Apr 09 2009
Water Birth
A water birth involves a mother giving birth in a warm pool or bath. (Never birth your baby in a hot tub or a hot bath – the heat will damage your baby.) Russian researcher Igor Tjarkovsky began studying the benefits of water birth to women in the 1960′s. More studies were done in France near that time. By the 1990′s, the water birth technique had spread to Western countries and was soon recognized as a general birthing practice in many hospitals.
Since many hospitals do not have the equipment needed for comfortable water births, they are now a common practice among women who home birth. Many women who have delivered with a water birth agree that they would not want to deliver any other way. If you are interested in a water birth, contact your OB/GYN and/or Midwife about how you can safely undergo a water birth.
Water Birth Benefits for Mother and Baby
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Relaxing water reduces adrenaline secretion
in mother by reducing her pain and fear.
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Perineum elasticity increases due to
exposure to warm water.
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The buoyancy of the mother increases,
changing her hormonal level and increasing her oxytocin. This makes
her labor more productive.
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There is room in a water birth tub for the
birthing partner, who can provide greater comfort and massage during labor.
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The buoyancy of the water reduces additional pain from the gravity of
the baby moving down the birth canal.
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There is better blood circulation in Mom during a water birth,
decreasing her pain level.
Baby
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The water reduces loud noises and bright
lights that a baby is often exposed to during delivery.
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Warm water calms the baby and helps the
baby transition from a warm body to the environment outside of Mom.
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If birthed at home,
the baby is not exposed to bacteria and viruses often found in hospitals.
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The baby does not experience such a shock going from a warm mother to a
cold environment.
Disadvantages of Water Birth
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If the baby is brought to the surface and then back below water, he or
she may aspirate. There is not a danger for this when the baby is
first birthed into the water, because the baby will not breathe until his or
her face is exposed to air.
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Some fear the baby has a greater risk of infection through a water
birth, but studies have not been performed to confirm or deny this.
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Some obstetricians fear the mother has a risk of water embolism, where
water enters the mother’s blood stream.
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If not birthed carefully, the umbilical cord could snap as the baby is
raised to the surface.
What a wonderful experience. I had planned on water birth for my first child. It wasn’t until near delivery that complications arose and I ended up with a C-section. While I was disappointed about the water birth, I was relieved my son and I come through the ordeal just fine.
My first child’s birth had complications, sending me to an OR. You can make every plan in the world, but sometimes you just have to roll with some changes. I am so happy you are both doing great!!