I love a water birth! The lights are dim and the labouring woman is working hard in active labour. She feels like she can't manage, she needs a change. There is the sound of running water and the birth partner begins to top up her partially filled birth pool. Easing into the water, it covers her belly and her low back. There is a sigh of relief and a surrendering as she relaxes into the water. Labour feels more manageable now! So manageable that she may even consider staying in the pool and delivering her baby into her own hands. What a peaceful way to birth, and a beautiful transition for baby; from the womb into water.
What is a water birth?
Water birth involves labouring and sometimes giving birth in a warm water-filled pool. The water provides a soothing, supportive environment that helps encourages relaxation, reduces pain, and allows for freedom of movement. Water births are typically facilitated by midwives and are considered a natural, low-intervention approach to childbirth.
What is a Birth Pool?
A birth pool is an inflatable tub that families can rent or buy for home births. The pool is filled with warm water, and the birthing person can use it to labor in or, if they choose, deliver their baby directly into the water. Birth pools provide a nurturing and calming environment, which can make a huge difference in shaping a positive birth experience.
Key Benefits of Water Birth
Relaxation - One of the most powerful benefits of using a birth pool is the immediate relaxation it offers. The warm water of the birth tub can help relax the person giving birth, which reduces stress and tension, and promotes a calm and comfortable birth experience.This relaxation can also support the flow of oxytocin, aiding the progression of labor.
Natural Pain Relief - The buoyancy of the water can help to reduce the pressure and weight on the mother's body, which can alleviate some of the pain and discomfort of labor. In fact, studies have shown that women who labor in water often report experiencing less pain compared to labouring on dry land!
Improved Blood Flow and Oxygenation - Being in warm water can promote better blood circulation, which in turn supports optimal oxygen flow to both the birthing person and the baby. This can be especially beneficial during the more intense stages of labor, when both the parent and baby require increased oxygenation.
Increased Mobility - Water birth offers freedom of movement! In the water, birthing people often feel lighter and can change positions more easily.This increased mobility helps facilitate the natural movement of the baby through the birth canal and can reduce risk of interventions due to positioning issues.
Lower Likelihood of Medical Interventions - A major advantage of water birth is the potential reduction in the need for medical interventions. Research has shown that individuals who labor in water are less likely to request pain medications or epidurals . This means fewer side effects and a more natural, intervention-free birthing process for those who choose to labor in a birth pool.
Shorter Labor Times - Water births have been associated with shorter labor times! The warm water relaxes the pelvic muscles and soft tissues, allowing for a more efficient dilation of the cervix and thereby shortening the amount of time spent in labour.
Enhanced Birth Experience - My favourite benefit of water birth? Better birth experiences! Water provides a gentle, supportive environment, allowing for a more intimate and connected experience with both their body and their baby. The calmness and control that many experience during water births can lead to a more positive and fulfilling birth story, one that families remember for years to come.
If you're looking for a natural and holistic approach to labor and birth, using a birth pool might be a great option to explore. Water birth offers so many benefits, from natural pain relief to creating a calm and peaceful environment, which can make it an empowering choice for many families.
As an Ottawa birth doula, I always encourage families to consider all their options and make decisions that feel right for them. Whether you're planning a home birth or the birth center, water birth can provide a gentle and supportive experience for both you and your baby. If it's something you're thinking about, it's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider and your doula to see if it's a good fit for your birth plan.
References:
Cluett, E. R., & Burns, E. (2009). Immersion in water in labour and birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Lukasse, M., Rowe, R., Townend, J., & Knight, M. (2014). Immersion in water for pain relief and the risk of intrapartum transfer among low risk women in England: Secondary analysis of the birthplace national prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.
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