WATER BIRTH

Water has long been used by women to ease the discomforts of labor. Whether standing in a shower, sitting in your own bathtub at home, or fully reclining in an large tub built just for laboring, many women find instant relief of their labor discomfort from the use of water. Their relaxed bodies release fewer stress hormones and their labors proceed more quickly and easily, with less discomfort. No wonder that the idea of water immersion is so appealing to many women. To clients who wish to take advantage of this option for their birth, the one obvious need is the tub. If the client has a deep tub, such as a Jacuzzi, in her home, this is an ideal option for her. Use of a standard bathtub or shower may be sufficient, but most women find that the greatest degree of relaxation is achieved if the belly can be submerged as fully as possible. For clients who want to have the deeperwater available but do not have a built-in Jacuzzi-type tub, I will assist them infinding a tub to rent or purchase. There are now several low cost tubs available, costing only $40. You may enter the tub at any time during active labor, although waiting until you are dilated to about 4 cms is recommended. Often, the relaxation afforded by the warm water will allow you to dilate more quickly and easily, resulting in a shorter, more comfortable labor.

Water birth benefits

• Warm water is relaxing.
• Tensing up during contractions can make the contractions more painful.
• Water helps mom to relax making contractions more bearable.
• Warm water softens the vaginal area, helping it to be more elastic and stretch easier.
• This may help to prevent tearing of the perineum and also may help mom to push more effectively.
• You are more buoyant in the water making it easier to change positions during labor.
  
  

• Giving birth in the water gives mom a little more privacy. Because you are in the tub, there won’t be nurses and medical staff peering directly at your intimate anatomy the entire time you are trying to give birth.
  
• Baby is surrounded by water inside the womb your entire pregnancy. Giving birth in the water may provide baby with a more gentle transition into the world. Water birth risks
  Even though water births are becoming more common, the ACOG does not feel there is enough information on water birth to call the practice safe. Talk with your physician about any of your questions or concerns regarding water birth.
  
  Water birth risks


• Even though water births are becoming more common, the ACOG does not feel there is enough information on water birth to call the practice safe. Talk with your physician about any of your questions or concerns regarding water birth.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR TUB USE & PLACEMENT:

• Location of electrical outlets
• Size and temperature-setting of hot water heater
• Sturdiness of flooring where tub will be placed
• Availability of ample bath towels
• Ability to protect flooring under tub
• Easy access to out-of-tub birthing/recovery area (bed, mattress onfloor, etc)
• Proximity to bathroom (true for all births!)

Laboring in the water is almost always possible and usually very helpful. If, as partof a homebirth plan, it is also your intention to give birth in the water, I amcomfortable with this as a goal and willing to do my best to help you achieve it.However, like anything else in a birth plan, this needs to be flexible; if events occurduring your labor that contraindicate water birthing, you must be willing to follow thecourse of action that is best for you and your baby, even if this means birthingoutside the tub. -->