A Natural Hospital Birth

Just saying the words Natural childbirth and hospital in the same sentence seems absurd. What the heck is natural about giving birth in a hospital? Well, let me tell you what—it was just that!

Laboring at home

black and white birth image of a woman laboring at home with her dog as a companion.

This momma was a nurse herself and frankly had no problem speaking up for herself. I was, of course, this family’s birth photographer, but also their labor doula. I was their doula “just in case” things went sideways. I arrived to do all the at-home laboring which I love. Mom, was completely in control and dug deep inside herself. Some mom’s to be are loud and proud and some look inward for their stability. She was the latter. I found myself wondering how to help or if I was doing anything at all. I voiced this later and she assured me that just being there was comforting and I hadn’t needed “to do anything”.

When contractions started to become more frequent and increasing in intensity, we all headed to the hospital. It was important to do this first bit at home. She was more comfortable, able to walk and do as she pleased, and reduced time actually in the hospital.

A black and white image by Birth and Beauty showing a woman in labor squatting in the kitchen of her home.

Heading to the Hospital when Active Labor Begins

A color birth photo of a woman during active labor by birth photographer, Leona Darnell

Once at the hospital, the nurses did all the things, began an IV port, monitored the baby, and checked her cervical dilation. But that is when any hands-on “stuff” ended. It was only her, her breathing and deep concentration. This portion didn’t last long at all. She did most of the work at home and now she was going to meet her child.

A black and white birth image of a woman laboring in the hospital with her partner. Image by Birth and Beauty.

A completely hands-off OB

A color birth photo of a woman laboring peacefully with her husband during a woman lead hospital birth. Image by Los Angeles birth photographer, Leona Darnell.

I have never seen such a doctor listen so well and be completely hands-off. There was no coached pushing. No “1,2,3,4 PUSH“, there were very few people in the room, and there was dimmed lighting. Gone were the sounds of voices, the beeps of machines, and fingers on and in her vagina. The OB was there, but simply watching and not right on top of her.

Black and white birth photo of a woman on a birth ball during a San Diego hospital birth. Image by birth doula, Leona Darnell

Baby was Born into a Peaceful Environment

A color birth photo of a woman holding her new daughter after birth. Image by Birth and Beauty.

The baby girl was born and came out all on her own. No yanking baby out, no pulling, no guiding, and no yelling “Here she is!” It was calm. It was breathtaking. It was amazing.

Postpartum

These very calm parents, doctor and the nurses took such good care. I wished all OBs could be so accommodating. There was no rush. He waited to cut the cord until it was white and aided in delivering the placenta. There was no tearing. He calmly finished up, congratulated this couple, and silently left the room.

I hope you take the time to watch the video. Don’t expect a lot of screaming and fanfare, but instead watch the quiet determination of a strong woman and her equally strong partner welcome their baby daughter. A natural hospital birth can be accomplished.