Why Labor in Water?

Ahhhhhh!

Many women find that a spacious tub is a wonderful way to relax, reduce discomfort, conserve their energy, and labor more effectively.

Buoyancy is part of it. The water helps support your weight. Besides making less work for you, it's much easier to assume whatever position feels most comfortable. Psychology is part of it, too. Many of us are conditioned by long habit to relax and let go in a hot bath.

Finally, warm water immersion touches you all over, flooding your nervous system with pleasant sensations. This allows fewer less pleasant ones to get through.

What about birthing in water?

There seems to be good evidence that the risk to the infant of serious harm or death is very, very small if the waterbirth is properly managed. One study of over 2,000 waterbirths did not encounter a single instance of water aspiration. I would guess the risk is comparable or better than risks associated with giving birth on an elevated hospital bed.

I feel that waterbirth should be viewed as a different animal from other 'gentle birth' ideas such as dim lights, quiet voices or pre-warmed blankies, which have zero potential to cause harm no matter how they are managed.

Get Informed!