Water
Birth
'Both
the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the
Royal College of
Midwives support
labouring in water for healthy women with uncomplicated
pregnancies'
Part
of a joint Statement in April 2006
Why
consider having a waterbirth?
-
Labouring
in warm water increases mums own natural endorphin and
oxytocin levels. Stress hormones are released less.
-
mum's
perception of pain might be lowered
-
Less
chemical pain relief is usually required than when birthing on
land.
-
Warm
water helps mums to relax
-
The
buoyancy experienced in water assists mum in finding
comfortable positions easily and supported.
-
Babies
do not gasp or inhale water when born into water.
-
Midwives
are more hands off! Only assisting if necessary
-
Deliver
your own baby
-
Possibility
that birthing in water reduces chances of tearing
-
Warm
water lowers blood pressure
Prepare your body and mind for a water birth
Watsu is
a great way to prepare both mind and body for giving birth
or even labouring in water. Highly recommended by the
renowned Janet Balaskas this is a must for anyone
considering a waterbirth.
A great
book is the Aqualight - A handbook for waterbirth by
Francoise Freedman. This book offers mums to be exercises
incorporating yoga and breathing techniques to prepare for
their waterbirth. Recommend for use in your birthing pool
but an extremely useful little book that includes postnatal
exercises and how to introduce your newborn baby to water.
More
information on this book is available in our store
click here
Common
Reasons to leave the pool
-
Slow
Progress - Usually you can leave the pool and walk around and
try different positions and natural techniques. Relieve your
bladder and wait for surges to increase when you will
normally be free to re enter the pool.
-
Mum
may want to birth baby on land.
-
Additional
chemical pain relief is requested by mum.
-
Changes
in mums or baby's condition.
Preparation
The
water in your pool should be filled to a comfortable level that
will ideally cover your tummy. Water temperature should be
maintained around 35- 37°C for the first stage and 37° for the second
stage and birth. The water temperature can be taken using a bath
thermometer. The water should be stirred well before taking temperature as
the surface temperature can be lower than the rest of the deeper
water.
Ensure
you have done a trial run with your birth pool to ensure that it
is not faulty and you will then be aware of how long it will
take you to inflate and fill your
tub when in labour.
Some additional Equipment you may need
Always
check with your midwife as to what equipment will be required,
this list is not exclusive
- Thermometer
- to check water temperature
- Hand
mirror - if you wish to see baby's head crowning
- Torch - A
strong torch that will enable midwife to see more clearly under
the water if required.
- Cleaning
equipment - e.g. kitchen sieve or debris net and bowl
- Plastic
sheeting
- Pump and
tubing to empty and fill pool
- electric
pump to quickly inflate and deflate your pool
- Lots of
towels
- Cleaning
solution such as Milton
Have a
look at our Water birth pools in our Store!
Click Here
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