I really like the idea of an 'optimal' birth!

I dont't know if I consider my DD's births as 'normal' becuase they were early but they were unassisted vaginal births. DD1 I had IV antibiotics and scalp monitoring due to prematurity and I had synto injection for delivering the placenta but no drugs, I dont know if this would be considered natural though. I enjoyed her birth but don't think it wasn't optimal but close to it

With DD2 she was earlier but I made an informed decision not to have antibiotics, I did have wireless CTG no pain relief and synto injection post as I tend to bleed. Hers was an optimal birth for me in our situation.

I think normal tends to reflect on how the majority of births are 'managed' and currently that is very different to what I would consider a 'natural' birth. I think the two most importnat things are the health of mother and baby and the families feelings towards their childs birth and that is different for everyone.