Doula Blog
All about Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum
What is water birth? Water birth is when you get into a bath of warm water anytime during the first stage of labor and stay in the water during the pushing stage, or second stage. The baby is then born under the water and brought to the surface. The woman can stay in the water for the third stage of labor (birthing the placenta, usually about 15-30 min after birth) or come out of the water and into the bed. A land birth is when you give birth on dry land. You can use water as a relaxation tool whether you deliver your baby in the tub or not. Many of the benefits of water birth can also be seen when using hydrotherapy during labor. What is hydrotherapy? Hydrotherapy is when you are immersed in water during labor. According to the most recent Listening to Mother’s survey, a national survey of women’s experiences during labor and birth, most mothers described the pain relief of hydrotherapy as being more effective than opioids! This decreased use of pain medication leads to less medical intervention and risk of fetal distress. Ways to use water during labor for its powerful benefits:
What are the benefits of water birth?
Won't my baby swallow water during birth? When babies are born they are still receiving oxygen from the umbilical cord attached to the placenta until they are brought to the surface and come into contact with air. They will then begin to use their lungs to breathe. Is water birth safe? Although there are still many providers who believe water birth is unsafe, the evidence of numerous large scale studies show there has been no difference between land and water births when researched about the risk of low apgar scores, respiratory distress or infection. Women who are in preterm labor, have an infection, or if severe meconium is present in the pool, should consider changing to a land birth. Always feel free to have a conversation with your midwife/doctor about the benefit and risk of waterbirth for your unique situation. If you’re desiring to have a normal, physiologic water birth or would like to use water as a comfort technique, know that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the use of water during labor and if you’re doctor says as a rule “it’s unsafe and not allowed,” you can always find a new doctor or switch to a midwife who knows the benefits and will support you! It is important to make sure the birth tub you use is cleaned before use. Can I have a water birth in the hospital or only if I have a home birth? Water birth and hydrotherapy can be used in any birth setting with running water: hospital, birth center, home. Many hospitals are becoming more ‘baby/mama’ friendly but be sure to be clear from the beginning that you desire the ability to have intermittent monitoring or doppler use so you can be free to take a shower or bath. You can have a normal, physiologic birth using water or water birth as one of your tools for achieving a relaxed state wherever you give birth. When choosing a place to give birth and a midwife or doctor, make sure to ask specific questions about availability of showers/tubs and whether the provider supports you in the use of it. Common Questions:
When is best to shower or take a bath in labor? The actual answer is: Whenever it feels natural to you! But these are some helpful things to keep in mind from experience and research!
If water birth intrigues you, have a conversation early on with your midwife/doctor about how to plan for that. You can always decide to have a land birth if that feels right during labor. As you are giving birth to life, don’t forget about the basic element that sustains life on earth: water! References & Resources: Birth, Bath, and Beyond: The Science and Safety of Water Immersion During Labor and Birth - PMC (nih.gov) Water Births | the American Pregnancy Association Evidence on Waterbirth (evidencebasedbirth.com) What Is Hydrotherapy And How Can It Help During Labor (mhealthfairview.org) Immersion in Water During Labor and Delivery | ACOG Skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative (unicef.org.uk) Here are some videos linked below that I’ve loved if you’re interested in what it could look like to have a water birth or use hydrotherapy for comfort: Home Birth Video using Hydrotherapy: (13 min) The Birth of Phoenix Jett Home Water Birth Video: (10 min) The Birth of Violet Water birth video in the Hospital: (24 min) The Birth of Meredith
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