Planning for a Natural Birth Plan After Epidural: Step-by-Step Guide

As a mom who has previously experienced an epidural during labor, you may now be seeking a different approach for your next birth—one that embraces the natural process. Not because you are here to compete and compare with others, this is something you want for yourself. You want to know what its like to go into labor without assistance, for your water to break, to pushing through the pain and be proud of yourself. Whether you’ve chosen a hospital or birth center, crafting a thoughtful and empowering birth plan will help you advocate for the natural birth you envision.

A birth plan outlines your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care, serving as a communication tool between you, your partner, and your healthcare team. You may or may not get you child delivered by your own OBGYN but knowing what to include and how to advocate for yourself will get you closer to the birthing process that you want.

Birth Plan Template

Here is a simplified birth plan template you can use as a starting point for your own: Click the link in order for you to download the birth template now so that you can consider the scope of options that may come available during your labor, delivery and postpartum.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you create a birth plan that supports your desire for a natural birth after previously opting for an epidural.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Past Birth Experience

Before drafting your new birth plan, reflect on your previous labor and delivery with an epidural. Ask yourself:

What aspects of your epidural-assisted birth were positive? What aspects of your epidural-assisted birth was challenging?
Why are you drawn to a natural birth for this pregnancy?
What fears or concerns do you have about going without pain medication this time?

By understanding your motivations, you can tailor your birth plan to address both your desires and concerns. Also be sure to include your birth partner’s take on how they experienced the previous birth. You may get some insight on some things you have forgotten. Also, hearing their experience may help you have a clearer understand on how you would like to feel after. This will help you feel more confident and prepared to embrace the natural process.

Step 2: Choose the Right Birth Location and Support Team

The setting and people around you play a significant role in supporting a natural birth.

Hospital or Birth Center?
If you’ve chosen a hospital, ensure it has a reputation for supporting natural births. See if they have access to amenities like birthing tubs, wireless fetal monitoring, and flexible policies on movement during labor. With this information in hand you can make a better decision on what fits your ideal. You may become more flexible in making changes. In the same sense, look into birth centers and see what they typically offer. What you may find is that they have a more natural birth-friendly environment, but they are also more hands off. Your desire for additional monitoring, checks, tests and scans may not be their. It’s essential to confirm that they align with your vision.
Doula and Support Partner?
Consider hiring a doula who specializes in natural births. If you are interested in booking a call with Tracey Family Services then click the link here. Doulas provide physical and emotional support, offer comfort techniques, and act as an advocate for your birth plan. Your partner or support person should also be aligned with your goals. They need to understand the importance of natural birth to you. Having the support and buy in of your support partner is necessary to make your natural birth desires real.

Step 3: Communicate Your Pain Management Preferences

Since you previously had an epidural, communicating your intention to forego pain medication this time is crucial. A clear pain management plan in your birth plan will help guide your care team. It will an prevent the routine offering of pain relief. Looking at the pros and cons of a natural birth may help you see which aspects you want.

Natural Pain Relief Techniques
List/Check non-medicated pain relief techniques that resonate with you, such as:
- Breathing techniques (hypnobirthing, Lamaze, etc.)
- Water therapy (using a shower or birthing pool)
- Movement and positioning (walking, swaying, using a birthing ball)
- Massage and counterpressure
- Aromatherapy, music, or calming visual aids
- Heat or cold compresses
Avoiding an Epidural
Specify that you prefer not to be offered an epidural or narcotic pain relief unless you request it. This can prevent well-meaning healthcare providers from suggesting interventions that might detract from your natural birth focus. A birth plan like the one listed here, helps them to stay focused on the things you say you need.

Step 4: Include Your Preferences for Labor Progression

Natural birth allows your body to progress at its own pace. It’s important to emphasize a preference for minimal interventions during labor. I highly recommend laboring at home for as long as possible before going to the hospital. You want to make sure it is safe for you to labor at home. Have this discussion with your provider to support what is best for your natural birth vision. Things you can ask for and should consider include:

Intermittent Monitoring
Request intermittent rather than continuous fetal monitoring to allow you the freedom to move. You may want to walk, and change positions, which can help labor progress more naturally.
Avoiding Labor-Inducing Interventions
State your preference to avoid Pitocin or other artificial methods to induce or augment labor, unless medically necessary. Trust your body to initiate labor naturally. It can often lead to a smoother birth experience and a faster healing in postpartum.
Freedom of Movement
Ask for the freedom to labor in different positions. Some positions would be upright, on all fours, or squatting, instead of being confined to a bed. Many natural birth advocates find that changing positions can relieve discomfort and promote optimal fetal positioning. If you want to see more labor positions check out this article here at this link.

Step 5: Prepare for the Pushing Stage

For a natural birth, how you push and deliver your baby is often more flexible than in a medicated birth. With an epidural you may have been limited to pushing on your back. In a natural birth you can explore other options.

Pushing Positions
Request to push in positions that feel most comfortable for you, such as squatting, kneeling, or side-lying. These positions can help gravity assist the baby’s descent, making the pushing stage more effective.
Avoiding Directed Pushing
If possible, avoid directed pushing (where nurses or doctors instruct you when and how to push). Instead, opt for “mother-directed” or “physiological” pushing, which allows you to follow your body’s cues and push when you feel the urge. There is no mistake when you are having a natural labor on when you feel you need to push. Rather than being prompted by the provider you will feel the start of the contractions before they register on the monitors and you will feel the compulsion. Be sure you are at 10 cm to avoid unnecessary tearing and bleeding. Trust your body to do what needs to be done.

Step 6: Discuss Delayed Cord Clamping and Immediate Skin-to-Skin

In a natural birth, many moms choose to embrace practices that support bonding and postpartum recovery. While these options are becoming a mainstay you till want to make sure that they are aware of your desires.

Delayed Cord Clamping
Request delayed cord clamping for at least 1-3 minutes after birth to allow your baby to receive more blood from the placenta. This practice has been linked to better iron levels and overall health for the baby.
Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact
Prioritize immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth. This helps regulate your baby’s body temperature, encourages breastfeeding, and fosters a strong bond right from the start.

Step 7: Flexibility Is Key

Even the most well-thought-out birth plan may need to be adapted due to unexpected circumstances. The key to a successful natural birth experience is flexibility. While you should clearly communicate your desires, remember that your ultimate goal is a healthy mom and baby. Include a note in your birth plan that acknowledges your openness to adjusting the plan if medical situations arise that make interventions necessary.

Birth Plan Template

Click the link here to download the Birth Plan Template Now

Final Thoughts

A natural birth in a hospital or birth center after previously having an epidural is entirely achievable with thoughtful planning and the right support team. Your birth plan is a powerful tool to communicate your wishes and create the birth experience you desire. Stay open to the flow of labor, trust your body, and advocate for the birth you envision. If you are also looking for why you may need a prenatal doula then check out this blog post.