Sometimes we hear women say, "Just get the epidural." Then we talk to other women who are adamant about having a "natural birth." If you're like most expectant parents, you may be curious about the meaning and the benefits of giving birth "naturally."

The term "natural birth" extends from the view that birth is a natural process, not an illness. Women and babies are treated more gently during natural birth. When birth is seen as a normal part of a woman's life, rather than a medical event, options such as midwifery care, out-of-hospital birth and waterbirth become part of the birth experience.

The phrase "natural birth" can be used to describe vaginal birth that occurs without the use of anesthesia, such as the saddle block or epidural. Some people prefer to use the term "unmedicated" birth instead of "natural." Natural birth involves the use of drug-free methods to support the labor process, relieve pain and facilitate pushing.

Women want to have natural birth in order to give themselves and their babies great odds for having fewer interventions during labor and birth. Minimizing the amount of technology during the birth process leads to the best outcomes for Mother and Baby. When women are laboring without medication, they maintain freedom of movement and mental clarity. Women who set a goal to labor without medication do so because they are aware of the risks involved in current labor management practices, for example, using Pitocin for induction, or anesthesia to control pain.

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