At the Christian Health Collective, we believe in honoring birth as a natural, God-given process rather than a medicalized procedure. In a recent conversation between Jessica Roman and in-house perinatal doula Faun Gilchrist, we delved into how the journey of birth has shifted over the past century. As hospitals and medicine shape the experience, many mothers feel alienated from their bodies’ innate wisdom. Faun shares insights on how women can reclaim control over their birthing process, make informed choices, and find peace in natural approaches.
The Rise of Medicalized Birth: How Did We Get Here?
For most of history, birth was guided by women and midwives in the comfort of the home. But in recent decades, the process has become increasingly medicalized. Birth is now treated as a medical condition, managed by a framework of timelines and procedures rather than honoring the unique rhythm of each laboring mother.
The result? A cascade of interventions like inductions, epidurals, and cesareans—often leading to increased trauma for mothers and babies. Faun explains, “When you go into a hospital, you’re on a clock. Birth is expected to follow a certain timeline, and if it doesn’t, interventions begin. The more interventions, the greater the risk of complications.”
Hospital vs. Home Birth: What’s the Difference?
For women choosing between a hospital and home birth, it’s essential to understand the differences in environment and care. In a hospital, a mother’s labor is more regulated, with policies in place to “manage” the birth process. Hospital settings are often designed to ensure a live birth but can sacrifice the natural progression and autonomy of the mother.
Conversely, a home birth under the care of a licensed midwife allows the mother’s body to take the lead. There’s no rush or imposed timeline. Faun notes that midwives often approach birth as a sacred process, allowing labor to progress naturally. This setting supports a calmer, more comfortable experience, where women can feel empowered in their choices.
The Cascade of Interventions: How Hospital Births Can Escalate
A hospital birth often begins with an IV or a fetal monitor, leading to a series of interventions. Here’s how the cascade might unfold:
- Induction with Pitocin: Induction drugs stimulate strong contractions, which can be intense and painful, creating a stressful experience for both mother and baby.
- Epidural for Pain Relief: To cope with induced contractions, an epidural may be administered. While effective for pain, it reduces sensation and delays the natural urge to push, impacting the birth process.
- Potential for Cesarean: If labor fails to progress within the hospital’s timeframe, a cesarean section might be recommended. While life-saving in emergencies, cesareans often become the final step in the cascade of interventions.
Faun emphasizes that while every birth is unique, allowing the body to birth naturally often leads to fewer complications and a more fulfilling experience.
Choosing a Doula: How Advocates Support Empowered Births
Having a doula can be a transformative experience, especially within a hospital setting. Doulas, or “women who serve,” advocate for the mother’s preferences, whether in the hospital or at home. Faun’s work as a perinatal doula includes emotional and physical support for women throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
Doulas encourage mothers to trust their bodies, reminding them that labor is a normal, natural process designed by God. Faun explains, “With a doula, mothers feel supported and empowered. They’re not simply following medical procedures but are actively involved in each decision, making choices that align with their values and desires.”
Reconnecting with the Body’s Wisdom: Natural Birthing Practices
Birth positions, environment, and breathing techniques all play a role in natural, empowering births. Many hospitals traditionally place mothers in a lying-down position, mainly for the doctor’s convenience. However, Faun highlights the benefits of upright positions like squatting, standing, or being on all fours, which support gravity and help the baby descend naturally.
Additionally, practices like optimal fetal positioning (spinning babies) and using a birth tub can enhance comfort and ease labor pain, allowing the mother to work with her body’s natural rhythms. For many mothers, being in warm water offers relaxation, easing contractions, and reducing stress on both mother and baby.
Preparing for Birth: Practical Steps for an Empowered Journey
If you’re considering a natural approach to birth, here are some actionable steps to guide your journey:
- Choose Your Care Team: Whether you prefer a hospital or home birth, having a supportive care team is essential. Look for midwives and doulas who share your values and understand your vision for birth.
- Educate Yourself: Knowledge is power. Research birthing practices, read about hospital and home birth procedures, and consider watching videos of natural births. Seeing birth as a natural, peaceful process can help reduce fear.
- Create a Birth Plan: Outline your preferences, from pain management to birthing positions, and discuss them with your care team in advance.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, breathing exercises, and prenatal yoga can help you prepare mentally and physically. The more relaxed you are, the smoother labor can progress.
Embracing Birth as a Sacred Experience
At Christian Health Collective, we believe that every mother deserves a birth experience that honors her strength and the sacredness of bringing life into the world. Reclaiming birth is about removing fear, trusting the body’s wisdom, and embracing birth as a natural process, not just a medical event. Faun’s work reminds us that, whether at home or in a hospital, birth can—and should—be empowering and transformative for both mother and baby.
If you’re preparing for birth and want to learn more about your options, connect with our team. Embrace this journey, feel supported, and rediscover birth as the profound, life-giving experience it was always meant to be.