For many women, the use of forceps or a ventouse is the only way they will achieve a vaginal birth, and avoid a Caesarean. For this reason their judicious use can be beneficial (and in some cases life saving). Unfortunately these interventions can be overused, and it has been suggested that caregivers should look at a more conservative approach when managing a woman's labour, to reduce their high use.
There are things that can be done to help avoid an assisted delivery, and increase your chances of having a vaginal birth unaided.
These can include:
Having a labour companion
Upright positions
Avoiding epidurals
An oxytocin drip
Avoiding time limits
Awareness of fetal distress
Having a labour companion. It has been shown that continuous care from one caregiver (or professional support from a midwife, educator or knowledgeable friend or relative) throughout the whole labour has been shown to reduce the incidence of assisted delivery.
Upright positions. In cases where the progress seems slow, using gravity with more upright positions can help negate the use of forceps, or a ventouse.
Avoiding epidurals. The use of epidurals increases the chances of a woman needing an assisted delivery. If an epidural is in place, then allowing it time to wear off will help the woman push her own baby out.
An oxytocin drip. The use of this is normally associated with inducing a labour or augmenting weak contractions, to help dilate the cervix. It is also capable of being used to help strengthen contractions in the 2nd stage of the labour. While trying this option may take a little longer, it may also help avoid a forceps or a ventouse birth. If your baby is indicating signs of distress, this would not be advisable.
Avoiding time limits. Caregivers having a more liberal approach to the length of the 2nd stage can have a great impact on lessening the frequent use of forceps and ventouse.
Awareness of fetal distress.