One would think that alternative birthing is something out of the typical delivery routine. However, alternative birthing methods are a growing practice to how women birth their babies. There are many methods available that fit perfectly within the home and some within the hospital setting as well, for those who might worry about the possibility that an emergency may arise.

Technology has taught both doctors and mothers so much about what is going on inside the womb while the child is preparing to enter the world. But at the same time, we can’t rule out the fact that women’s bodies were built for birthing children, long before there were fetal monitors, epidurals, or pitocin.

What are some of these alternative methods?

Vertical birth
According to Stephanie Larson, DFB, Certified Birth Doula and childbirth educator, “vertical birth uses gravity to the woman’s advantage and increases the size of the pelvic outlet for ease of birth.” Vertical birthing positions reduce pressure on the uterus and large blood vessels, which can affect the amount of oxygen going to the baby. In Peru, ancient pottery from the Andes depicts women sitting or standing while giving birth.

Pre/post-natal yoga
During pregnancy, yoga can provide positions that relieve fatigue, back pain, headaches, swelling, and nausea. The postures can bring greater flexibility to the pelvis as well as increase circulation to the pelvic floor, better preparing it for the birth process. Kelly Neylan, a registered yoga instructor, adds that during birth, squatting and kneeling positions taught in class also facilitate the use of gravity to assist the baby through the birth canal.

Breathing techniques help to release endorphins, aiding the body in handling pain. Meditation, concentration, movement, and vocalization are other tools taught through yoga. Kelly states, “If a woman can meditate in-between contractions and revitalize herself, she will be able to better cope with the pain of labor and have more energy.” Additionally, “[post-natal] yoga aids in restoring the uterus, abdomen, and pelvic floor.”

Hypnobirthing
The focus of hypnobirthing is to lessen or eliminate the “Fear-Tension-Pain syndrome.” This syndrome is described as the anxiety prior to labor, which causes fear. The fear in turn causes muscular and psychological tension, thus interfering with the natural birthing processes of dilation and delivery.

In a hypnobirthing class, a woman learns self-hypnosis exercises that allow her to eliminate the fear of labor pain. Women’s bodies are designed to self-medicate during childbirth by releasing their own oxytocin, endorphins, prolactin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine at the rate and amount as needed at a particular time during labor. “When a woman knows how to use hypnosis, she can use that control to get out of her own way and just let the birth happen naturally,” says Shelley Black, a clinical hypnotherapist.

Waterbirth
In waterbirth, a mother labors in a warm tub of water. The buoyancy and warmth of the water provide comfort during labor.