Everyone has an opinion about natural childbirth.
- Myth #1 Childbirth is just like what you see on TV
- Myth #2 Your pelvis is too small
- Myth #3 Once a cesarean, always a cesarean.
- Myth #4 You are too short
- Myth #5 You’re having a “big baby”
- Myth #6 A c-section is the only option if your baby is breech
- Myth #7 You need a c-section if your baby is overdue
- Myth #8 The hospital is the safest place to give birth
Your mom, your BFF with four kids, and your doctor may all have the right intentions but there’s a lot of information out there that is not 100% accurate.
In fact, there are so many myths about natural childbirth that — if you listen to them — could totally freak you out and deter you from going for a natural birth.
Planning on having a natural birth and actually going through with it can be daunting but being prepared and educated is key to having a mindset fit for a successful unmedicated birth. Below are some common birth myths that are totally false!
Myth #1: Childbirth is just like what you see on TV
The media’s portrayal of birth is one of the biggest reasons why so many people fear natural births. This is a SCAM, people!
The birthing woman is always portrayed as some monster who screams at the top of her lungs and curses at everyone around her. She curses at her husband because he “did this to her”.
When she’s not screaming, she’s on her back, legs wide open, pushing until she’s ready to pass out.
It always looks as if the entire process of childbirth is just too much for her. Like she’s not at all capable of handling it.
And we’ve been seeing these images on repeat since we were probably children or teenagers. SCAM, I’m telling you. This is not accurate at all.
But it explains why many moms fear going through with having an unmedicated birth. Or even fear childbirth entirely.
Constantly seeing these kinds of images can completely freak you out! Think about the subconscious effect this has on you, mama. It’s teaching you that you’re not capable of giving birth. They’re robbing you (us) of our power as mothers and birthing women.
So, take it from me. Childbirth doesn’t need to be like what you see on TV.
Is childbirth easy? No, it’s definitely challenging. I mean, you are bringing a new life into the world.
Are contractions painful? Sure, they can be. But they are valuable. The closer and stronger your contractions get, the closer you are to meeting your baby!
An unmedicated birth is TOTALLY DOABLE. I’ve done it twice and let me tell you: I’d do it again in a heartbeat! I felt so good afterward and my postpartum recovery was smooth.
Labor pains are also very much manageable. Your body knows exactly what to do to manage this pain. It naturally produces hormones (the beta-endorphin hormone…aka nature’s narcotic) which help manage pain during labor!
There are so many benefits to having an unmedicated birth. So PLEASE erase from your memory any dramatic TV births and watch positive birthing videos, like these, for some encouragement!
Myth #2: Your pelvis is too small
You may be freaked out from having a natural birth if your doctor says you have a small pelvis. Many expecting moms are actually misdiagnosed with having Cephalo-pelvic disproportion (CPD).
CPD is rare. According to the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), CPD occurs in 1 out of 250 pregnancies.” source)
It isn’t something that should just be thrown around without a proper evaluation.
In fact, research shows that it is nearly impossible to diagnose until the onset of labor unless it’s due some kind of injury or congenital malformation.
Studies show that even if a baby is presumed big, an attempt at labor should be made.
Myth #3: Once a cesarean, always a cesarean.
According to this study, a vaginal after a c-section (VBAC) for a non-recurring indication has been described by several authors as safe and having a success rate of 60–80%.
Many healthcare providers will bring up uterine rupture as one of the main risks of a VBAC birth. However, several reports have shown that the risk of uterine rupture is about 1 per 1000 (source).
If you’d like to have a VBAC, find the right hospital and the right care provider for you. Not all hospitals allow VBACs. For extra support, you may also want to look into getting yourself a doula who specializes in VBAC births. You can even opt to have a certified midwife tend to your birth, instead of an OBGYN.
Remember that every situation is different, and only a qualified individual can properly assess you and your medical history (while weighing the benefits & risks) to determine if you’d be a good candidate for a VBAC.
Myth #4: You are too short
Your stature alone does not determine your ability to have an unmedicated vaginal birth. PERIOD.
Want to Save This Post?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Myth #5: You’re having a “big baby”
Having a big baby (10lbs+) is not synonymous with having a c-section.
First, women have been having big babies forever! Second, ultrasounds are inaccurate near the end of pregnancy for estimating fetal weight.
A study was conducted and found that, “significant error was seen while estimating fetal weight by ultrasound. Depending only on the fetal ultrasound for the estimation of fetal weight can lead to unnecessary obstetrical intervention.”
Having a big baby does not mean that a c-section is inevitable. If your doctor or midwife tells you this, you need to start asking some serious questions. And consider switching providers if needed.
Want some more motivation? Read about a mom who gave birth to a large baby. Check out this Australian mom’s natural birth.
Myth #6: A c-section is the only option if your baby is breech
(source)
Your baby not being in an optimal position for birth does not automatically mean that your plan to have an unmedicated birth should be forgotten.
Part of the reason why I stress that all pregnant moms should see a Chiropractor regularly is because of the positive effects that chiropractic adjustments have on the body, especially during pregnancy.
If your baby is still breech by 34 weeks, the Webster Technique (WT) can be performed by a Webster-Certified Chiropractor to encourage your baby to turn.
It’s a specific type of chiropractic adjustment done on pregnant moms. It’s a much safer and less-invasive option than an external cephalic version (ECV).
WT won’t exactly turn your baby right on the spot. However, the positive physiological effects it has on the body encourage proper fetal positioning.
In other words, it coaxes your baby into the perfect position for childbirth!
Check out this awesome resource for flipping a breech baby.
Myth #7: You need a c-section if your baby is overdue
(source)
Although this doctor suggests waiting it out until at least 41 weeks if you and baby are healthy, this study suggests that “the incidence of stillbirth increases from 39 weeks onwards with a sharp rise after 40 weeks of gestation”.
If you are overdue, you may have a fetal non-stress test (NST) done once (or more) every week to ensure your baby’s well-being.
An NST is a non-invasive procedure that basically assesses how the baby is doing in utero. You’ll just be hooked up to a fetal monitor and have to sit there for a couple of hours. Bring something to read or watch.
Most if not all HCPs will not let you go past that 42 weeks. At that point the risk of stillbirth, c-section, and meconium aspiration (baby breathing in its own poop) rises.
If you are overdue and want to avoid medical induction, which does come with its own risks (such as an increased risk of c-section), you can try some natural things to induce labor, including acupressure, acupuncture, nipple stimulation (you can even try using a breast pump), unprotected sex, a stretch and sweep, and taking a brisk walk.
The point is, being overdue does not automatically mean you should have a c-section. It might mean induction, though. And you can still manage to avoid an epidural even if you are induced. Simply ask for a gentle induction method such as the Foley bulb (preferred) or cervix ripening.
Myth #8: The hospital is the safest place to give birth
That isn’t true in all cases.
Of course, being in a hospital setting, if an actual emergency situation were to arise, you’d be in the perfect place to give birth.
However, according to this study, planned home births are much safer and carry lower risks of fetal death and interventions compared with planned hospital birth attended by a midwife or physician.
Although you can have a successful natural birth in a hospital, hospitals are not really the ideal place for that type of birth for most women.
Having had two natural births in a hospital myself, I find that being in a clinical setting is not completely conducive to that type of birth experience. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. It is, 100%.
The drab atmosphere, the sterile smell, the staff running around in their scrubs…That can really affect how you respond to and cope with your labor.
If you’d prefer not to be in a hospital, you can always give birth in a birth center or even at home.
I hope knowing the truth behind these birth myths will help you stay confident in your decision to have an unmedicated birth! 😎
Take the Guesswork Out of Labor With My Natural Birth Toolkit
Are you worried you might forget all of your labor prep and info… during labor?! Grab The Natural Labor Playbook, your ultimate labor cheat sheet for natural-minded mamas for only $7!
Thank you! I am devouring this website lately. I am expecting my first. My sister’s first baby was “due” August 22 and his birthday is September 7. My sister strongly believes she ovulated at around day 26 of her cycle. She had a 10 week ultrasound with her second to get a more accurate due date. It was only a day off based on that ultrasound. I am glad I had one as well because I was also not as far along as I thought at that time. Also, 40 weeks is not standard throughout the globe, it’s more of a median. East Asian women typically have longer gestation times and women from subsaharan Africa may have shorter gestations on average. These things matter.
Wow that’s crazy…or maybe not so much because birth can be so unpredictable lol! Yes, it’s amazing what our bodies are capable of!
Thanks for stopping by & for sharing your story! xx
Wow that’s crazy…or maybe not so much because birth can be so unpredictable lol! Yes, it’s amazing what our bodies are capable of!
Thanks for stopping by & for sharing your story! xx
I’m always telling my girlfriends to not pay attention to what they see in movies!! haha Although, birth is no walk in the park, it doesn’t have to been a scene out of a horror movie! I think the biggest things is having the knowledge leading up to the process and you’ve done a great job at informing mothers-to-be!
LOL you’re a good friend! You’re so right, it’s not easy but at the same time it’s still beautiful! It’s definitely important to have that knowledge beforehand 😉
Thanks so much for reading!
I’m always telling my girlfriends to not pay attention to what they see in movies!! haha Although, birth is no walk in the park, it doesn’t have to been a scene out of a horror movie! I think the biggest things is having the knowledge leading up to the process and you’ve done a great job at informing mothers-to-be!
LOL you’re a good friend! You’re so right, it’s not easy but at the same time it’s still beautiful! It’s definitely important to have that knowledge beforehand 😉
Thanks so much for reading!
Great post. I definitely didn’t scream during either of my births. But I did have an epidural for he actually pushing but I think even that is more of a grunting like working out. I was never asked or suggested a c-section once. Which was my biggest fear. So I was glad my doctors tried their best to follow my birth plan. Thanks for the post.
Great post. I definitely didn’t scream during either of my births. But I did have an epidural for he actually pushing but I think even that is more of a grunting like working out. I was never asked or suggested a c-section once. Which was my biggest fear. So I was glad my doctors tried their best to follow my birth plan. Thanks for the post.
This was really great to read! I’ve read so many birth stories while pregnant. I think this seemed really spot on. Not that i have anything to compare it to since this is my first baby. I can totally see why some women choose to go medicated and some dont, but I think having the facts first is most important!
This was really great to read! I’ve read so many birth stories while pregnant. I think this seemed really spot on. Not that i have anything to compare it to since this is my first baby. I can totally see why some women choose to go medicated and some dont, but I think having the facts first is most important!
Child birth seems like the most daunting natural thing to face, so I appreciate you de-bunking this myths. I didnt realize that the position the baby’s in isn’t that big of a deal.
I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Baby’s position is definitely an important factor, but being in the wrong position doesn’t always have to mean c-section. 😉
xx
Child birth seems like the most daunting natural thing to face, so I appreciate you de-bunking this myths. I didnt realize that the position the baby’s in isn’t that big of a deal.
I’m glad you enjoyed the article. Baby’s position is definitely an important factor, but being in the wrong position doesn’t always have to mean c-section. 😉
xx
This was one crazy read and opened me up to so much I had no clue about.
This was one crazy read and opened me up to so much I had no clue about.
Giving birth is not like what you see on TV lol! I always laugh when I see movies and they overdramatize the delivery.
Giving birth is not like what you see on TV lol! I always laugh when I see movies and they overdramatize the delivery.
This was such a great post! I had no idea that our body produces a beta-hormone to manage pain. I also loved what you wrote about C-sections. I had one with my first, but then had two very successful and smooth V-backs. Totally possible. Loved reading this. ❤️
Aw thanks so much Melissa! Our bodies are amazing and I believe there’s no flaw in our design. We just have to allow our bodies to do the work. I’m so happy you had 2 successful VBAC experiences!! More women need to know about this. Thanks for reading and for sharing your story!
xx
This was such a great post! I had no idea that our body produces a beta-hormone to manage pain. I also loved what you wrote about C-sections. I had one with my first, but then had two very successful and smooth V-backs. Totally possible. Loved reading this. ❤️
Aw thanks so much Melissa! Our bodies are amazing and I believe there’s no flaw in our design. We just have to allow our bodies to do the work. I’m so happy you had 2 successful VBAC experiences!! More women need to know about this. Thanks for reading and for sharing your story!
xx
LOL! Glad you enjoyed the post Erin!
LOL! Glad you enjoyed the post Erin!
I loved reading this! As someone that has major baby fever, but all the fears too, I loved learning a little more about the myths. Everything from c sections to big babies was so interesting. My mother in law has been a labor & delivery nurse for over 25 years, so I do know that when the day comes, I’ll be in extra good hands. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed this post Katherine! With your MIL having so much experience I know you’ll be in great hands come d-day!
xx
I loved reading this! As someone that has major baby fever, but all the fears too, I loved learning a little more about the myths. Everything from c sections to big babies was so interesting. My mother in law has been a labor & delivery nurse for over 25 years, so I do know that when the day comes, I’ll be in extra good hands. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed this post Katherine! With your MIL having so much experience I know you’ll be in great hands come d-day!
xx
This is such good information! I had learned a lot about c-sections and late pregnancies with my first who was almost two weeks late!
Thank you so much Stephanie, I’m glad you found this post helpful!
This is such good information! I had learned a lot about c-sections and late pregnancies with my first who was almost two weeks late!
Thank you so much Stephanie, I’m glad you found this post helpful!
I was hoping for an unmedicated birth but things didn’t work out that way. I think it’s a good idea to be open so you’re not disappointed.
Being aware and having all the information you need is key to making the right decisions regardless of how things play out. Birth can be so unpredictable!
Thanks for sharing your input and for reading!
I was hoping for an unmedicated birth but things didn’t work out that way. I think it’s a good idea to be open so you’re not disappointed.
Being aware and having all the information you need is key to making the right decisions regardless of how things play out. Birth can be so unpredictable!
Thanks for sharing your input and for reading!
Thanks for sharing, this is a great post for newly expectant mommies! As a mother of 5, I have been through it all, and I can honestly say that #4, which was my only unmedicated birth, was by far the easiest. I was up walking around about 20 minutes later as my husband looked on in amazement asking me if I felt ok. “Never better!”
OMG You’re amazing. I also want 5 children. Hubby wants 4 so I’m still working on talking him into having 5. We’ve had 2 so far lol. I’ve heard so many moms say that their natural births were by far the easiest. I’m so happy you had a wonderful experience. I felt so good after mine. Honestly if it wasn’t for a slightly sore crotch I don’t think I would’ve even felt like I just had a baby!
Thanks for reading, xx
Thanks for sharing, this is a great post for newly expectant mommies! As a mother of 5, I have been through it all, and I can honestly say that #4, which was my only unmedicated birth, was by far the easiest. I was up walking around about 20 minutes later as my husband looked on in amazement asking me if I felt ok. “Never better!”
OMG You’re amazing. I also want 5 children. Hubby wants 4 so I’m still working on talking him into having 5. We’ve had 2 so far lol. I’ve heard so many moms say that their natural births were by far the easiest. I’m so happy you had a wonderful experience. I felt so good after mine. Honestly if it wasn’t for a slightly sore crotch I don’t think I would’ve even felt like I just had a baby!
Thanks for reading, xx
This was a really interesting read! We are quite a ways away from having children, but I’m already very afraid of the process. This was helpful!
This was a really interesting read! We are quite a ways away from having children, but I’m already very afraid of the process. This was helpful!