Water Birth

What is waterbirth?

Waterbirth is when a birthing mother spends the final stage of labor in and gives birth in the water. Waterbirth is considered a wonderful tool to reduce stress and increase comfort for both the mother and baby.

Who is a candidate for waterbirth?

Women whose pregnancies are considered low risk and who wish to have an unmedicated vaginal birth make wonderful candidates for waterbirth. However, there are rare circumstances that can arise during the labor and birthing process that can make waterbirth unsafe. These issues can be discussed with the midwife to assess your personal situation and provide information on the circumstances that could affect your eligibility for a waterbirth.

Benefits of laboring in water

• Reduces the level of pain or discomfort

• Speeds up labor due to facilitating a more relaxed environment

• Can reduce blood pressure

• Lowered stress and encouragement of mom’s body to produce endorphins that can reduce pain

• Helps to conserve mom’s energy as buoyancy reduces mom’s body weight

Benefits of waterbirth

• Reduces the risk of perineal trauma

• Easier transition for baby into an environment similar to the amniotic sac

• Supports mom in a variety of birthing positions

• Waterbirth, often called “nature’s epidural,” can reduce discomfort experienced during labor and birth

• Increased privacy for mom in a safe and protected space

• Facilitates immediate skin to skin contact between baby and mom