7 ways to tell if a natural birth is right for you
Natural childbirth is something that most expectant mothers have considered. And the good news is natural birth options are growing more common in hospital birthing centers like Reid Health Family Birthing Center. For those who are wondering about delivering without pain relief, such as epidurals, it's not always an easy decision.
You can be in a safe, soothing environment with professional medical help standing by if it's needed. It's no longer an either-or situation.
Here are 7 things to consider when deciding if natural childbirth is right for you.
1. You're not overly anxious about it. Some women are so nervous about delivering naturally and the pain and uncertainty they anticipate that it may not be worth it, especially for the first child when the experience is still an unknown. Bringing another life into the world should be a joyous experience, and you won't get that feeling if you're anxious.
2. You're not at particular risk. If you have thyroid issues, high blood pressure or diabetes, natural birth may not be a good choice for you, since this may contribute to the chance of complications during labor. But if you're healthy or your doctor has monitored your condition and has cleared you to go ahead, it's something to consider.
3. The baby is positioned well. If the baby is ready to come head-first, then natural childbirth may well be a good option, barring other issues. But if the baby looks as though it's going to be born feet-first or the shoulder or side is aimed at the birth canal, there's a good chance you may require a C-section, and for that, you'll want to give birth in a controlled environment with surgical facilities, should that become necessary. 
4. You have a reasonable level of pain tolerance. Labor can be quite painful and having to push for long periods may be stressful and exhausting, to the point where you don't have the strength you need at the end. If you're especially sensitive to pain, natural childbirth may not be the best choice.
6. You want a faster recovery. Many women who deliver naturally are up on their feet soon afterward. It's considered healthy to move around as soon as possible afterwards, and this leads to fewer health problems down the road.
7. Consider the width of your pelvis and the size of your baby. If you're narrow through the hips and your baby is large, natural childbirth may not be in the cards for you. Check with your physician or midwife to get an objective opinion.
Have a backup plan
One of the advantages of natural childbirth in a medical facility is that help is available if needed. You can still fully experience the process without sacrificing comfort or putting yourself or your baby at risk. If you've decided you'd like to try a natural birth in a calm, nurturing environment, consider a Baby-Friendly®-designated birthing center.
These are special places with private rooms and a spa-like environment, so you can relax while you wait for the arrival of your new baby. You have choices nowadays. If you think natural childbirth might be for you, consult with your medical professional and choose a facility that will meet the needs of you and your baby.