Pregnancy and child birth are said to be natural physiological functions and for many women are of supreme importance. Most women approach pregnancy and birth with a mixture of apprehension and happy anticipation, this is particularly true for first time mothers. All ‘mothers to be’ desire an easy pregnancy, an uncomplicated labor and delivery and a healthy child.

Preparation for the birth of the child should begin early in pregnancy, and help and support be available to support the new mother after the child’s arrival. Natural child birth is not just a normal delivery without the need for medical intervention or drugs. It is a continuing process of good health in the mother, whose mental attitude to pregnancy and child birth is one where fear has been reduced through adequate preparation.

The preparation should begin before the child is conceived and continue with a good understanding of all the changes physically, emotionally and physiologically that are going to occur throughout pregnancy, delivery and the first weeks following the birth.

The birth process is both rewarding and challenging because, at the end, there is literally a new life both for parents and for the child. The birth process is divided into three different stages, which is also called the Labor process:
Dilation- The first stage of labor involves the thinning and widening of the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus at the end of the vaginal canal and is composed of muscle and fibrous tissue. This thinning process is the reason for contractions or labor pains. At this stage the contractions are usually sixty to seventy seconds in duration and about two to three minutes apart. With each contraction, the baby moves further down the birth canal.

Expulsion- The second stage begins when the cervix is completely dilated at ten centimeters and ends when the child is born. At this stage, the contractions are usually at 60 to 70 seconds in duration and about two to three minutes apart.

With each contraction, the baby moves further down the birth canal. The actual birth of the baby occurs rather quickly after the widest part of the infants head becomes visible.

Delivery of the Placenta- The third and last stage of labor is the delivery of the placenta. There is seldom any pain associated with the expulsion of the afterbirth. The new mother is now allowed to see and hold her baby before leaving the delivery room.