Positive Natural Birth Stories

Giving birth is one of the most important events in life, which is a highly individual experience. The experience of childbirth plays a major role in how first-time mothers will develop good self-esteem, positive feelings for the baby, and an easier adjustment to motherhood role, and also future childbirth experiences. In order to provide better individual support to women during childbirth, the health care providers are required to put more focus on psychosocial aspects, but without neglecting medical safety.

The website Mama Trick compiled a list of 120 positive natural birth stories from around the internet to encourage and give women strength! What a great list

1. A Natural Hospital Birth by Adrienne Osuna of WellnessMama
2. My Birth Story: The Birth of Fern Winter by Lauren Hartmann of The Little Things We Do
3. A Natural Birth Story by Addie on Engaging Birth
4. My Natural Birth Was Easier Than My Medicated Birth by Jacqueline Burt Cote on CafeMom
5. Mama’s First-Time Birth and Faith in Women’s Bodies on Whole Parenting Family
6. A First-Time Papa’s Perspective on Birth Center Birth on Whole Parenting Family
7. How First-Time Parents Braved a Placental Abruption on Whole Parenting Family
8. Ezra’s Birth by Paige Fritsche on Paige in a Blanket
9. Welcome To The world, Arlo by Esther Croft on Envisage HypnoBirthing
10. Vaginal Hospital Birth of Triplets on Birth Without Fear
11. Luke’s Birth on The Hippie Housewife
12. Elle’s Birth Story {Awesome Caul Homebirth} on Birth Without Fear
13. Happy Birthday, Sweet One: Birth Story #1 by Virginia George
14. Big News! Birth Story #3: An Unassisted Homebirth by Virginia George
15. Emery’s Birth Story at Busyland
16. A Nurse and Her Home Birth – A Birth Story on Mama Birth
17. Our Daughter’s Birthday on Whole Parenting Family
18. Raychel Joye’s Birth by Krysann on Bloom Spokane
19. Birth Diary of Katelyn Noel on Natural Motherhood
20. Abigail’s Birth Story on Natural Motherhood
21. Kathleen Ann’s Birth Diary on Natural Motherhood
22. Samuel’s Natural Birth Diary on Natural Motherhood
23. My Successful Homebirth after Five Cesareans by Julie Eubank on Midwifery Today
24. VBAC Success Story by Jennifer on Natural Motherhood
25. A Home Birth Diary: Victoria on Natural Motherhood
26. Homebirth of a 12 Pound Baby by Kristi on Natural Motherhood
27. Birth Story of Dylan James on Natural Motherhood
28. Charlotte’s Birth Story on Natural Motherhood
29. The Birth of Jet by Marti on Mother, Wife, Daughter, Friend
30. Charlotte’s Birth Story, aka. Nate’s Talladega Run by Justine on Lone Home Ranger
31. My Natural Unmedicated Childbirth Story by Brittany on The Pistachio Project
32. What a Home Birth Looks Like by Erin Loechner on Babble
33. A Natural Breech Birth Story by Our Own New Orleans Doula on Nola Nesting
34. Alrik’s Birth Story: Sweet Surprise Unassisted Home Water Birth by Lauren Wayne on Hobo Mama
35. Everett’s Birth Story on Natural Momma in Progress
36. Happy Birthday Lindy! My Baby Girl’s Birth Story by Amber Canaan on Real Real Housewife
37. Natural Birth Story – Baby Hudson Mills by Karla Mills on Natural Well Nest
38. The Natural Birth Story of Nicholas John – A Healing Experience After a First Traumatic Labor by Joanna Steven
39. Penelope’s Birth Story by Jenny Green on City Moms Blog
40. My Natural Birth Story by Lucy Robinson on Lucille in the Sky
41. The Natural VBAC Twin Birth by Jennifer on Multiple Realities
42. A Birth Story on Diary of a First Child
43. Birth Story of Aviya by Lushka on Not Quite Granola
44. Our Home Birth From a Dad’s Perspective by Nick Coffer on My Daddy Cooks
45. Week 40 + 6 – Birth Story of Ameli on Diary of a First Child
46. The Perfect Birth on Our Mindful Life
47. Own Your Birth: My Hope For All Expectant Moms by Andrea on Tales of Goodness
48. Carnival of Natural Parenting: My Birth Experience by Lily at Witch Mom
49. The Painless Natural Homebirth of BabyE by Shannon Brown on Growing Slower
50. Reflections on Jemma’s Birth… 20 Months Later by Gretchen on That Mama Gretchen
51. All of It on Pug in the Kitchen
52. A Journey in Birth Confidence on The Artful Mama
53. Giving Birth With Eminem on City Kids Homeschooling
54. My Vegan Pregnancy and Natural Birth Experience by Sehjal Parikh
55. Hallelujah’s Birth Story by Karli on Feed Me Mama
56. Unmedicated Natural Birth Story & Video on Youtube (video)
57. Natural Birth on Mother Bear Blog
58. My Waterbirth, Homebirth & Hypnobirth by Terri on Child of Nature Isle
59. The Natural Birth Story of Lincoln to Anne and David by Anne on Natural Childbirth Exercises
60. My Successful VBAC Home Birth Story by Kara Carrero on Allternative Learning
61. Rooney’s Natural Birth Story by Kelsey Williams on Birth With Balance
62. A Birth Story: Claire Elizabeth Part I by Jenny Petty on Reno Moms Blog
63. The Long, Beautiful Births of Solla Zakara and Winter Lumina {Natural Birth Story of Twins} by Krysal Cleaver on Birth Without Fear
64. My Natural Birth Story Saga by Katie on Wellness Mama
65. My Non-Medicated, Natural Birth Stories by Mandy on The Household Hero
66. PCOS Didn’t Stop This Mama (Her Home Birth Story) by Jeni on First Time Mom MN
67. Madison’s Birth Story on Purely Twins
68. Cameron’s Birth Story by Myra Hope on My Blessed Life
69. Harper’s Birth Story by Cara Corey
70. Twins: Weston and Isaac’s Birth Story on Valley Women For Women
71. 2nd Child Natural Birth Story on Spearmint Baby
72. Birth Story #1- The Day I Became a Mommy! by Victoria Moore on Yogi Mami
73. Natural Birth Story #2: A Fast and Amazing Birth by Victoria Moore on Yogi Mami
74. Birthing At Home by Cara Jones on Richmond Mom
75. A Long, Wild Ride On The Way To Meet Merrick on Yoga Janda
76. Aryn’s Birth Story by Aryn Calhoun
77. Clara’s Natural Birth Story by Amanda on Burlap Babies
78. My Winter Birth Story by brikee on Wedding Bee
79. Welcome Baby Ava Carmen! by LexP on BabyCenter
80. My Natural Birth Story by Nawal Abuhamdeh on Coffee In My Sippy Cup
81. Baby is Here! by Kelly on View Along the Way
82. The Story of Maya’s Birth on Mommy The Iconoclast
83. Liam’s Birth, a Mama’s Natural Birth Story on Nola Nesting
84. My Birth Story by Samantha Marie Ward
85. Ever’s Birth Story: Part Four by C. Jane Kendrick
86. My Natural Birth Story by Anna Kana on MomQuery
87. Baby Jae’s Birth Story on Mummy’s Reviews
88. Natural Birth Story – Being a Mommy Again by Mandy on Mandy’s Healthy Life
89. Miss Grey’s Birth Story: “Get this turd out of me!” on WeddingBee
90. Berklee’s Birth Story on Sharon Johnson Photography (in pictures)
91. Natural Birth Story + Newborn Photo Spam on Lay Bare, With a Little Flair
92. My Baby Is Here: A Natural Birth Story on Beyond Vitality
93. India Josephine’s Birth Story on Uniquely Normal Mom
94. Caiden’s Natural Birth Story on New Leaf Wellness
95. My Natural Childbirth Experience on Generation Cedar
96. The Story of Keira Sage’s Birth: A Natural, Unmedicated, First-time Mother’s Story on Pregnant Athlete
97. Cal’s Birth Story by Emily Frame
98. Birth Story of Iris by Kristin & Matt on Isis Parenting
99. The Birth Story by Laura Peifer on Mommy Run Fast
100. Several Birth Stories by Shakira Rae Adams
101. My Second Natural Childbirth on Gumbohair
102. My Birth Story: Three Days, Coconut Water, and a Pizza by Amy Negussie on Chicago Now
103. My Birth Story on Melanie Swan Photo
104. Natural Birth Story of Baby Coen on BirthWise
105. 40 Week Update: My Natural Birth Story on Mrs. Melbs
106. My Natural Birth Story {After Three Epidurals} by Jenn on the Purposeful Mom
107. A Natural Hospital Birth with an ObGyn and Doula on Birth Without Fear
108. Penelope’s Natural Birth Story on BlogHer
109. Natural Birth Using Hypnosis on Laura’s Blog
110. The Birth of Austin by Deanna Schober on Fit To Be Pregnant
111. Who-Who-Hee: A Natural Birth Story by Ashlee Krause on City Mom’s Blog
112. I’s Birth Story on Running For Two
113. Max’s Birth Story by Molly Mahar on Stratejoy
114. Bananagrams & Potholes… A Birth Story by Mary Jane on Photog Mommie
115. Elena’s Birth Story by Joanna Davidson
116. We Had A Baby! (And Here Is Our Unusual Story) on Food Matters
117. My Natural Birth at Draper Lone Peak Hospital: Josiah is Here!!! by Jen Gamboa
118. Evelyn Claire’s Natural Birth Story on Damsel in a Mess
119. Active Duty Military: Annie’s All Natural Birth Story in San Diego on Robin’s Nest Photography
120. The (Very PG) Natural Birth Story of Edmund James by Corrie Anne
121. Nora’s Natural Birth Story on Alternative Mama

Sky-high Caesarian Section Rates in the World

Caesarean section is one of the most common surgeries in the world, with rates continuing to rise, particularly in high- and middle-income countries. Although it can save lives, caesarean section is often performed without medical need, putting women and their babies at-risk of short- and long-term health problems. A statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores the importance of focusing on the needs of the patient, on a case by case basis, and discourages the practice of aiming for “target rates.”Caesarean section may be necessary when vaginal delivery might pose a risk to the mother or baby – for example due to prolonged labour, foetal distress, or because the baby is stuck in an abnormal position. However, caesarean sections can cause significant complications, disability or death, particularly in settings that lack the facilities to conduct safe surgeries or treat potential complications.

Ideal rate for caesarean sections

Since 1985, the international healthcare community has considered the “ideal rate” for caesarean sections to be between 10% and 15%. New studies reveal that when caesarean section rates rise towards 10% across a population, the number of maternal and newborn deaths decreases. But when the rate goes above 10%, there is no evidence that mortality rates improve. There are wide variations in Caesarean section rates across the world, indicating a lack of consensus about the best way of delivering babies.

In countries where cesarean deliveries are currently below 15 percent, there is an improvement in infant, neonatal and maternal mortality and low birth rate with increases in the cesarean rate. In countries where cesarean deliveries are greater than 15 percent, the increasing rates are not associated with these health improvements and can be associated with harm. In middle and higher income countries, substantial decreases in health risks and costs can be achieved through reduction of unnecessary cesarean deliveries.

Countries with the highest CS Rates in each Region:
1). Brazil (55.6%) and Dominican Republic (56.4%) in Latin America and the Caribbean
2). Egypt (51.8%) in Africa,
3). Iran and Turkey in Asia (47.9% and 47.5%, respectively),
4). Italy (38.1%) in Europe, 
5). United States (32.8%) in Northern America,
6). New Zealand (33.4%) in Oceania. 

In Egypt, according to the latest data, more than half of all women give birth by CS without much difference between urban and rural areas. In China, choosing the date of the baby’s delivery on the basis of luck and fate for the future of the baby by some people is one of the explanations for scheduling a CS. On the other hand, several European countries have managed to control their CS rates over time. It is noteworthy that Finland has one of the lowest increases not only in Europe but among all countries included in this analysis.Japan (19.8 per cent) among the lowest in Asia.

Around one in four births in the UK is by c/s, while in Cyrus the figure is 52% and in Sweden 17%. The United States has a very high rate of cesarean delivery, one in three births happen by c/s, or 1.3 million babies born via surgery (32.8%). A study in France found more cesarean sections were performed in for-profit hospitals than in public hospitals, which treat more complicated pregnancies, suggesting that financial incentives may also play a role in explaining excess cesarean deliveries.

Betrán, A. P, Ye, J., Moller, A-B., Zhang, J., Gülmezoglu, A. M., & Torloni, M. R. (2016). The increasing Trend in Caesarean Section Rates: Global, Regional and National Estimates: 1990-2014. PLoS ONE,11(2):e0148343. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148343. http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0148343

Health at a Glance:  OECD INDICATORS. (2013). Retrieved from website:http://www.oecd.org/els/health-systems/Health-at-a-Glance-2013.pdf

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is routinely used as an analgesic in obstetrics during labour. Nitrous oxide is known by most people as “laughing gas.”Many dentists use it to help with pain during dental care. Nitrous oxide was discovered by the English scientist and clergyman Joseph Priestley in 1772, when he noticed that a candle burned in the air with a remarkably vigorous flame. That was one year after the discovery of oxygen. In 1800 Humphrey Davy of the Pneumatic Institute in Bristol, England, experimented with the physiological properties of the gas, such as its effects upon respiration. He even administered the gas to visitors to the institute, and after watching the amusing effects on people, who inhaled it, coined the term "laughing gas." The date that Davy's experiment with nitrous oxide was on Boxing Day, December 26, 1799. On this day, Davy locked himself into a box and had a physician release 20 quarts of N2O into the box every 5 minutes for as long as he remained conscious. He lasted more than an hour in the box, and happily survived the ordeal.

He described his experience this way:

·         He noticed a sweet taste in his mouth, and a gentle pressure in the head, chest and limbs which spread to his fingers and toes.

·         He experienced vision changes and objects becoming clearer and brighter.

·         His hearing became acute while a distant but not unpleasant.

·         He said that the previously cramped box suddenly felt larger and more spacious.

·         He enjoyed himself immensely and declared the entire experiment a huge success.

Nitrous oxide remained a novelty until 1844, when Horace Wells had one of his teeth extracted while breathing the “laughing gas.’ In 1868, Andrews advocated the addition of oxygen with nitrous oxide to prevent the hypoxia often associated with its administration, thus permitting gaseous anesthesia with a nitrous oxide-oxygen mixture to become a reality. In 1881, Stanislav Klikovich in Russia introduced the use of nitrous oxide in the treatment of angina pectoris. He was the first physician to make a detailed study of nitrous oxide oxygen mixtures to provide pain relief without loss of consciousness or hypoxia. In 1934, Minnitt was the first to introduce a self-administered apparatus containing nitrous oxide and air for analgesia during childbirth.

Nitrous Oxide and the Brain

Technically nitrous oxide is not a narcotic because it is not processed through the liver. It is however classified as an analgesic because it relieves pain by releasing opioids while simultaneously activating your opioid receptors. It is classified as an anesthetic in its own right although lighter doses are used as an aid to a general anesthetic in applications as an anxiolytic, meaning that it is known to reduce anxiety

Labour and Childbirth

 For labor pain, half nitrous oxide gas is mixed with half oxygen and breathed through a mask or a mouthpiece. Labour is usually painful, yet, each woman’s experience of labor pain is highly individual with respect to both the nature and intensity of the sensations and her ability to cope. Exceptionally, a very few women may not feel pain; others can control their response so as to reduce pain. Most women think that pain is going to be a major part of giving birth. Some women experience a high degree of physical pain without suffering; others suffer greatly from pain that caregivers think is modest.

Many women in Europe and other countries, such as Canada, South Africa, United Kingdom, and Australia, use it to help cope with pain in labor. It is so common that in some countries as many as 8 in 10 women use nitrous oxide to help with labor pain. Women in these countries have been using this method of pain relief in labor safely for many years. Nitrous oxide hasn’t been used as often in the United States, but that is changing. The inhalation administration of nitrous oxide to women during labor could be an alternative to the common interventions used. Many women use nitrous oxide while standing, squatting, sitting in chair, birthing ball or in shower

The full analgesic effect of nitrous oxide is felt 50 seconds after inhalation. A person might feel drowsy, lightheaded, or a little silly while using nitrous oxide. This is why it got the name laughing gas. The dizziness means it is working well and the person should be encouraged to sleep after a contraction. The relaxation helps to speed the labour process. It is failry simple and easy to use. The nitrous oxide mask or mouthpiece is always held by the labouring woman by breathing the gas.

Nitrous Oxide is Safe for Baby

Nitrous oxide is a very safe for babies. Experts dont believe that using N2O presents any dangers to mother and baby because unlike a narcotic, Nitrous oxide is the only pain relief method cleared from your body through your lungs rather than the liver and expelled completely and no evidence of adverse effects to baby. As soon as the mask is pulled away, the effect of breathing the gas is gone within a few breaths. No extra monitoring is needed for mother or baby because of using nitrous oxide. Although metabolized in the lung tissue although some of the gas passes into the blood stream. However, studies have not shown adverse effects on babies of mothers who used nitrous oxide in labour.

Quick Recovery 

There are no long lasting effects when using nitrous oxide, you breathe into the mask, which you hold and control, when you need it for the pain. When the labor pain subsides, pull the mask away from your face, take a couple of breaths and the nitrous oxide is out of your system quickly. It has been reported that the Duchess Kate Middleton used nitrous oxide during labour and from what I see is that she seems to be walking around with all her mental faculties as well as the rest of us

Source

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2012). Nitrous Oxide for the management of labor pain. Retrieved from website:

http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/index.cfm/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?productid=1230&pageaction=displayproduct

Public Domain Essays: http://publicdomainreview.org/2014/08/06/o-excellent-air-bag-humphry-davy-and-nitrous-oxide/

 McAney, T. M., & Doughty, A. G. (1963). Self-administered nitrous-oxide/oxygen analgesia in obstetrics.  Anesthesia, 18(4). Retrieved from website: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2044.1963.tb13573.x/pdf