Natural childbirth is not always an option. Certain health conditions, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, may make a natural birth more difficult or risky for you. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, consult a medical professional about your ability to have a natural birth. In some cases, you may be able to give birth naturally as long as you are monitored for complications. Arming yourself with the positive reasons for having a natural birth can help keep you motivated throughout the birth process. Some of the reasons that you may want to consider a natural childbirth include:  A natural birth can save both you and your baby from the stress and unpleasant side effects of medication, surgery, and physical intervention. Many women who are guided through a natural birth also report less pain, anxiety, confusion, and stress than women undergoing births with medical intervention. Natural birth can provide a more personal experience that focuses on the overall well-being of mother and baby. Because you will be fully aware during the birth, you may remember it better and be able to enjoy it more. Having a natural birth reduces the chances that you will need a Cesarean section. Women who have natural births also tend to recover faster. Although natural births have long been the norm, natural birth may put you at an elevated risk for complications.  Natural birth may pose some danger to you if you have other health conditions if you are not attended by a health professional if you are not in proximity to a medical facility in case of emergency and if the baby presents in a challenging position. Remember that it's okay if you end up deviating from your plan and do not achieve natural childbirth. There is no shame in this, and it is not a failure. The most important thing is doing what is best for you and your baby, and at times this may mean not doing natural birth. Even with careful planning and the best prenatal care, situations may arise during childbirth that require medical interventions. Some reasons why medical intervention may be necessary include:  Misplaced placenta (placenta previa) Active herpes infection or HIV infection Previous C-section deliveries Baby will not tolerate labor Induction of labor for the health of the mother or the baby

Summary: Determine whether a natural birth is possible for you. Consider the benefits of natural birth. Know the risks of natural birth. Keep in mind that medical interventions may be necessary for certain situations.


If you want to use baking soda as a deodorizer, it's a good idea to soak it in a baking soda solution overnight. This gives the baking soda time to really go to work getting tough smells out of your laundry. It works well for clothes, towels and other items that that are smokey, musty or sweaty.  Mix a cup of baking soda with a gallon of water. Pour it into a bucket. Add your clothes to the bucket. Give them a swirl to make sure they get completely soaked. Top them off with more water if necessary. Let them soak overnight. They'll be ready to launder the next day. Place your dirty laundry (and pre-soaked items) into the washing machine. Add detergent as usual. Begin the wash cycle so that the machine begins to fill with water. Allow it to fill completely before continuing.  If you're washing clothes that smell musty, hot water will be most effective at removing smells. Musty smells are normally caused by mold spores. Hot water will kill the spores. Cold water should be used for delicates and colorful items. Pour it straight into the filled washing machine so that it dissolves into the water. Finish running the wash cycle as usual.  For an extra-large load of laundry, you can add up to a cup of baking soda. Adding a cup of white vinegar will enhance the baking soda's deodorizing effects. This is the best way to dry clothes that previously smelled musty, smoky, or sweaty. Drying in the sun and wind will help to freshen them. Even on a cold day in winter, you can dry your clothes outside. Just choose a place that gets plenty of sun.  If you'd prefer not to dry your clothes outside, use the dryer instead. When the dry cycle is finished, smell your clothes to see whether they need to be treated again. If they come out of the dryer still smelling musty, choose a sunny day to wash them again and hang out them out to dry.
Summary: Do a pre-soak if necessary. Start a load of laundry. Add 1/2 cup baking soda when the machine has filled. Dry the clothes outside.