Waterbirth
More women around the world are choosing to have a waterbirth. A waterbirth can be a truly positive experience for both mom and baby. Warm water is very relaxing, it is comfortable, and if the labour is at home the surroundings are familiar, so the mother feels empowered and confident. The warm water enables the body to produce more adrenaline and endorphins that will help the mother to focus and relax resulting in lower pain sensations. The state of relaxation that the mother experiences facilitates cervix dilatation, and descent of baby through the birth canal. While in the water the mother feels a weightlessness sensation and has the benefit to position herself in countless ways that help her work with her body during contrations. The mother feels empower to be an active role during the birth experience. The warm water and the relaxion of the mother help body tissues expand, thus lowering the chances of a perineal tear.
In waterbirth the baby experiences similar conditions that he was accostumed to in the mother´s womb. The trasition from the mother´s womb to the exterior world is less abrupt and is more gentle. The baby is born in the water and is left in the water for a few seconds with the cord intact so that he continues to receive oxygen, and then she is held in the mother´s arms. Stories of waterbirths constantly remark how the baby seemed calmer and content and how some of the babies actually do not cry.
Waterbirths can happen in different settings, at home or in the hospitals. In order to have a home waterbirth is necessary to maintain water at body´s temperature. You can use your own bathtub, and if you want a bigger one you can rent or buy a birth pool.
Waterbirth is a safe alternative for baby and mom. The water has to be kept clean, the risks of infection is low, the water dilutes bacteria from the vagina and the baby will not aspirate until he/she is in contact with air.
If you have decided to have a waterbirth, you need to plan ahead with your health care providers and make sure that the people that are supporting you have experience in this type of birth.
If you want to learn more about waterbirth, or you want to share your experience with waterbirth, please feel free to create an account and post your comments!
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