natural childbirth

natural childbirth

n.

A method of childbirth in which medical intervention is minimized and the mother often practices relaxation and breathing techniques to control pain and ease delivery.

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natural childbirth

Etymology: L, natura, nature; AS, cild, child; ME, bwith, birth

labor and parturition accomplished by a mother with little or no medical intervention. It is generally considered the optimal way of giving birth and being born, safest for the baby and most satisfying for the mother. Prerequisites include normal gestation, an adequate birth canal, strong maternal motivation, physical and emotional preparation, and constant and intensive support of the mother during labor and birth. See also Lamaze method.

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natural childbirth

Alternative obstetrics A vaginal delivery in which the mother is more actively involved in the parturitional mechanics–than in an 'unnatural' birth. See Alternative gynecology, Bonding, Breast milk, Doula, Lamaze method, Naturopathic obstetrics.