More often than not, mothers are looking for validation in their choice to pursue a natural acteriaaby birth. But some may still be leery that there are just as many negative aspects versus a medicated or intervened birth. Here is where you can put those misgivings aside as I discuss natural birth side effects versus ‘traditional birth’ side effects.
But I prefer to call them BENEFITS overall; because that’s what they are, keep reading and you’ll soon agree.
Define It
When you hear the term ‘side effect,’ it sort of comes with a negative connotation-much like the word ‘consequence’. But neither are inferring directly adverse situations. We just (sadly) tend to lean that direction in any interpretation because of the world we live in.
If you look up the meaning of ‘side effect‘, what I mean is perfectly clear:
- any effect of a drug, chemical, or other medicine that is in addition to its intended effect, especially an effect that is harmful or unpleasant
But if you also notice, it’s not the only definition available:
- any accompanying or consequential and usually detrimental effect
There’s that word ‘consequence’ again, but ‘consequential’ here. Let’s look up ‘consequence‘:
- the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier
Is there anything negative in the definition of ‘consequence’? ABSOLUTELY NOT. You can have good effects, good results, and good outcomes of anything occurring. It just depends on your perspective and opinion. (Check out pluses of having your pregnancy and birth here.)
Looking back at the secondary definition of ‘side effect’, the phrase “usually detrimental effect” is there. But does ‘usually’ mean ‘always’? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
This definition is secondary to the common reference that the term ‘side effect’ is used in conjunction with drugs and medicine. But a side effect in normal conversation is not always in reference to drugs or medicine. It’s often in relation to anything with a result unintended-thus a consequence, which we already alluded to NOT being harmful in general terms.
What Side Effects are Bad?
I can make claim to hundreds of facts about why a natural birth reaps all these marvelous benefits versus an epidural or c-section stripping away all those positive aspects. But all in all, I cannot point you to every SINGLE source that is out there, legitimate or not.
What I can do is show you what I know, have experienced myself, and what I find from a scholarly, unbiased aspect. It’s up to you to ultimately decide what results from your natural birth are ‘good’ or not. Some are no-brainers, but everyone has their own situation and point of view.
Remember too, that this list is in no way PERFECTLY complete in covering all aspects and situations of a birth. But I can point you to what I have found myself, backing up these points with professional studies in the links you can review.
| Medicated Birth |
| interference with natural hormone regulation, disrupting your body’s abilities |
| increases the length of your labor and delivery |
| increases the need for forceps or vacuum extraction during your delivery |
| your risk increases for perineal tearing |
| your risk increases for a necessary cesarean by 2.5 times |
| your need for pitocin induction triples |
| your chances for a posterior baby position quadruples |
| having post birth pelvic floor (sex, urinary) problems increases |
| adversely affects your baby’s immune system |
| newborn abilities are often compromised |
| your baby’s fetal heart rate slows and can become bradycardic |
| breastfeeding your newborn is harder to achieve |
| needing a cesarean is twice a likely when you’re induced |
| pitocin doesn’t fully replicate natural oxytocin and increases stress on your baby |
| pitocin deprives oxygen and increases risk for brain damage to your baby |
| around 30% of cesareans cause infection for mothers |
| cesarean births are twice as likely to have severe complications than vaginal |
| your next baby is more likely to be breech after have a c-section |
| cesarean risks for your baby are the same as with just an epidural or pitocin |
| cesarean babies are more likely to have asthma, allergies, and gut infections later in life |
| breastfeeding cannot fully compensate for the natural flora your baby won’t receive from a c-section |
| you cannot bond with your baby as much as you’d like because they’re more likely in the NICU |
| loss of some or complete sensation and muscle control, sometimes consciousness |
| Natural Birth |
| longer recovery time in the vaginal and perineal area |
| greater post partum pain and irritation than a cesarean |
| muscle tenderness, soreness and stiffness afterwards |
What Side Effects are Good?
Keep in mind, that many of these benefits from a natural birth are simply from removing the use of medical intervention medications. But be sure to distinguish the difference between short term and long term benefits and which is greater for both you and baby.
You can also read about the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ recommendation for even just vaginal deliveries over an elected cesarean section because of the beneficial side effects present in those births.
| Medicated Birth |
| epidurals provide fast and/or short term pain relief |
| useful intervention in emergency circumstances |
| Natural Birth |
| no invasive known side effects for you and your baby |
| complete body control and awareness of actions and decisions |
| labor and delivery is often shorter, especially in subsequent births |
| perineal tearing risk is decreased |
| your baby’s immune system is naturally stronger |
| your baby’s mental function will work properly and development will not be hindered |
| immediate latch-on will easily be attained |
| your baby’s natural flora will proliferate appropriately throughout their life |
| you can recover much quicker and with greater ease |
| your baby’s lifetime risk of diseases is decreased |
| your baby’s risk of respiratory problems is decreased |
| no scarring risks on your internal organs |
Personal Experiences
I remember reading somewhere, an article or possibly in Dr. Bradley’s book, that children born naturally are calmer long term; but I couldn’t find an exact study to link to for your review, yet I know it to be true.
With both of my births, I remember the nurses commenting that my boys were always so aware and cognizant immediately after their arrival, as if they’d never seen a ‘normal’ baby before that didn’t have drugs pulsing through their veins.
And then as my boys grew, I have always received compliments about how calm they are in most circumstances. Of course, if my baby is held be someone other than mommy or daddy, it takes awhile for him to not be upset. Or if my toddler is somewhere he’s entirely comfortable, he’ll certainly cause a little ruckus.
I know that because of my decision to birth naturally and to breastfeed my boys, they have received the best source of probiotics and natural source of good bacteria they could acquire. And because so, we so far have not had to worry about little colds they get on occasion. (Read more here about how this happens.)
Just one time has my toddler dealt with croup. Last winter he had a mild case that I was not worried about because he still was his cheery little self, but still ‘barking’ like a seal.
At the time I was breastfeeding our littlest one, so I gave my toddler some extra breast milk for a day-and he was nearly cured OVERNIGHT.
Now I am NOT saying that just because in my own personal circumstances, these benefits are visible and apparent for all mothers and children who do exactly the same. I know that personal circumstances and natural environments, along with genetics, are multiple factors at play.
I AM saying that I know that my own experiences, even in just a few short years, have shown me that the benefits and good consequences of my birthing decisions have already manifested themselves. And if it is clearly apparent in my own life, it is certainly attainable in yours.
Hopefully this post alone is enough to show you which way the scales tip for you. Your next step is to simply discover how you can accomplish this marvelous feat.
How To Have A Natural Birth With Success!
Mommies, I want to hear about what you have seen in your own families as wonderful benefits for your children in birthing them naturally. I still have a lifetime to discover how my boys and future children will flourish, but I look forward to it everyday.
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Thanks designed for sharing such a nice opinion, article is pleasant, thats why i have read it completely
Let me know if you’re looking for anything in particular. I am here to help!
Hello Sarah,
I really like that you write about the benefits. I often get in contact with “fear based” information: do what I think otherwise this will happened… Then it is hard to figure out what is true and what is the other persons opinion. On your site you tell your opinion in a very humble way - it is OK for anyone to disagree. I feel sure that what I read here is for real. I’m reading you site be course I want to learn more about a natural birth. If I have another child I want that experience different than the one I had. Your site is one step to figure out how I’d like it to be.
Thanks
Marie
Thanks Marie, I always enjoy hearing from you. You’re absolutely right, it is perfectly fine for a mother to choose to birth in whatever way they desire. I’m just here to help the ones that desire what I feel is best for their experience, and it will never be what almost everyone else feels is best.
I do give my opinion backed by experience. But I also back what I provide with references too, which is why I included links to all of those studies elaborating on what I have summarized. I’m glad to know that you believe what you’ve read here today, because I certainly do.
Hi,Sarah:
This is Tom, the golf guy. I really like the look and feel of your site. You hit the nail on the head. Follow your passion. See what happens…Take care
Thanks Tom. Best to you as well.
Great job, Sarah. Very comprehensive comparison between natural and medicated birth pros and cons. You are so particular and give a lot of useful information on your website.
Cheers,
Krasimir
If it wasn’t particular but just vague then it wouldn’t be of any use to anyone. I try to be clear and concise. Thanks for your comment Krasi. Let me know if you have any questions, thanks!
Great site. You have presented the reader with a wide variety of information.
Thank you Shereen. Feel free to share or let me know if you’re looking for something in particular.
Wow, Sarah! As always, you nail it. Your natural childbirth pros and cons list is very comprehensive. I must say, I really enjoy coming to your site and reading your content. You prove to be an authority in your niche.
It’s always great to hear from you Dave. Let me know if you have anyone you know that is looking for help in this area. I appreciate your comment!
This post is great! I’ve always hoped that someday when I have kids, I’ll be brave enough to do it naturally. This is great information.
Hi Heather. Just the fact that you’re here shows you already have the gumption to back your bravery. You can ABSOLUTELY have your children naturally and I’ll be here waiting to help you whenever you’ve reached that point in your life. I look forward to hearing from you in the future, best!
Excellent article about the pros and cons of natural birth. I like how the points are supplemented with external data. That quote regarding breast milk and curing the croup was particularly eye opening. I suffered croup a lot as a child.
Hi John. To me, data is next to fact and far from speculation without research. I hate reading about things that start with “Research shows….” and then there’s no reference to said research.
Secondarily, I wouldn’t go as far to say the breastmilk will cure the croup, but it certainly is the number one thing I reach for when my children are sick because of all the antibodies present in it. It’s like giving someone a bit of an extra immune system in addition to their own.
Thanks for your comment. I always like hearing from you!
Fantastic post with lots of information. Keep up the good work!
Thanks Hayley. Did you have any questions about anything? Have a nice day!
you put this so well all the have to do is read this and there would be a lot more natural births
That would amazingly change society if just one post would be capable of that. Unfortunately it takes so much more. But I hope you’re right David; and I also hope that I can play a part in that. That’s why I’m here. Thanks for your comment!
Hi Sarah,
Fantastic post! It’s clear that you are passionate and this ultimately helps with the writing. Keep going and good luck!
Lee
Thanks for your comment, Lee. Best to you.