The term “natural birth” was coined by obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read upon publication of his book, “Natural Childbirth,” in the 1930s.
"Natural Childbirth” is most widely used to describe a birth in which the mother labors without the use of pain medication. In some cases, it refers to a birth without the many medical interventions that are routinely performed in hospitals today. Statistics prove that advances in maternal and fetal health care took place before the high incidence of cesarean surgery.
“Although the trend toward non-medicated natural birth is growing, the percentage is far below that of medicated births in all developed countries. In fact, the rate of cesarean sections is at epidemic proportions. It is estimated that approximately five to ten percent of all births actually require a cesarean, yet developed nations run as high as almost 50 percent cesarean deliveries! I cannot imagine choosing major abdominal surgery, and taking all the risks that come with it over the natural process given to us by Allah,” said Al Hajjar.
For the mother, a natural birth increases the probability of a healthier postnatal period and an easier recovery due to fewer post-intervention discomforts. For the infant, a natural birth reduces the exposure to narcotics and drugs that increase labor.
“Natural, non-medicated birth is our God-given right. It equates to the best possible start in this world for the baby, mother and family. Research proves that medications taken any time during pregnancy pass the placenta and reach the baby within about 60 seconds,” said Al Hajjar.
She added: “You should know that no drug, including the drugs in epidurals, have been proven safe for the unborn baby. Obviously, many babies are born under the influence of the mother’s pain medications taken during labor. These medications do affect the baby’s ability to nurse, bond and respond early in life. There is no guarantee that a mother or, more importantly, her unborn baby will not have an allergic reaction to the drugs.”
A natural birth also reduces the likelihood of needing to separate the infant from its mother after birth. This is important, as immediate skin-to-skin maternal contact and breastfeeding in the first hour after birth increases the chances of successful breastfeeding for a longer duration. Many women also consider natural birth empowering. A woman who is helped through her labor will likely feel positive about her birth experience and future parenting skills. Her baby is more able to be alert; and by placed him/her on her skin, it promotes maternal bonding, making breastfeeding more likely to be enjoyable and successful.
The late Dr. Robert Bradley founded in 1970 The American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, which is dedicated to training instructors to teach women his method known as, The Bradley Method. He pioneered natural birth practices, and in 1947, he was the first doctor to ever advocate the presence of husbands in the delivery room. One of his famous quotes is that: “A husband should be man enough to finish what he starts!”
Bradley considered that birth was similar to an athletic event and expectant women needed to prepare, like any other sportswomen for this big event. He also realized that women require the support of someone they love and trust, preferably their husband, but it could be anyone she feels comfortable with.
According to Al Hajjar, women with medical issues will require closer monitoring by their doctor, but that does not prevent them from having a natural birth. Bradley does not teach or recommend in his method to have an unassisted home birth. Women who choose to have a natural childbirth deliver in the hospital with their doctor and their husband present. The doctor is viewed as a patient lifeguard, monitoring the natural process and ready to intervene if any complication arises.
Al Hajjar heard about natural birth and The Bradley Method from a woman who was passionate about birth. At the time, she was not even thinking of having a baby. When she got pregnant nine years later, she looked up The Bradley Method and eventually took classes.
“I’m so grateful for that because what I learned led me on a journey that allowed me to enjoy eight natural, non medicated births and find my own passion for passing it on!”
She is very passionate about non-medicated natural birth. A birth should not be seen as a difficult moment looming in the future. A birth can be experienced without suffering, even without pain. It is a natural process ingrained in our bodies, which provides us with the tools we need to be the best parent possible. It is what our bodies are created to do.
“A birth can and should be a celebrated, natural event where the woman feels great immediately after, and is able to get up and walk away with her baby with just a few hours of rest. This is the type of births I have had and what I want to teach other women to experience.” ( arabnews.com )
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