Natural childbirth

The natural childbirth technique attempts to minimize medical intervention, particularly anaesthetics, during childbirth. Proponents advocate that anaesthetics may increase the likelihood of complications, because labor may be slowed or the woman may not be able to adequately direct her body to push properly during final delivery. They also note that many pain medications cross the placenta and medicate the newborn, leading to less alertness shortly after birth, which may in turn reduce the chances of successful breastfeeding.

Pain–management techniques other than medication include hydrotherapy, massage, relaxation therapy and hypnosis.

The Lamaze and Bradley Method are popular systems to help parents–to–be prepare for the birth process in general, and emphasize natural birth in particular.