More mothers are choosing to have a natural or intervention free birth, and often  part of this plan, include a water birth. In the strictest sense it means that the baby is delivered in a tub or pool of water. However, the definition can be expanded to include laboring in the water with or without subsequent delivery in the water.
 

 

Some of the benefits water birth include :

•  A faster labor
•   Reduced need for pain mediation
•  Mothers feel calmer and more relaxed
•  Reduced vaginal tearing (this point is somewhat debated)
•  Increased blood flow to uterus (this point is also debated)

Many doctors caution that delivery underwater should be considered to carry some risks whereas other doctors and midwives embrace it wholeheartedly. Water births (from labor to delivery) are most often available at birthing centers and home birth but they are also  available at hospitals.

Water births are most appropriate for low risk women and are generally discouraged if there are certain risk factors present. However, there usually are some form of hydrotherapy that can be implemented for most moms . It  may mean laboring in the tub but getting out once it is time for delivery or  laboring in a shower or some combination.

If a mother desires a water birth or to labor in water, it is important to discuss it with her care taker early in her pregnancy because  not all health care providers or hospitals offer it as an option so it may be necessary to change providers.

When looking for a healthcare provider to attend a water birth there are a few things to bear in mind:

• Make sure the provider is experienced with water birth
• Make sure the tub is well maintained and cleaned/sanitized thoroughly
• There is a plan for monitoring mother and baby in the tub. The water temperature can be maintained
• There is a plan to get you out of the tub if the midwife/physician deems it necessary
• You are able to maintain proper hydration status
• The water needs to be deep enough to go up to the mothers armpits to give the mother some buoyancy, so depth is important.

Water births are typically covered in the facility fee for birth centers and hospital births but purchasing a tub for a home water birth can cost between $100-$500 dollars depending on what you choose or need.

Personally, I love water births. I have had one and assisted on many. Mothers who I have assisted seem to have faster labors with less discomfort. When I delivered in the water, i  had minimal pain. I felt pressure and intense stretching but not much pain. If I ever have the opportunity to give birth again, I will work for a water birth as it was the best choice for me. Consider your options, talk to your provider , discuss what you are looking for and what you are hoping for in your birth.