Natural childbirth is something I'm passionate about.  Unfortunately it is not so easy for women in today’s birthing environment to achieve it. Nationally, about 80% of women receive an epidural during labor and about 1 in 3 end up with a cesarean delivery.

Follow these 10 recommendations and I’m sure you will have a better birthing experience.  

1. SEE A MIDWIFE. The midwifery model of care focuses on pregnancy and delivery as natural processes. Midwives are trained for natural childbirth. On the other hand, many obstetricians have never even witnessed a natural childbirth.
   
   Even if you see an OB for your normal gynecological care you should consider switching to a midwife for your prenatal care. 
   
   There are, of course, obstetricians that practice the midwifery model of care. How do you know if yours does? Ask! 
   
      
2. READ. We all know knowledge is power and this cannot be more true as you prepare for natural childbirth. 
   
   Ina May's Guide to Childbirth is an absolute must read for all pregnant women considering natural  childbirth.
   
   Most general pregnancy books have chapters towards the end which describe the physiological processes that occur during labor and delivery. The chapter should be short enough to read in a single sitting, but the information is invaluable.
   
   It is really important to know how labor and delivery work before you yourself go into labor.
   
    
3. GET EDUCATED. Sign up for a childbirth class. Most hospitals offer classes, but so do other local resources. In Manhattan try Real Birth or the Prenatal Yoga Center.
   
   There are usually several different classes available – some teach specific techniques like the Bradley method or Lamaze, others teach general birthing techniques. Any class will do, but try to avoid classes that are geared towards mothers who know they want the epidural.
   
    
4. STAY FIT.  Think of childbirth as a rigorous sporting event that you should be training for.  If you manage your weight well and exercise througout your pregnancy you will have an easier time during labor.  Walking is an excellent choice for pre-natal exercise.
   
   Consider taking a prenatal yoga class.  Prenatal yoga should not only keep you fit during pregnancy, but a lot of the poses can help during labor.  You are also likely to meet other women interested in natural childbirth.
   
     
5. STAY HOME. Once your labor starts, try to wait as long as possible before going to the hospital or birthing center. The longer you labor at home the more likely you will succeed at having a natural childbirth. 
   
    
6. AVOID INTERVENTIONS. Medical interventions such as Pitocin induction and epidurals have been shown to increase your chance of having a c-section. 
   
    
7. GET OUT OF BED. Walk around or stand upright as much as you can during labor.  If you stay on your back your baby has to fight gravity as he descends and moves into place.
   
    
8. MANAGE THE PAIN IN YOUR HEAD. The pain you feel during labor is different than all other types of pain. In all other circumstances the pain you feel is your body telling you something is wrong. During labor, the pain you feel is just a result of your body performing an awesomely hard task. In fact, your uterus at the time of labor is the strongest muscle in your body.
   
   Labor pains are also amazingly temporary. Yes, you feel pain during a contraction. But nature’s reward to you is a break after each and every contraction where you feel absolutely no discomfort or pain. 
   
   It is your (and your midwife’s, OB’s, partner’s, labor nurse’s or doula’s) job during these breaks to enjoy them! If you spend the 60 seconds in between contractions thinking about how bad the last one is, or how bad the next one might be, or wondering how long labor will last, you will have a much harder time.
   
   For the most part, managing pain through labor is more of a mental task than a physical one.
   
    
9. WAIT FOR THE URGE TO PUSH. If you wait for what doctors and midwives call “the urge to push” before you begin the pushing, you will find pushing much easier and productive. If you try to push before you are ready you will just tire yourself out and may end up pushing for hours. 
   
     
10. BELIEVE. You have to believe you can achieve a natural childbirth. Thinking “I’ll try natural childbirth until it gets too hard and then I’ll get an epidural” usually ends up with women getting an epidural. 

Natural childbirth in itself is not that difficult a task. However natural childbirth in today’s birthing environment is. Follow my 10 recommendations and I promise that your chance of having a successful natural childbirth will skyrocket.