Benefits of using water
The benefits of using water during labour and birth
Birthing is a sacred rite and to create your own birth environment incorporating water is the most natural way for your baby to enter this world. A water birth pool, soft music, aromatherapy, massage, acupressure, breathing and visualisations can be easily incorporated when you’re in control of your water birth journey.
In an uncomplicated, pregnancy and birth scenario, the transition from womb to warm fluid in your birthing pool under soft lights in a calm environment alleviates the stress factor for both mum and baby. The amazing properties of water have continuously been reported as making the labour and water birth process into a private, calm, spiritual experience where the mother’s natural instincts can been followed. Remember, your body knows what to do, so statistically there is less intervention necessary.
Your own birthing pool provides a private, contained space to feel safe, comfortable and secure within. These factors contribute to reducing the psychological impact of pain.
the sensation of pain being transmitted by deeper nerves. Therefore warm water on your lower back, where your spinal chord
receives the nerves from the lower abdominal region, can significantly reduce labour pain. A birthing pool creates a warm and
nurturing space and environment for optimum relaxation. Deeper relaxation encourages the mother’s hormones to kick in so
endorphin production increases, (the body’s natural analgesic), therefore regulating production of oxytocin, so contractions are
more efficient, which can speed up the labour and delivery process.
Water reduces pressure to the abdomen, which promotes more efficient uterine contractions and increased blood circulation, which in turn assists oxygenation of the uterine muscles, reducing pain for the mother and increasing oxygen to the baby. Natural birth is possible and manageable due to the properties of water. Babies born in water are usually born alert and calm.
Water completely
supports a drug free birth by relaxing the pelvic floor muscles and eliminating
pain by blocking the impulses from the pain fibres and therefore reducing or eliminating the need for drugs
and intervention. There are no side effects connected to the use of water.
The calming nature of water reduces blood pressure and conserves energy to make the whole process less strenuous and more enjoyable.
Water softens the skin, which greatly reduces the risk of perineal trauma and episiotomies.
Births where the mother is conscious and aware puts her in control of her own
birth experience,
which leads to a feeling of accomplishment and empowerment.
The water and space in the birthing pool allows the mother to move around freely and uninhibited to assume different positions.
Water birth is statistically as safe as giving birth on dry land. Your baby is still connected to the umbilical cord and is receiving
an oxygenated blood supply via the placenta. Babies do not receive the stimulus to breathe when born without stress into water.
They do not need to breathe until the cord is cut as it remains soft and continues to pulse after delivery. You will get to hold,
watch, wonder and share your baby’s first breath as you bring them up out of the water.
Many midwives and doctors support water and birthing pools as a safe and practical
labour
and birthing tool in normal uncomplicated pregnancies and births.
For optimal advantage, because water is so incredibly relaxing, it’s advisable
to enter the pool when labour is established,
usually around 4-5 cm dilated or
when contractions are about 5 minutes apart. Otherwise it may make labour longer.
This is when you’ll feel the most relief from the flood of hormones and the delivery process will be sped up.
The option of using water in a birthing pool offers a gentle alternative for labour and birth for mum and baby, reducing the
risk of postnatal depression and enhancing a healthy parent, child relationship.
Babies born in a relaxed environment have a greater chance of developing into a well-adjusted adult.
A gentle birth is possible in water and the bond it creates for families encourages a healthier relationship between everyone
in the family and leaves the mother with an amazing sense of empowerment.
Please consider water for baby and you.