Water Birth
Water births are a wonderful option for many families
Laboring in the warm water can be a soothing form of pain relief and can also be a peaceful transition for the birth as the baby moves from “water to water.”
Having the option of water is lovely whether you choose to give birth in the tub or just decide to labor in it.
Waterbirth has been shown to
* In the later stages of labor, the water has been shown to increase the woman’s energy.
* The effect of buoyancy lessens a mother’s body weight, allowing free movement and new positioning.
* Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and improved 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.
* The water seems to reduce stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins which serve as pain-inhibitors.
* Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, reducing 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 with greater ability to focus on the birth process.
* Since the water provides a greater sense of privacy, it can reduce inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.
* May lead to a shorter labor
* Reduces the rates of interventions and cesarean sections
* Offers a gentle transition for your baby from womb to world
Water birth is very safe for both mother and baby. For added safety and comfort we carry waterproof equipment to monitor the baby’s heart rate while the mother remains in the water.
In early pregnancy, the baby experiences the womb as an ocean of warm amniotic fluid. The size of the watery womb is vast compared to the size of the baby. Gradually, as the baby grows, the amniotic ocean shrinks into mere pockets of insulation around the baby.
During labor, waves of uterine contractions mimic the waves of an ocean swell that arrive gently and infrequently at first, but build in frequency, size and power. The mother and baby ride the waves together to birth the baby.
One can imagine that being born into a pool of warm water may momentarily ease the baby’s transition from the warm, watery womb to the cooler air environment of the extra-uterine world.
Warm water can also be soothing for the mother during labor and birth. Water is shown to be as effective as morphine for pain relief during labor. Warm water may also help the mother’s skin to stretch when the baby’s head crowns.
There are many studies in the scientific literature to prove that waterbirth is safe. Air on skin is the stimulus to breathe. While underwater the baby is not stimulated yet by air and does not draw the first breath until he/she emerges from the water.
Support is key
When you feel safe, relaxed, and supported, oxytocin and other hormones increase naturally in your body which is key in helping labor progress. Our birth team will be there to monitor you and baby in the water without you having to get out, keep the temperature warm, and provide support as your labor.
A professional grade waterbirth pool and all supplies needed are provided to all Gold Soul Midwifery home birth clients.
If you are interested in waterbirth and have questions, please get in touch and I’m happy to help.