Waterbirth is a beautiful birth method. The labouring woman spends time in a pool or bath filled with warm water. The baby is born into this water and is brought slowly to the surface and into mommy's arms. The transition for the baby from the womb into the watery environment is much gentler than in a natural delivery. The mother has less risk of perineal tearing as the warm water relaxes her body tissues. Water also causes weightlessness for a labouring mum and can help greatly with her experience of pain. Some hospitals have waterbirth facilities. Those that don't may still encourage using water for pain relief during labour.You can use an ordinary bath or a shower.
The baby cannot drown. As long as baby is connected to mommy by the umbilical cord, he is still receiving oxygen rich blood. Baby will only breathe when his lungs come into contact with air. As long as the baby is under water he is relying on the blood provided to him by the placenta.
Many caregivers are still of the belief that labouring in water after rupture of the membranes increases the risk of infection. Research has shown that there is no increased risk of infection if a woman labours or births in water after the membranes have ruptured.
When a birthing pool is used, particularly in a homebirth situation, the father may decide to join mom in the water during labour or for the birth. Sometimes the couple's other children will join in the pool as well.
Waterbirths are not for everyone. Some people are unhappy about the baby being under water while others do not like the thought of being in the pool for the birth as the water may become murky with amniotic fluid, blood and other tissue.
Like everything related to your birth experience, waterbirth is an option to consider that you may find appeals to you personally.
Kerry
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