Types of Birth: Every Way Is Valid, Every Story Matters

Every birth is different.
Whether it’s your first or your fourth,
your birth story is unique and every choice or outcome is valid.
At The Night Owl, we support mums however their babies are born. This guide explores the different types of birth and the reasons behind each one, helping you feel informed, empowered, and never alone in your journey.

A vaginal birth without medical pain relief is often referred to as a "natural birth." It may happen at home, in a birthing centre, or hospital, often with support from a midwife or doula. Some people choose this because they prefer minimal intervention, are interested in water birth, or had a previous positive experience.
A natural birth can be powerful, but it's never about proving strength. It’s about choosing what feels right for you.

Many mums choose or end up needing pain relief during a vaginal birth, such as gas, morphine, or an epidural. This might be due to a long labour, exhaustion, anxiety, or a medical condition.
Using pain relief doesn’t make your birth “less natural” it just makes it yours.

Induction helps start labour using medications or other techniques when there’s a reason not to wait for labour to start naturally. It may be recommended if you’re past your due date, your waters have broken but labour hasn’t started, or there are medical concerns. It may lead to a vaginal birth or, in some cases, more intervention.

Assisted vaginal birth is when medical tools like forceps or a vacuum are used to help guide the baby out during pushing. This may be needed if labour is prolonged, baby is in distress, or mum is too exhausted. These types of births are often unexpected but made for safety.

A planned caesarean is a scheduled surgery to deliver your baby through your abdomen. It can be a calm and controlled experience. It’s often chosen if the baby is breech, if you’ve had a previous caesarean, are expecting twins, or due to medical or mental health needs.
A caesarean is still birth, full stop.

Sometimes, a caesarean becomes necessary during labour. This might be because labour isn’t progressing, the baby is in distress, or there’s an unexpected complication.
An emergency caesarean can be overwhelming, especially if unplanned, but it’s a decision made to keep everyone safe.

Water birth involves labouring and sometimes birthing in warm water. Some mums find this helpful for pain relief and relaxation. It’s usually recommended for low-risk pregnancies and can be done at home or in hospital settings that support it.

Home birth is when you choose to give birth at home with a registered midwife. It can offer comfort, privacy, and a known care provider. It’s generally recommended for low-risk pregnancies and with a well-prepared plan in place.

Some birth stories don’t fit into the most common categories, but they’re just as valid and deserve to be talked about.

VBAC refers to giving birth vaginally after a previous caesarean. This may be chosen to avoid surgery, for a quicker recovery, or to have a different experience. With the right support, VBAC can be safe and empowering.

Freebirth is when a woman intentionally births without medical or midwifery professionals. It’s chosen for many reasons, including full autonomy or past negative experiences in the healthcare system. While legal in Australia, it’s not typically recommended by health professionals.

Most caesareans are performed with a spinal or epidural block, but sometimes a general anaesthetic caesarean is needed. This might happen in a true emergency or if there are medical reasons not to use spinal anaesthetic. This type of birth can be emotionally complex, especially if unexpected. Support post-birth is crucial.

When a baby is in the breech position, some care providers still support vaginal breech birth in the right circumstances. This may be chosen if the baby doesn’t turn or if a mum declines caesarean. It’s less common but still an option with experienced support.

Stillbirth is the heartbreaking birth of a baby who has died before or during labour. It is still birth, and deserves acknowledgment, compassion, and care. Birth after loss also comes with its own emotional challenges and deserves sensitive, trauma-informed support.

Whether you planned every detail or your baby’s arrival took a different path, you gave birth and that matters. Your strength and love are valid in every version of the story.
At The Night Owl, we support every type of mum, every kind of birth, and every journey. Our wearable breast pumps are designed to offer flexibility and ease, no matter how your baby arrived.

We see you. We’re with you. And we’re cheering you on.