How To Have a Natural Birth In a Hospital
If you’re wondering how to have a natural birth in a hospital then you’ve come to the right place. Having had a natural child birth in a hospital myself, I learned very quickly what I should or shouldn’t do for the next child I have. My natural birth story has inspired many expecting moms.
If you’re anything like me, you might like the comfort of knowing if anything were to go “wrong” or needed immediate medical attention you would want to be close to a hospital, if not in one. But you still may want to have the benefits of a natural birth in a peaceful relaxing environment.
Can you really have your cake and eat it too at a hospital?
The answer is…
Absolutely Momma!
Boosting your confidence is key in this situation. Now you may have to crackdown a bit harder on standing up for yourself, etc. but it is totally doable. I’m going to share with you a list of important questions to ask the hospital that I wish I had for my first natural birth in a hospital, but first, let’s define what is considered a natural birth.
A natural birth is when the mother births her baby through her vagina with no medical interventions, and none to minimal use of drugs. She remains conscious during the delivery process and can assist with the delivery.
Why Have a Natural Birth?
If you’re an expecting mother interested in having a natural birth in a hospital but wondering how that’s going to be possible despite the majority of doctors trained to use chemical interventions in delivery, then keep on reading…
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Natural Birth in a Hospital Tips
First, you’re going to need a toolbox of handy questions to ask the hospital of your choice before deciding if that hospital is right for you. Make sure to schedule a hospital tour for a couple different hospitals and then kindly click on the link below to print out the list of the following questions.
Labor and Delivery Questions to Ask
(regarding a natural delivery process)
- Do you offer support on natural birthing?
- Are birthing tools provided such as birthing balls, stools or bars?
- Does this hospital require me to give birth on the hospital bed or can I deliver anywhere in the room?
- Do you support a variety of pushing positions? (for example: all fours, squatting etc.)
- Do you allow walking around in the room or hallways?
- Do you allow water births and provide birthing tubs and or private or public showers?
- Do you allow delayed cord clamping?
- Do you allow dimming of the lights?
- Do you allow music to be played?
- Do you have free WIFI? And do you allow plugged in devices such as phones, laptops etc?
- Do you allow outside food and drink to be brought into our room? Is there access to a fridge or microwave? And can I eat or drink as I please?
- Will nurses provide any assistance in helping me find the most comfortable labor positions?
- Is there a time limit on how quickly my labor must progress before the hospital may require any interventions? (ex 1cm per hour)
- Do you have a list of recommended doulas for hire or that volunteer at this specific hospital?
- How many people are allowed in the room with me while I deliver?
- What is the percentage of unmedicated births at this hospital?
- Are eye treatment, Vitamin K, and Hep B required and given automatically? If yes, can we delay administration of them?
Click Here to Download and Print the List Above.
What to Do Next After Preparing My List of Questions?
Now that you have your list of prepared questions, it’s time to ask them to the hospitals you’ve chosen to tour. Once you decide which hospital works best for your preferred plan of action towards having your successful natural birth, stick to your plan and continue preparing for your natural birthing process at home. You got this Momma! Keep reading for more answers on frequently asked questions you may be having regarding natural birth in a hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to the hospital for natural birth?
Here’s a short list of what is absolutely necessary to bring to the hospital for a natural birth.
- Calming Music (smartphone, speaker, chargers)
- Your birthing affirmations
- Your own lights (white xmas lights, dim lamp.. Note: hospital lights are very bright)
- Comfortable Clothing (robe, wireless bra, underwear, house slippers)
- Yoga Mat – blocks and or blankets
- Chapstick
- Hair Ties (headband, bobby pins)
- Camera
When Should You Go to The Hospital for Natural Birth?
There is no specific time frame for when you should go to the hospital for a natural birth. However, I suggest that you try your best to stay home as long as possible before heading to the hospital. The longer you stay home in your comfort area, the less time you may have to possibly face resistance on your natural birth plan from whomever may be on staff that day at the hospital.
How Long is Labor at Home?
Labor at home is as long as it needs to be before you have the urge to get to the hospital of your choice. Personally for me, I knew after about 2 hours at home “Okay it’s time to go.” Just listen to that Mommas Intuition you have and key into your body’s way of telling you when it’s time to go. That could mean 1 hour at home or 10 hours at home. Only that day will you know.
Got any questions about natural birth in a hospital or have an experience? Please share your experience below. We would love to hear from you!
