natural childbirth

American  

noun

1. childbirth involving little or no use of drugs or anesthesia and usually involving a program in which the mother is psychologically and physically prepared for the birth process.

---

natural childbirth British  

noun

1. a method of childbirth characterized by the absence of anaesthetics, in which the expectant mother is given special breathing and relaxing exercises

---

Etymology

Origin of natural childbirth

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Her work came out of the natural childbirth movement of the 1970s, when alternatives to the standard hospital birth were being explored.

From New York Times

Yet Charlotte's story which included loss, grief, IVF failure, adoption and eventually, natural childbirth — was vastly ahead of its time.

From Salon

It’s surprisingly intuitive to frame the longing for natural childbirth in terms of romantic desire.

From New York Times

In the last decade, the oldest woman in New Hampshire to give natural childbirth was 55, according to state vital records.

From Washington Times

She said she dove into literature on natural childbirth and gave birth four times during the next six years “with absolutely no pain whatsoever.”

From Washington Post