from getting out.

Not through choice.

If I had of had the choice, I would have had epidurals with all three. I will be hoping for an epidural this time round - but given the history of quick labours (the last was under 2hrs) and that my hospital is about a 40min drive from my house, I'm not really holding out much hope.

[Catherine]

This is an interesting question. I agree with what rouge said about empowered birth.

We chose a hospital that had a midwife led program, and had the lowest intervention rate in NSW. They were very open and encouraging of active labour. The birth class focused on natural pain relief (heat packs, bath, shower, movement, breathing), and told of available interventions, and when you might choose to use them. It is a baby friendly hospital, so breastfeeding was encouraged and well supported too. So for us, this was the right choice.

If you want a natural birth, being empowered is essential. That means finding your best support and location. Be it home, birth centre, hospital or some other location, by yourself, with your partner, with a doula, a midwife or an OB (or a combination of all these).