5 Ways in Which Naturopathic Doctors Assist in Natural Childbirth

SHARE

How you give birth to your child is an extremely personal decision and once that requires careful planning and education.  And, sometimes, even the best laid plans do not turn out exactly how you intended.  But often, if a patient selects natural childbirth it is best to work with a naturopathic doctor who is experienced in natural childbirth and will not only support the decision but assist the patient in achieving the birth they desire.  Below are 5 ways in which a naturopathic doctor assists patients in achieving a natural childbirth.

1. Encourage Holistic Health for Mom & Baby
   • Before, during and after pregnancy, it is incredibly important to pursue optimal health. A naturopathic physician can assist patients in doing so by providing a comprehensive examination that addresses not just the pregnancy but both the mom and baby’s holistic health.  In addition to specific medical attention, attention will be paid to nutrition, exercise, the possible need for nutritional supplements, and the connection between mind & body health as hormones fluctuate before, during and after pregnancy.
2. Provide Ongoing Prenatal Support and Medical Care
   • Prenatal visits are vital to the health of mom and baby. Naturopathic physicians will monitor the health of mom and baby throughout the pregnancy just as any other medical practitioner would, and will assist the mom in achieving the most healthy pregnancy.
3. Assist in Creating a Birth Plan
   • While plans can sometimes change because of unforeseen events during delivery, the best way to achieve the natural birth that you want is to create a birth plan. While there are templates to create a birth plan, every mom and every birth is different.  Naturopathic physicians can assist a patient in creating a unique, personalized birth plan in an effort to achieve the patient’s ideal birth experience.
4. Provide Naturopathic Medical Care for the Delivery of the Baby
   • Whether you opt for a home birth, hospital birth, or to birth at a birthing center, a naturopathic physician can provide medical care and support throughout labor and delivery. Additionally, naturopathic physicians can provide a newborn examination immediately following delivery as well as immediate postpartum care for the mother.
5. Provide Breastfeeding & Baby Bonding Support
   • After delivery, moms are recovery from the often exhausting process of having the baby but it is also the exciting time of bonding with baby. Breastfeeding and bonding may not always come easily for mothers and naturopathic physicians can provide breastfeeding and baby bonding support to mom and baby.