Water Birth

Water birth is the act of delivering your baby into a tub of warm water rather than a having a traditional bed delivery. The temperature of the water ranges between 90 to 101 degrees Fahrenheit and is thought to help mothers relax while giving birth. Advocates also claim that water births ease babies into their new environment because the warm water is reminiscent of the womb. This experience parallels the natural and organic characteristics of a home birth or birthing center.

Benefits of a Water Birth

No well-designed studies have been conducted to prove the medical benefits of a water birth; however, many believe that the warm water naturally soothes, relaxes, and comforts you and your baby. The following are some of the potential benefits of a water delivery:

• Because the water relaxes you, it allows you to focus on the delivery of your baby.
• The water provides buoyancy and supports your body weight, allowing you to transition into birthing positions easily. Buoyancy also promotes uterine contractions and better blood circulation which means less pain for you and more oxygen for your baby.
• Water eases the baby from womb to world. Some believe the water replicates the environment of the amniotic fluid that surrounds your baby in the womb.
• Water reduces tearing of the perineum which minimizes your chances of getting stitches or an episiotomy.
• Water immersion helps minimize high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
• Water birth may shorten the first stage of labor and reduce the need for anesthesia.

Overall, water helps your different body parts cooperate with each other while the power of gravity is eliminated. Water births have also been associated with a faster delivery and less blood loss; however, these claims are more anecdotal than scientific at this point.

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