Water Birth
Women aren't dolphins” is a phrase often bandied about by those who question the idea of water births. Of course, they forget that we’re not mountain goats or birds, but that doesn't stop us from rock climbing or hang gliding - Hannah Dahlen
image by: HWN
HWN Suggests
Doctors Say Water Soak Is Fine For Labor, But Not For Birth
The idea of a so-called "water birth" is honestly pretty lovely in theory. I mean, it makes total sense that it would feel nicer to push through contractions in a tub of water than on a hospital bed. Although actual research and scientific data on water birth is majorly lacking, according to Scientific American, the research that does exist suggests that, beyond just feeling nice, laboring in water can reduce the likelihood of getting an epidural by 10 percent, and can also reduce the overall length of labor by an average of 32 minutes. The risk of complications increases though the longer into labor a woman remains in the water, so ACOG now officially recommends that women who want to take…
Featured
Is a Water Birth Right for You?
Moms who choose a natural birth know: birth without pain medication isn’t birth without pain management. There are lots of ways to manage labor pain! And a water birth can be one of the best ways to manage pain during childbirth.
Articles of Interest
Birth, Bath, and Beyond: The Science and Safety of Water Immersion During Labor and Birth
Water birth is an option for birth all over the world. World-renowned hospitals, as well as small hospitals and birthing centers, offer water birth as an option to low-risk patients. Although some members of the AAP feel otherwise, the Cochrane review and many other studies find no data that supports safety concerns over water birth. Women increasingly are seeking settings for birth that honor their ability to give birth without intervention. Water birth increases their chances of attaining the goal of a natural birth without intervention.
Doctors Say Water Deliveries Can Be Risky for Babies
Soaking during labor is fine, but new guidelines urge mothers to get out before they start to push.
Purposeful Pain: My Water Birth Story
When I was about 7 cm dilated, I was able to get into the tub. The warm water felt amazing, and my swollen body felt weightless. During the transition into delivery, I became almost primal.
Three Things you Need to Know About Water Births
What do I wear? Will I get cold? And what happens if I poop? these are the most common questions my clients ask about water births.
Water Birth – Everything You Need To Know
Being in water provides birthing women with privacy and autonomy, while helping them to cope with contractions.
Water Birth: Pros, Cons, and What You Need to Know
Are water births easier? Will your baby drown during childbirth? Get the real facts about water births to decide if it's the right labor method for you.
Water Births: Are They Good for Mother and Baby?
Laboring in a tub of water helps relax women, but safety is a concern.
Resources
15 Water Births Gone Wrong
Though there are many women who have had success stories with this, even with the perfect set up and an uncomplicated pregnancy, a woman can still develop complications during childbirth.
2 Cases Of Legionnaires’ Disease In Newborns Linked To Water Births
The researchers noted that tap water is not sterile, and that Legionella bacteria can grow and spread in plumbing systems. In addition, the high temperature of the water used in the Jacuzzi was within the optimum range for Legionella growth, they said.
Waterbirth International
Waterbirth International has been and will continue to be a leading voice in seeking gentler, kinder, and easier ways to welcome babies into the world.
