top of page
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

How to Have an Unmedicated Birth

  • Writer: Prisca Kalustian
    Prisca Kalustian
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read

So you’re thinking about having an unmedicated birth, and you’re wondering if it’s possible to do it without a bunch of interventions. First of all: YES, it absolutely is. Birth is a natural, powerful process, and with the right support and prep, you can totally do this.

As a doula, I’ve supported all kinds of birth stories—and while no two are the same, there are some solid steps you can take to give yourself the best shot at a smooth, unmedicated birth.


Let’s talk about how to set yourself up for that kind of experience.


1. Learn All the Things

Knowledge = power. When you understand how birth works and what your body is doing, it becomes a lot less scary.


  • Take a childbirth class that focuses on unmedicated birth (Bradley, Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, whatever speaks to you).

  • Read up! Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, The Birth Partner, and Natural Hospital Birth are great places to start.

  • Watch real birth videos and listen to empowering birth stories. The more normal it feels to you, the more confident you’ll be.


2. Build a Rockstar Birth Team

This is HUGE. The people you choose to support you can make or break your birth experience.


  • Choose a provider who supports natural birth. Ask them straight up how they handle things like labor progression, pain relief, and pushing. If their answers don’t sit right, keep looking.

  • Hire a doula (hi 👋🏾), we’re trained to support you emotionally, physically, and even help advocate for your wishes.

  • Think about your birth setting. A birth center or home birth might give you more freedom and fewer routine interventions than a traditional hospital.


3. Make a Flexible Birth Plan

Not a script, but a vibe. A birth plan is a great way to let your team know what’s important to you. Include things like:


  • No meds unless requested

  • Freedom to move around

  • Minimal monitoring

  • No unnecessary cervical checks

  • Delayed cord clamping and golden hour time


Just remember—it’s okay if things shift. Flexibility is part of the journey.


4. Get Your Body and Mind Ready

Labor is hard work (they don’t call it labor for nothing), so prepping ahead of time really helps.


  • Stay active: Walking, prenatal yoga, squats, stretching, it all helps get your body ready.

  • Practice breathing, affirmations, visualizations, whatever calms your nervous system.

  • Learn comfort measures like massage, counter-pressure, birth ball moves, or getting in the tub or shower. (Seriously, water is magic.)


5. Create a Calming Environment

Your birth space matters, whether you’re at home, in a center, or at a hospital.


  • Dim the lights, play music, and bring a cozy blanket or your favorite essential oil.

  • Limit the number of people and keep energy supportive and peaceful.

  • Ask for minimal interruptions so you can stay in your flow.


6. Trust Your Body (and the Process)

Your body was made to do this. That doesn’t mean it’ll be easy, but it means you don’t have to fight it. Let labor build. Move in ways that feel good. Listen to your instincts.

Pain during birth isn’t like pain from an injury; it’s your body doing what it’s supposed to do. That said, there’s no prize for suffering. If you change your mind about pain relief, that’s okay too. You’re still strong and amazing.


7. Lean Into Support

You don’t have to do this alone. Talk with your partner or support person about your plan and how they can help you stay focused and calm.

And if you’re working with a doula (hi again 🙋🏾‍♀️), lean on them! We’re here to guide, support, encourage, and help you navigate the twists and turns.


Final Thoughts

Unmedicated, low-intervention birth is totally doable. It takes some preparation, trust, and support, but if that’s the kind of birth you want, you absolutely deserve to go for it.

And remember: there’s no “right” way to give birth. The most important thing is that you feel informed, respected, and empowered, whatever your journey looks like.


If you’re planning an unmedicated birth and want someone in your corner, I’d love to chat. Let’s make your birth experience one you feel proud of.


(Or just send me a message—I’m not scary, pro

 
 
bottom of page