Natural birth

The body of the woman is created to give birth to a child. The child too is equipped for the birth: For example, the bones on the head have not yet fused together. Thus, making it easier for the head to pass through your pelvis. On the way through the vagina, the child turns in order to use the available space in the best possible manner.

The beginning of the birth is known as the dilation phase. In the process, the cervix, which has remained closed during pregnancy, opens up to 10 centimetres. Only then does the head of the baby fit through the cervix. The first stage of labour can last several hours.

During childbirth, the body and feelings of the mother and baby must work closely together. A mother’s good and hopeful attitude towards the birth and baby can be of great importance so that the birth proceeds without any problems. The less the mother and child are disturbed, the better the whole process functions.

On the basis of years of experience, midwives know what can help:

  • Safety, reliability and trust: If a woman feels safe and good, she can prepare for the birth much easier and with more trust. Too much stress can also stop the birth! Even familiar faces can positively help a woman during birth.
  • Time, peace and patience: The body of the woman carried and provided for the child for 9 whole months. Now the contraction hormones need a certain amount of time to expedite the birth. And even the tissue of the perineum must slowly and step by step expand wide enough for the baby to fit through.
  • Natural process: Childbirth is safer, if fewer invasive procedures need to take place. Each procedure carried out by a midwife or doctor makes it more likely for more measures to be necessary.
  • Gravity and movement: An upright position facilitates the baby to pass through the mother’s pelvis. You and your baby also get more oxygen if you walk or stand or sit upright or squat. Furthermore, in an upright position the gravity helps during childbirth and you will probably be able to cope better with the contraction pain.
  • Preparation: In prenatal classes you will learn about different birthing positions and can practice them.Changing the positions: During childbirth, try out the different positions. In doing so, you can help determine the childbirth.