Labor and Birth in the Water
Waterbirth has been proven as an excellent pain management alternative. Almost all of our clients have used a birth or bath tub at one point during their labor. Sometimes called the “natural epidural” I have seen the visual change in the birthing woman including relaxation, the ability to cope and pain levels greatly reduced.
Whether you only labor in water during your water birth or actually deliver your baby in the tub is up to you, everyone knows best what their body needs. In my practice about 75% of clients choose to have a tub available.
Known benefits of water labor and waterbirth:
- Facilitates mobility and enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labor and birth
- Speeds up labor
- Reduces blood pressure
- Gives mother more feeling of control
- Provides significant pain relief
- Promotes relaxation
- Conserves her energy
- Reduces the need for drugs and intervention
- Gives mother a private protected space
- Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies
- Reduces cesarean rates
- Is highly rated by mothers – typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again
- Is highly rated by experienced providers
- Encourages an easier birth for mother and a gentler welcome for baby
For more information on Waterbirth, please read the article written by Evidence Based Birth: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/waterbirth/
We provide AquaDoula birth tub rentals through a local renter. The AquaDoula tub is especially nice because it has a built in heater and can keep the water warm.