Benefits of Water in Labor & Birth

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The use of water during labor has been studied and documented sufficiently to determine that there are many known facts. Few medical professionals fear that a baby will drown when born in water although it is widely accepted that babies must be lifted to the surface promptly to initiate their first breath. The cord continues to pump oxygen into their bloodstream after birth, however, the amount of oxygen decreases each minute that follows the delivery. Many hospitals have adopted specific policies and codes regarding how soon the baby should be removed from the water. Many hospitals do no permit water birthing. The reason has more to do with the expense of liability and insurance regulation than professional preference.

Here are some of the benefits of a water birth:

• Water has a relaxing effect on mother and baby


• Water displaces gravitational pressures of contractions


• Water reduces the need for pain relief


• Water softens the skin on the perineum prior to birth

Find out what the policy is on water birth in the hospital where you plan to birth your baby. Even if you can't deliver your baby in water, you can still enjoy all of the above mentioned benefits until it's time to push.

Notice the cord visible from under the towell to the exterior of the tub? This is a doppler or external fetal monitor that allows my birth team to listen to the baby's heart beat continuously or intermittently as your provider requires. I am holding the monitor in place without the discomfort of bands secured on my abdomen.