Natural Childbirth
Our Maternity Care Services
Giving birth is a life-changing event, and a deeply personal one. That’s why St. Elizabeth Healthcare offers so many choices to make the experience truly yours.
If you are considering unmedicated or natural childbirth, we offer many services including:
- Labor tubs for water immersion, which can help ease discomfort and promote relaxation during labor.
- Positioning aids such as birthing balls, peanut balls, and support bars to encourage movement and optimal fetal positioning.
- Mobile fetal monitoring that allows you to stay active and change positions while still ensuring baby’s safety.
- Aromatherapy with essential oils to help create a calming and soothing environment.
- Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) as a non-invasive option for pain relief during labor.
- Dim lighting in the birthing space to promote a peaceful and low-stimulation environment.
- Personalized music—you’re welcome to bring your own playlist to play during labor and birth for comfort and familiarity.
Our team of professionals is committed to giving you the birthing experience you desire, to the extent possible.
Learn More
For more information about the services available through The Family Birth Place, please call (859) 301-2229 (BABY).
Childbirth Provider Locations
Visit one of our Women’s Health locations to find a provider near you!
Natural Childbirth Tools & Comfort Measures – FAQs
Natural childbirth typically refers to labor and delivery without the use of pain medications or medical interventions. It emphasizes a holistic, patient-centered approach that supports the body’s natural process of giving birth.
People may choose natural childbirth to feel more in control, reduce exposure to medications, or align with personal or cultural preferences. It can also support mobility, active participation, and a more personalized birth experience.
Consider listing:
- Preferred comfort tools (e.g., birthing ball, essential oils)
- Lighting and music preferences
- Support people present
- Communication preferences with your care team
- Flexibility for changes if needed
Labor tubs allow you to labor in warm water, which can help ease discomfort, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Many people find water immersion soothing and helpful for managing contractions naturally.
Labor tubs are used for comfort during labor and progressing the labor process. They are not utilized to give birth.
We offer birthing balls, peanut balls, and support bars to help you stay active and find positions that encourage optimal fetal positioning and comfort.
Changing positions during labor can help progress labor, relieve pressure, and reduce pain naturally.
Mobile fetal monitors allow your baby’s heart rate to be tracked while you move freely. This supports active labor and helps you stay comfortable without being confined to bed.
Yes. It provides continuous monitoring while giving you the freedom to walk, stretch, or use positioning aids.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or citrus to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and create a calming birth environment.
Yes. You may select from available essential oils or bring your own. Our team can guide you on safe options for labor.
When used appropriately, essential oils are safe and can enhance your comfort. Oils are typically diffused or applied topically with guidance from your care team.
Nitrous oxide is a mild inhaled pain relief option that you control by breathing through a mask. It can help take the edge off contractions without affecting your ability to move or participate in labor.
Yes. It’s considered safe and wears off quickly, allowing you to remain alert and active.
Soft lighting helps create a peaceful, low-stimulation environment that supports relaxation and focus during labor.
Yes. You can request dim lighting or bring items like battery-operated candles to personalize your space.
Absolutely. You’re encouraged to bring a playlist that helps you feel calm, empowered, or supported. Music can be a powerful tool for emotional comfort.
You can use a phone, speaker, or other device. Let your care team know your preferences so they can help set it up.
