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Would you ever give birth in water?
It can be a difficult decision to make when you are pregnant. When it comes to big decisions, like deciding on your child's birth plan, you might consider an unconventional approach.
Barbara Harper, R.N. founder and director, Waterbirth International, says that "many modern birthing options take the power away form the woman and give it the medical professionals." Water birth gives the woman autonomy and control. The provider cannot help but let go and allow mother and baby to work together.
Rainbeau Mars, a yoga instructor and creator of Zen Mama yoga workouts, chose water to give birth to her daughter Jade. Mars states, "Our bodies were designed to give birth." Mars feels that modern drugs and monitors in modern births are often unnecessary, and can cause complications during the birth process. They give someone else control over your birth. It's like asking someone to do it for you. We must learn to trust ourselves.
The benefits
Water birth has been shown to have many benefits for mothers, according to studies. The body releases more oxytocin. Submersion can reduce the time between the first and second stages. It makes it easier for you to relax because of the buoyancy. Water can also help with pain, but it won't relieve it. Harper states that water helped Harper relax enough to allow him to focus on his labor.
Baby also reaps the benefits. Baby will feel more pleasure than pain when there is more oxytocin in the mother's body. The mother is more in control and is better at positioning herself. Babies who are born in water tend to be less emotional and more open-minded. They are more likely to latch on to their mothers' breasts earlier and take longer for their first feeds. Mars recalls that Jade was not crying at all when she was born. "She was calm and sweet."
Mark Albini M.D. is chairman of obstetrics at St. Mary's Hospital, Waterbury, CT. He believes water birth can be a tool for mothers who desire an unmedicated birth. Albini first encountered water birth 12 years back when he was at a conference about the topic with Shelley. They decided to use this method to have their third child. Albini was so impressed by the experience that he decided to open a water birth center in his hospital. Albini states, "I did it because it was important." Since 2000, the center has seen more than 100 water births. He says, "We are also trying to incorporate water with more conventional births." You can choose to have your baby born in water. You will feel more relaxed and less painful during contractions.
Although there are fewer hospital-adjacent delivery centers than the Albini one, most water births in America are done at home by a midwife. However, things are changing. Harper wants the US to follow England's example. She says that any hospital in the UK can offer water births. "That's what we need here." Waterbirths are also very common in Germany and New Zealand, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Holland, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Switzerland, Austria, and Switzerland. These countries know the benefits.
Water births make up less than 1% of all births in America. There are some concerns about this niche procedure. Harper states that the first question a woman will ask is "Will my baby be able to take a deep breath underwater?" It is impossible to breathe in and then drown. Water is an environment that is similar to being in utero. It eases the transition. The baby will breathe his first time he is in the air. Another question that people often ask is, "Will it be messy?" Surprisingly, blood loss in traditional births is far less than with natural births. Harper states that the mother is generally not forced to push, which means that there is less crying.
Water birth is not for everyone. Twins and high-risk pregnancies with twins can be closely monitored during labor using waterproof fetal monitoring devices while mom takes a long soak in a warm tub. While bathing is possible for most women, giving birth in water is only possible for those with no probable complications.
If everything is perfect, a waterbirth can be an amazing experience. Mars fondly recalls hers. "I don't think I could give birth without water. It eased the pain. Jade's father was with us in the water; it was a wonderful bonding experience for us all."
Harper urges women to think about their options for birth and consider water as an option. Be aware of your pain tolerance, and what your needs are. Water is the best non-narcotic pain reliever, but there are limitations." You don't have "no" to a doctor if you decide to have a water birth. Make sure that you choose a birth plan that works for you and your baby.
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