I realized I have used the term “normal birth” several times without explaining what I mean. First, I wish to be clear that there is no value judgment in the phrase normal birth–it simply refers to the physiologically normal process of birth. It is birth as it is biologically programmed to happen and allowed to unfold without interference in a physiologically normal way. This is “normal birth”–birth that is unhindered, undisturbed, and not interfered with. Approximately 90-95% of births would be normal births if left undisturbed. The other 5-10% benefit from the presence of (or access to) a skilled birth attendant.
Birth is physiological and biological in nature, but is influenced and shaped by personal, social, cultural, and historical factors.
Normal birth is sadly a rarity in our present birth culture in the U.S. What we have come as a society to view as “normal” parts of birth are often actually things that impair or interfere with the normal process and the natural unfolding of this exquisite biological event.
Yes, birth is a totally normal, healthy life event! A normal birth can be a peak experience. There’s some interesting info about normal birth at http://www.lamaze.org, six questions to ask about the birth you are planning. Good stuff. Thanks for bringing it up!
[...] childbirth education as “woman-centered.” Why? I believe woman-centered birth supports normal birth. The two are inextricably linked. According to the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth [...]
[...] increase your likelihood of satisfaction with your birth experience and of having a normal birth as well as a healthy mother and baby, choose a birth setting and care provider that supports and [...]