Water Birth: Is it an option for you?

Waterbirth is another safe, gentle birth choice available either at home, a birthing center and some hospitals. Waterbirths have been happening since at least the 1700s when scientists realized the value of hydrotherapy during labor and birth. Most women desire a waterbirth because it helps them get through the pain of labor and birth. Many mothers report no use of medications during a waterbirth and water births have also been known as the aquadural.

There are many advantages for a mother having a waterbirth. The first significant advantage is the relief the water provides is much safer than an epidural. Some studies show a reduction in labor time, though this is probably very individual to the birthing mother. Sitting in water does provide more mobility during labor so the laboring woman can position herself more comfortably and the water can allow a deeper relaxation which allows the appropriate hormones to kick in like they want to. The fluidity of the water can also help reduce tissue and perineal damage during a waterbirth, resulting in less inflammation from stitches.

The baby also benefits from a waterbirth because of the gentle transition from the weightless womb to the weightless water. The water is also a environment for the baby to be birthed into and because a waterbirth is a gentle birth, the baby doesn’t receive the mostly unnecessary stimuli to induce breathing and the mother has time to bond with the baby right away.

There are few reasons a pregnant women should not have a waterbirth. Most of them have to do with abnormal positioning of the baby, multiple babies, or medical conditions but even some women under those conditions can still birth at home.

If you are considering a waterbirth and need more information or have questions about waterbirths, visit Birth Balance or read Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper. Look for a midwife in your area to see if homebirth might be an option for you.