Thinking About A Water Birth?

Think about it this way...Wouldn’t a peaceful and serene birth be a wonderful way to bring your baby into this world? Having a water birth is a great option for you if you want to give birth naturally. Childbirth is such a powerful experience for a woman; yet, too often, women give over their power and gift of childbirth to other people. Giving birth naturally can give you a feeling of empowerment and pride in being able to choose how you deliver your child.

Is Water Birth Safe For My Baby?

Just imagine your little one 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 water birth is such a beautiful way to bring your little wonder into this world. Imagine having your baby arrive in a warm, quite, safe and inviting environment where the first touch is your arms. I cannot think of a more beautiful way to start a relationship. When your baby is born into the water, your midwife will help you and your partner guide your baby up so that their little face is above the water once they are born. Your baby will not swallow any of the water from your birthing tub, but their little body will remain submerged so that their transition to life outside of your womb is the gentlest it can be.

Benefits of a Water Birth.

• eases the pain of labor where only 10% of mom's ask for pain relief
• lowers blood pressure
• relaxes mom
• facilitates a slow labor
• relaxes pelvic floor therefore decreasing need for episiotomy or tearing
• relieves anxiety
• increases blood circulation

If you decide you want to use a birthing tub, you need to have a few things in mind. The water temperature should be between 99 and 100 degrees. 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. A birthing tub that has some kind of cushiony bottom is often the most comfortable. You can either purchase or rent this kind of tub. The best time to use the tub is when you begin active labor. Usually this is when you are about 5-8 cm dilated.

Water Birth Statistics.

The following are some interesting statistics about water birthing.
• 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.
• Descent of the babies was twice as fast.
• Women reported less pain.
• 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.

Having a water birth can be a gentle way to bring your little one into the world, and, you can see, it is also a safe alternative.

If you would like more information about natural childbirth visit:
www.ReneeTheMidwife.com