Why these mums chose a vaginal birth aka ‘natural birth’

As soon as the positive pregnancy test flashes in sight, it's likely to find yourself swarmed with decisions to make. From coming up with nursery decor ideas to thinking about your options for giving birth — from a C-section to a water birth — or you may be considering a vaginal birth. For years this kind of birth was referred to as 'natural birth', but we know all births are natural, no matter how your baby enters the world.

Of course, we know we can't always control what direction our labour takes. Sometimes the situation might mean you need a c-section, or you may need some extra assistance to get baby out using forceps or a ventouse to give birth.

If however your first choice is to have a vaginal birth, here's everything you need to know, plus nine mums tell us their personal reasons for choosing one...

What's considered a 'natural birth' or vaginal birth?

A vaginal birth aka the more dated term, 'natural birth' means different things to different people. To some it means no interference during birth — including nolabour pain relief nor medical help. For others, the concept is more about forgoing medical pain relief.

Vaginal births have sometimes in the past been called 'normal births'.  Of course, whatever birth you choose, it is completely your own prerogative. Every birth is normal and whatever you choose, it shouldn't be seen as a status symbol. A lot of mums may plan to have a vaginal birth, however, due to unforeseen circumstances (including birth difficulties) may change their mind during labour.

Vaginal birth is often referred to by midwives and doctors as 'normal birth' or 'natural birth', but if you would prefer them to use different terms, have the confidence to speak up.

In the UK, theNCT, Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have agreed a definition for vaginal birth, natural birth and normal births. According to this definition, it's one in which:

• labour starts spontaneously (on its own)

• labour progresses without certain drugs or assistance

• forceps or ventouse are not used

Women who have had the following however during birth, will not be considered to have had a vaginal birth:

•induction of labour (with prostaglandins, syntocinon drip or by having their waters broken)

• epidural pain relief in labour or spinal

• episiotomy to help get things moving

• forceps or ventouse - these can often be used if shoulder dystocia occurs

• caesarean section

• general anaesthetic

Is vaginal birth right for you?

Generally, a vaginal birth or 'natural birth' is safe for most mums, unless you have a high risk pregnancy. You'll likely be able to give birth naturally if you are just having the one baby, go full-term, have no underlying or pre-existing health problems and have had no problems throughout your pregnancy.

Always consult your doctor for medical advice to see if it's the best option for you and your baby.

It's unlikely you'll be able to have a vaginal childbirth experience if you:

• Are pregnant with twins

• Are less than 37 weeks pregnant, when you go into labour

• If you are considered overweight or gained too much weight during pregnancy

• Experience other pregnancy complications likegestational diabetes or the pregnancy condition preeclampsia

• A group B strep carrier (you’ll be tested during week 36 of pregnancy); you’ll need IV antibiotics during labour to decrease the risk of neonatal infection

• Have a baby in thebreech position when you go into labour — for your safety and your baby’s you will likely require a C-section.

What are the risks?

Prepare to feel everything - Some women find the pain is much more intense than they first anticipated, which sometimes leads to them having pain killers in the end. Know that you can always let your practitioner know you're planning for a drug free birth and remember, you can ask for an epidural at any time during the process if the pain gets to be too much.

You might not be able to have one – Feel comfortable with the idea that you may need pain killers and that things might change. Whether it is due to medical reasons or something else, you may need interventions or drugs anyway.

Labour could be longer - If you begin to get tired, anxious, or stressed during your labour, it may take a while longer to deliver the baby.

What are the benefits?

You might have better success breastfeeding - Studies have suggested that immediate skin-to-skin contact helps with early mum and baby bonding that can make breastfeeding easier.

You'll be able to move - Many women find comfort in the fact they can move during labour and it's often a good way to cope with pain. Whether it's walking around or bobbing up and down on abirthing ball, you'll have the freedom to move about as you please with a vaginal birth rather than being confined to a bed like you would be with an epidural.

Pushing may be easier - Because you won't receive pain-relieving medication, you won’t lose any sensation and will be able to feel your baby move more easily which can also mean less vaginal tearing to keep your post-birth vagina in tact.

Faster recovery - You’ll be able to get out of bed and walk around sooner post-birth, since you won’t be numb from the epidural or medication. In turn, walking will help speed your post-birth recovery.

How to prepare for a natural birth

There are many things you can do to prepare for your labour. It mainly boils down to getting yourself as informed and prepared as possible in the run up to your birth.

Do your research - Take classes, read some pregnancy books, head to Mother&Baby's YouTube and watch some video’s about birth (particularly on hypnobirthing). There are loads of helpful resources out there about giving birth naturally and the more knowledge you have, the better.

Talk to your midwife or GP - Whether you plan to give birth in a hospital or midwife ledbirthing centre, make sure your midwife is aware of the birthing experience you have in mind.

Consider hiring a doula - While your midwife is there to get your baby delivered in a healthy, safe manner, a doula is there to support throughout your pregnancy and labour and delivery when the pushing gets more intense. During pregnancy your doula will talk to you about a birth plan, and when you're in labour they’ll work hard with you to get you through it.

Learn about pain management techniques - In the weeks leading up to your delivery, try a variety of pain management techniques with your birthing partner such as hypnobirthing, massage therapy, breathing exercises and aromatherapy. By practising the same techniques over and over, it becomes second nature when you need it most — plus it's a good way to see what works best for you ahead of the big day.

Nine mums reveal why they had a vaginal birth...