'Too posh to push' was the term bestowed on a growing number of women who elected to have a Caesarean section for non-medical purposes. The obvious advantages of having a C-section are that firstly, mums bypass labour, and they can also give birth on a prescheduled basis, as opposed to the slightly less social time of 4am.

But woman may also want to avoid stretch marks and damage to their pelvic floor muscles and perineal tissues . . . all hazards of natural childbirth. While Caesareans might be perceived as the comparatively convenient choice, risks to the mother include infection, increased blood loss and a longer recovery time, while risks to the baby include breathing problems and foetal injury. In other words, it's not a walk in the park.

Celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Elizabeth Hurley have gone down the C-section route, but more are deciding to give birth naturally. Gwyneth Paltrow and Rod Stewart's fiancee, Penny Lancaster, are both fans of natural childbirth and ironically, Victoria Beckham, the woman most readily associated with the 'too posh to push' tag is set to be the birthing partner of Katie Holmes, fiancee of Tom Cruise and recent convert to Scientology, a religion that decrees the birth must be natural and also that Katie must remain silent throughout.

Cruise is reported to have said, "Like anything, you want to be as quiet as possible." It's obvious that Tom hasn't given birth any time recently but a natural birth . . . which is defined as one where no technological intervention such as induced labour, epidurals or drugs have been used . . . is attractive to many women. It's described as being a completely different experience, with advocates espousing benefits such as quicker physical recovery, reduced likelihood of postnatal depression and enhanced bonding with the baby.

It's not possible to predict with certainty that you will be able to have a natural birth. Safety of mum and baby comes first and in some cases it may be necessary for medical interventions to be used. But during your pregnancy you can take steps to increase your chances of having a natural birth.

Choose where you want to give birth It's important that you select a location where you feel comfortable. Most births take place in hospitals but you could consider a home birth as an alternative, which is a great option for a natural birth. Some hospitals provide these facilities. If you do decide on a home birth, it's important that you contact your hospital at an early stage and you can also contact the Home Birth Association of Ireland, Glenmore, Rocky Valley Road, Kilmacanogue, Co Wicklow.

Have a birth plan The hospital you attend will outline how they manage labour but it is also possible to make your own labour and birthing plan. Research has indicated that using a birth plan has many benefits . . . it helps women feel more in control and prepares them for labour and delivery when the time comes. There are many elements to a birth plan but some things you might consider are:

>> Position. Some women prefer an 'upright' position (kneeling, standing, squatting or on all fours) as opposed to lying on a delivery bed.

Try out the various positions at home until you find one you feel most comfortable with.

>> Pain relief. Moving around on a birthing ball during labour, massage and taking a warm bath are some other alternatives.

>> Who do you want to be present at the birth?

>> Do you have any preferences for music or lighting?

>> How do you want to feed your baby?

Discuss your plan with your antenatal educator, and also with your midwife before you go into labour. Stay flexible because things don't always go according to plan.

Prepare your mind and body Exercise during pregnancy is a must. In general, it keeps you fit, improves posture, muscle tone, balance and coordination but when you're expecting, it can help with back and pelvic pains and promote relaxation. It can also help manage gestational diabetes and help your recovery after birth. Experts recommend listening to your body when you're pregnant. If you were very active prior to pregnancy, you can still continue to be so, provided you feel well. Swimming, golf, walking, pilates and dancing are all gentle exercises.

Yoga is particularly good and you should pick a class that's been tailored for pregnant women. With its emphasis on flexibility, breathing and relaxation, yoga is an excellent preparation for labour. Pregnancy yoga also stretches specific muscles and the benefit is a balanced and healthier mind and body.

Get a doula A doula (the Greek word for woman servant) are birth assistants who provide support for the mother, as well as the rest of the family.

Doulas are not replacement midwives . . . they do not perform any clinical procedures and are privately hired . . . but research has shown that their presence has a significant impact on births. Overall, there is a 50% reduction in the Caesarean rate and 25% of women have shorter labours. Epidural requests drop by 60% and 40% fewer women experience forceps deliveries. Some women may feel uncomfortable at the thought of having a 'stranger' at the birth, but doulas will have spent considerable time with you before the birth. Visit www. doulaireland. com for more information.

Get to grips with pain-relieving techniques It's not possible to predict how much pain a woman will experience during labour but simple things such as staying hydrated and emptying the bladder frequently can help.

Essential oils and homeopathy are becoming increasingly popular complementary means of dealing with the birthing process.

Lavender, neroli and rose are specifically used to assist relaxation during labour. These need to be suspended in a base oil such as grapeseed if they are to be applied to the skin and it is vital that you speak to a certified aromatherapist first because some oils are not suitable for using during pregnancy and labour. Clary sage, for example, which is used to relieve tension during labour, should not be used during pregnancy as it is thought to bring on labour. Homeopathy is based on balancing energy as it flows throughout the body. Remedies are selected after a consultation with the homeopath and this is a safe and effective medicine for pregnant women, during and after labour. Contact the Irish Society of Homeopaths, (Tel: 091 565040; www. irishsocietyofhomeopaths. com) for more information.