Book Review: Natural Hospital Birth

Not every woman wants a natural birth, but of those who do, achieving natural birth in a hospital can be a daunting challenge. The medical system has saved countless lives, but it is not well set-up to allow for the unfolding of a natural process. For the women who do not see birth as a necessarily medical event but who feel safest giving birth in close proximity to the vast medical support available in hospitals, Cynthia Gabriel’s book Natural Hospital Birth is a valuable and practical resource.

As a doula and anthropologist, Gabriel’s perspective is distinct; she believes in women’s ability to birth, but she does not shy away from the physical and emotional challenges of the experience. Unlike many proponents of natural childbirth that I have read, she does not suggest a way around the challenge but affirms the possibility and value of persevering through the challenge.

I found the whole book useful, but there are certainly some chapters that would be more relevant for expectant mothers in different situations:

•  Chapter 5 is dedicated to “Extra Support for Special Circumstances” like carrying twins, having a VBAC, or being a survivor of trauma.
• Chapter 6, “A Guide to Sensations” would be particularly interesting to moms who aren’t sure what to expect from labour.
• I thought that Gabriel’s treatment of birth plans in Chapter 3 was refreshing and unique, and
• I would suggest that every woman planning a natural birth in any setting read chapter 9 on coping with meaningful pain.
• Chapters 10 and 11 were also very practical in terms of addressing  two common concerns to arise in labour: “When Progress Slows” and “Concerns about Your Baby’s Heart Rate.” Labour plateaus and “non-reassuring” fetal heart rates are frequent reasons for natural birth plans to head off course,  but they don’t always mean something is wrong, and it is helpful to be prepared to stay calm and focused should these situations arise.

Of course, no amount of preparation beforehand can guarantee any particular outcome in a birth, and Gabriel continually acknowledges that birth may unfold differently than you hoped. However, preparing for the best and planning to achieve your goals are the best way to pursue a natural birth in the hospital.