Vaginal Birth

Lets look at vaginal birth,It is a known fact that for many women and babies, a caesarean section is a vital tool for preserving health, well-being and indeed life.

If you need a C-Section to save the life of your baby, it's nothing short of miraculous, and worth every bit of pain and risk.

While having a C-Section brings its own benefits, it should only be used when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks of the surgery.

Do you know that you may be able to reduce your chances of having a C-Section?

Experts recommend that mothers-to-be always plan for a vaginal delivery unless a C-section is medically required.

If you would like to avoid getting a C-Section (where medically unnecessary,) the following are just some of the ways to prevent this;

1. Exercise moderately during pregnancy. 

Sedentary women are 4x more likely to deliver via caesarean section than women who did aerobics during the first or second trimester.childbirth calls for energy and stamina.

You increase your chances for success of natural birth by being very physically fit so start preparing for labour early on by working out regularly.

Experts recommend 30 minutes of movement, five to seven days a week. This doesn't have to be anything too strenuous, low impact activities like walking and swimming are usually recommended for pregnant women.

2. Believe in your body

Mama believe that your body is designed by God to grow a baby for nine months and welcome him or her into the world.

Your pelvis and vaginal tissues were built for delivery, your brain releases endorphins that help with pain, and the foetus has a soft spot on his or her head so it can mould to fit out of the birth canal.

So each time you look at your big belly in the mirror and start to panic over how that baby is going to squeeze out of there, remind yourself, "I was born to give birth and my body can do this."

3. Use a midwife/matron 

Studies have shown that using a properly trained, licensed midwife rather than an obstetrician can increase your chances of having an unmedicated delivery by as much as 95 percent.

A new study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting adds to the growing body of evidence showing that expanded access to midwives during labor can help decrease a hospital's rate of C-sections.

Researchers tracked all singleton deliveries at Marin General Hospital in the US from January 2005 to April 2014.

In April 2011, midwives became available to all labouring women, while new obstetrician staffing practices let doctors focus solely on their labouring patients (rather than having to juggle additional surgical and office responsibilities).

While the hospital's C-section rates prior to the 2011 change hovered steadily at 32 percent, the expanded midwife care caused C-section rates to drop to 25 percent, while VBAC rates increased. And since then, c-sections have continued to fall by an additional 2 percent each year.

The findings reinforce the notion that midwives, who tend to favour a more holistic approach to birth with fewer medical interventions, can help to steer more women away from C-sections.

Note however that in Nigeria, it is safer to have a doctor/obstetrician on hand in case there are any complications.

4. Find a hospital who has a low C-Section rate

Find a hospital who has a low C-Section rate and is experienced with successful VBACs. A VBAC is a vaginal birth after caesarean.

Also look for a doctor that will give you all the time you need, rather than rushing your delivery because of staffing issues.

This is true even if you don't need a VBAC, because it means your caregiver doesn't default to caesareans. Check Hospital policies. If you're considering a VBAC, be sure to use a hospital that allows VBACs.

Also be sure that your doctor and/or hospital encourage practices that support the normal process of labour.

5. Ask your doctor what he or she does if your baby is in a breech position in late pregnancy  

You want to hear that he or she is experienced with turning babies and always tries that before scheduling a C-Section.

6. Learn relaxation techniques

One of the secrets to a natural childbirth is being able to relax in response to pain.

When you're afraid or going through agonizing contractions, your body's reaction is to stiffen, which tends to make the process worse.

Fear increases tension, which increases the agony. When you're tense, some muscles are tightening and trying to hold the baby in, while the muscles in your uterus are tightening to try to push the baby out. The muscles are fighting with each other, which makes it hurt more.

So if you can stay (relaxed in the face of strong contractions, you'll have less resistance to opening up for the baby to come out.

7. Avoid having an induction 

Avoid hastening labour with induction medicines like pitocin, as this has been shown to increase the severity of contractions and make other medical interventions much more likely.

Whether you're being cared for by a midwife, doctor or both, discuss your desire to avoid a C-section (as long as it's safe).

Though it's impossible to completely eliminate the risk for an unplanned C-section, taking a few proactive steps can help increase the likelihood of giving birth the way you envision.

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