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Waterbirth has become a popular choice among women. If you've ever felt stress, tension, pain, or discomfort and entered a warm bath you have probably experienced the relaxing, rejuvenating, and healing properties of water. Water has the same benefits during labor.
 It is usually recommended that women wait until active labor to enter the bath, since in early labor water submersion can slow labor down. Showers are a good alternative in early labor. However, in some cases, slowing labor down through a relaxing tub bath may be a benefit to a tired momma who just needs a rest for a little while. With a short nap her body can be much more effective and she can emotionally handle the task ahead.
The relaxation effect of warm water during labor often helps progress to happen more quickly. When you're able to release tension your body will release endorphins (which ease pain) and oxytocin (makes contractions), the result is more effective labor with less pain. Who doesn't want that?? Immersion in warm water increases blood flow in the body resulting in more oxygen to both you and your baby.
Many women find that having their partner in the tub with them is both comforting and supportive. The partners usually describe it as awesome! Often times the partner ends up participating in the actual birth of the baby when in the tub with mom. Once the baby is born, it's brought up into moms arms. The baby won't try to breathe until it isexposed to air. Remember that the baby continues to receive oxygen through the umbilical cord.
Many water babies don't cry right away, but they will gently be breathing and looking around at their mom, dad, and surroundings. A hat is placed on your baby's head and towels are used to help keep your baby warm. Mom and baby can remain in the water for a while getting to know each other, then they'll be assisted to bed. The placenta can be birthed into the tub or once mom gets out.
We offer and encourage the option of waterbirth in our birth center and at home.
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