Many mothers over the years have been able to utilize the benefits of warm water during their birth experiences. Water supports you, and makes you feel weightless. In doing so, it helps manage pain during labor, and eases the delivery in general. Water Birth does this naturally! Water Birth also eases the transition from the womb to the world for the baby. The baby emerges gradually from the water, and, many people report, that water babies rarely cry when the come out of the water. I know mine didn't! When we brought him gently out of the water, he peacefully looked around at his new world with wide eyes.
One of the most common questions about water birth is, "What if the baby starts to breathe underwater". Research shows that a baby's first breath is stimulated by their first contact with air, or exposure to an extreme change in temperature. Because the water is warm (it should be maintained around 99F) it is much closer to the amniotic environment the baby has been in during these 9months. And, of course, they are not exposed to air until you bring them up to the surface. Therefore, when the baby emerges into the water she won't take her first breath until you bring her to the surface. However, once the baby's head does go above the water level, even if this is during the birth, care should be taken to make sure that the baby's head is not resubmerged. Another concern many have regarding water birth is that there may be a higher risk of infection. But, water actually dilutes germs. So, in actuality, water birth would pose less of a risk of infection than "land" birth.
During my pregnancy with my first son, I read a lot about birth, and about my options. I chose to have him at a local birth center, with midwives, in the water. I labored mostly at home, but when I finally arrived at the birth center, and was dilated enough to get into the water (generally, women will wait until they are at least 5cm dilated to enter the water. This helps prevent labor from stalling because the water is so relaxing!), it was like my labor went from a 10 on a pain scale to a 5. The relief I experienced was simply amazing. I would recommend water birth to anyone!
Water Birth is a very safe option for any woman experiencing a healthy pregnancy. At this time, you can potentially have a water birth in your home, at most birth centers and in some hospitals. Of course you'll also have to discuss water birth as an option with any care provider you select to understand their own experience and comfort level. Most midwives can support you in having a water birth, and many obstetricians are seeing the benefits of water for birth. Should you choose a water birth at a hospital or birth center, you most likely will not need to provide the tub. However, if you choose to have a water birth at home, there are many ways that you can obtain a comfortable tub to birth in. You can rent or buy a tub from many places including Water Birth International www.waterbirth.org.
The benefits of birthing in water are many, both for mother and baby, while the risks are not any different from birthing "on land". To read more on water birth, you can visit Mothering Magazine's website at www.mothering.com or go to www.waterbirthinfo.com.
