Labor and delivery. For many women these words conjure up images of writhing pain, exhaustion and medical intervention. For others, labor is a relaxed, thoughtful, often spiritual experience. What makes for such a huge difference in experiences? Is it that some women are naturally better at dealing with discomfort, are more enlightened or more courageous? Not at all. In fact, any and every woman can benefit from the process of natural labor.

"Our bodies were made to do this ... our pelvises are models of design!" says Alison Haasch, a childbirth educator and doula who operates her own parenting resource center, Birth Trust Doula Services, Inc. in Phoenix, Ariz. It takes a little preparation and practice, but the rewards of going natural for you and your baby are well worth the investment.

Here are some good reasons to consider a natural childbirth and also some concrete strategies and tips for making it a smooth birth:

Throughout the years we have become accustomed to the idea that birth is a scary and dangerous event that requires the intervention of doctors. This misconception leads many women, with such high anxiety about birth, to request epidurals and other types of intervention. Drugs can, however, complicate the labor process as well as have negative side effects on both mother and baby. Getting past your own perceptions about childbirth is the first step in having a more personal, empowering experience.

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