Water Birth - A unique way to welcome your baby to the world
There has been a lot of controversy in recent years about water birth. This is an alternative birthing technique that more and more women are considering for the delivery of their child. So what exactly is water birth and is it for you?
Water birth requires the mother to be in a warm tub, which relaxes tensions, provides comfort, eases labor pains, and makes delivery easier. It also allows the mother the freedom to move into whatever position is most comfortable. The warm liquid is a very effective painkiller throughout labor and childbirth. It was found that only about ten percent of women who enter the tub during labor request painkilling drugs. Specially designed birthing pools are large enough to accommodate the father as well, who may be in the tub, holding or massaging the mother. Ideally, the midwife, nurse or doctor should be waiting patiently nearby, offering the mother encouragement and support whenever it is needed. Together they wait for the baby to emerge. The great majority of women who have experienced water birth say that they would never want to have a baby any other way. The baby benefits from a water birth as well. It is a strenuous effort for the baby and the warm liquid eases exertion, and softens light, colors and noises.
There are some concerns with regard to water birth, though most objections are because the idea is unusual. There is a small risk that the baby can drown if it is raised to the surface after the delivery and then immersed again. However, midwives and obstetricians are well aware of this risk and once the baby is brought to the surface the baby is placed straight on the woman’s breast to feed and not re-immersed. Another concern is that the liquid may increase the chance of infection for the baby; however, midwives and doctors who have experience with water birth have not noted an increase in infection rates.
Water birth is accepted and practiced in many parts of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries. However, if you are pregnant and are considering a water birth either in a hospital, birthing center, or in your own home, as questions, talk to your doctor or midwife, and get all the information you can. Every woman is different, pregnancies are different, and delivery experiences are different, so carefully consider, along with your health care provider, if this option is the best for you and your baby. Having a baby is one of the most special and life-changing events of your life, and the type of childbirth you choose will greatly impact your birthing experience.