Waterbirth
Waterbirth is a very safe and soothing way to birth your baby. Waterbirth is ancient and yet new at the same time. Waterbirth embodies a spiritual aspect of birth that is hard to express. Many women who have had a homebirth or used a birthing center have said that water is the best way to releive pain and relax during labor. Most women who have a waterbirth insist on having waterbirth for any of their future pregnancies. Support in water is one of the most beneficial things that can be offered to a woman in labor. The water provides a calming influence and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. Women report that they enjoy their labors and find that the water allows complete freedom of movement and deep concentration. The theory behind waterbirth is that the baby has been in the amniotic sac for 9 months and birthing into a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother. It is the belief of midwives, birthing centers and a growing number of obstetricians, that reducing the stress during labor and delivery also reduces fetal complications. Since the temperature of the water in the birthing tub is so close to maternal temperature, the baby does not notice a temperature change and therefore does not initiate the breathing response while in the water. Waterbirth is of course an option if you are choosing and planning a homebirth. Waterbirth is also very common in birthing centers. Hospitals in the U.S. are advancing when it comes to waterbirth. If you want to have a waterbirth in a hospital be sure to find out if the hospital where you are delivering your baby has a waterbirth pool and supports waterbirth. Unfortunately, not all hospitals offer waterbirth.
Benefits of Waterbirth for Mother:
- Water is soothing, comforting, relaxing.
- The buoyancy lessens mom’s body weight, which allows free movement and new positioning.
- Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
- Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
- Water seems to alleviate stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins, which are pain-inhibitors.
- Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, which reduces the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy and stitches.
- As the laboring woman relaxes physically she is able to relax mentally, concentrating her efforts inward on the birth process.
- Water provides a sense of privacy, which releases inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.
- There is plenty room in a large birthing tub for the laboring and birthing mother to have her husband, children or other support in the tub with her if she so chooses.
Benefits of Waterbirth for Baby:
- Provides a similar environment as the amniotic sac.
- Eases the stress of the birth, providing reassurance and security.
- Cord cutting after birth is delayed until it stops pulsating.
- Less trauma to the mother means less trauma to the baby.