Alternative Birthing Methods

Once seen as nothing more than new age novelty acts, alternative birthing methods have surged in popularity over the last decade. What’s more, traditional medicine is beginning to embrace—and even accommodate for—these alternative options. In 1991, for instance, waterbirthing facilities were available in just two American hospitals and a handful of birth centers. Today nearly 250 U.S. hospitals and 70 percent of all birth centers now support waterbirthing.  

So which (if any) alternative birthing methods is right for you? That depends largely on your situation, personality and stance on receiving painkilling medication during delivery. To help you with this important decision, we’ve taken the latest information on alternative birthing methods and put together a series of straightforward, impartial articles. Keep in mind that no one birthing method is better than the others—but one may be better for you.

What's New in Waterbirth

How HypnoBirth Works

Assessing Acupuncture/Acupressure

The Benefits of Yoga: Before, During and After Birth

A strong advocate for natural childbirth, Gephart says many intervention-free birthing methods date back hundreds of years or are common

Nurse-Midwives: A Safer Alternative?

7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Birthing Method

What is a Doula?

Additional Resources