Unmedicated Labor Unveiled : The Stages of Natural Birth

Many expectant parents planning an unmedicated birth may not know what to expect. The majority of birth classes or online education material talks about birth in three stages. The first for dilation, the second for the birth of the baby, and the third for the placenta. While these stages are accurate, they don’t encapsulate what the experience might feel like. I want to talk more about how you might experience these stages than what is physically happening.

A birth guided by the natural instincts of the mother and baby is known as physiological birth. Physiological processes are natural occurrences of the body that do not require medical intervention. We rely on physiological systems of the body to happen every day, like breathing, immune responses, or even the reproductive system itself. We don’t need to teach these body systems to work the same way we don’t have to teach our body to birth. The physiological birth movement recognizes that the body already knows what it's doing and unnecessary intervention makes outcomes worse, not better. 

Most parents have never seen a physiological birth happen, so their own might be their first experience seeing the profound mental process birth induces. Birth partners might see these changes taking place and feel confused or out of place. Here, we explore the holistic stages of labor detailing how they might be experienced and coping strategies for both the mother and birth partner.

Embarkation 

The labor begins and the mother realizes she’s experiencing more than braxton hicks. She may feel excited knowing the day has finally come to meet her baby. The excitement may make her want to start get busy walking, nesting, packing, or generally helping labor along. On the contrary this is a good time to nourish her well and get what rest she can. Sleeping is the best way to show the body you are safe and resting will prepare her for the exhausting journey ahead. Mothers are generally very chatty, excitedly telling the world about the length and intensity of her contractions. 

Entering the veil 

As the contractions begin to increase in intensity, the mother begins to draw in more during them. She is less interested in the environment and people around her. She begins to enter a subconscious state, so it’s best if her partner avoids interrupting with questions or otherwise bringing her back to reality. This transition is marked by closed eyes, swaying, moaning, or rhythmic breathing. 

Between the worlds 

The mother has fully transitioned into “labor land” her normal mind is no longer in the room as she struggles more with contractions. She may become more irritable, rely on her partner for reassurance, or moan loudly. It’s likely she will not be able to answer questions well, and it’s not wise to ask them during her contractions. This is a good time to be practicing a rhythm to her contractions such as a cleansing breath at the end of the contraction and a sip of water. 

The Summoning

This phase is the most challenging part of labor. The mother is exhausted and often questions if she can continue on. Often women say the most intense thing they can to relay how intense labor is. For women who never cuss, they’re dropping the F-bomb. For women who cuss like sailors, they might say “help me”, VBAC moms might ask for a cesarean. I encourage you to talk about this before labor begins so if she genuinely would like pain relief, she knows how to ask for it. As a doula, I tell my clients that if they do change their mind they can ask their medical team when they come in. Otherwise, I’m a safe space to say whatever crazy things they’d like. 

For partners, this is an important time to remind the mother that she is already progressing well and doing an amazing job. That they will meet their baby soon. They’ve already reached the hardest part. That she is safe, and her baby is safe.

This stage is called the summoning because it is believed that this is when the mother leaves her body and fetches her baby's soul. Once past, she taps into her power whether that be wild, calm, or angry. 

The Quiescence

Quiescense is inactivity or dormancy. This is a period of rest following that insane mountain the mother has just climbed. This phase is often skipped or disregarded when in a hospital setting, so it may alarm the mother if she thought her labor had stopped. I think of this stage as reaching the summit after a tiring hike, and sitting down to enjoy the view. You will eventually start the trek back down, but you need some energy back first. Contractions slow and decrease in intensity for this period. The partner and mother can cuddle together and take in this moment. This may last 5 minutes or an hour, depending on the mother. 

The Tides

The mother has received her second wind of energy, and the baby is now moving down the pelvis. She feels the changing pressure and may change positions to accommodate. The rhythm of labor before may resume.  

The Breakers

As the baby's head reaches the perineum the mother may feel an intense burning sensation and may instinctually begin to push. The fetal ejection response (the body pushing on its own) may begin because her body knows it’s time. 

Emergence 

As the baby’s head emerges the mother reaches the height of her oxytocin flow. She becomes excited, ready to pull her baby to her arms. She feels a rush of relief as her baby is born, and an intense joy. 

The Return 

With the birth of the baby, the mother returns from her ‘labor land” subconscious state. She has returned to earth with her babies soul, and now experiences the calm as she welcomes them. 

Acquaintance 

The new family is absorbed into one another, feeling surreal that their baby is earthside. The partner feels the oxytocin rush as well, and may respond with tears. 

Communion

After their celebration together, the couple begins to share the moment with the rest of the room. They may comment on babies features, or invite others to take a look. Nursing may be initiated, and the celebration of baby continues. 

Completion 

The mother is now able to nourish herself and assess her body. Her pregnancy journey has completed, and her postpartum journey begins. 

As the birth process concludes and the new family settles into their roles, the importance of a supportive and understanding environment cannot be overstated. Each unmedicated birth is a unique journey that embodies the raw power and intuition of the mother. By embracing the physiological process, the birthing experience becomes a profound and transformative event, not only for the mother but also for her partner and everyone involved. This journey, filled with moments of challenge, triumph, and overwhelming love, culminates in a beautiful celebration of new life. As the postpartum journey begins, the memories of the birth experience will serve as a reminder of the strength and resilience inherent in every mother, leaving a lasting impact that shapes their new family dynamic.

*While this article uses she/her pronouns for clarity, we recognize that not every family looks the same. Birth experiences and journeys are diverse, and we honor all birthing people, regardless of gender identity. Our intention is to support and celebrate all families as they navigate the unique and profound experience of childbirth