The Benefits of Waterbirthing
Considerng a waterbirth? Think about it this way.....Wouldn't a
peacful and serene birth, with a relaxed and focused mother be a
wonderful way to bring a baby into this world? Having a
waterbirth is an option for Mom's who want to give birth
naturally. Childbirth is such a powerful experience for a woman.
But, too often, women totally give up their power and gift of
childbirth over to other people to control. Having a waterbirth
gives the woman a feeling of empowerment and pride in being able
to choose how she delivers her child.
What about what the baby goes through? Just imagine that your
little one is as cozy and warm as can be for the past 9 months.
You have given that little wonder a warm and secure environment
only to have him arrive in a cold, bright and noisy world. That
is why waterbirthing is such a beautiful way to bring your
little wonder into this world. Imagine the having your baby
arrive in a warm, quite, safe and inviting environment where the
first touch is your arms. I can't think of a more beautiful way
to start a relationship.
The benefits of waterbirthing is so numerous... here are just a
few
* ease the pain of labor where only 10% of mom's ask for pain
relief
* relaxation of mom
* can faciltate a slow labor
* relaxed pelvic floor
* relieve anxiety
* empowers the mom
* can increase blood circulation
If you decide you want to use water to help you labor, you need
to have a few things in mind. The water temperature should be
around your body temperature. Be careful when entering the tub
and try to enter between contractions. Make sure the tub is
large enough so that you can move freely and be able to change
positions to what makes you feel comfortable.
Women usually enter the tub when they are about 5-8 cm dilated.
Check with your caregiver, but you should not need to worry
about infection if your membranes have ruptured, as long as you
are following proper hygenics.
The following are some interesting statistics about waterbirths
* The women had shorter labors.
* Cervical dilatation was more efficient- 2.5 centimeters per
hour compared with 1.25 centimeters per hour for mothers who did
not take advantage of water during their labors.
* The descent of the babies was twice as fast.
* The women reported less pain.
* The cesarean section rate was one-third that of traditional
hospital births.
* Mothers labeled "high-risk" because of high blood pressure
showed a dramatic reduction in their blood pressure within
minutes of immersion in the pool.
(see end note #1)
Whether you decide to just labor in water, or have an actual
waterbirth you can still take advantage of what water has to
offer.
Waterbirthing can be not only a gentle way to bring your little
one into the world, but as you can see, it is also a SAFE
alternative. Also, remember that being educated is the most
important thing you can do to keep yourself happy and healthy
througout your pregnancy.
#1 Sears, William,Martha Sears,and Linda Hughey Holt. The
Pregnancy Book. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1997.