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We offer hydrotherapy for labor and water birth as a serene and calming option for childbirth. Experience the benefits of gentle water delivery, which promotes relaxation and comfort during labor, all while receiving personalized care in a safe, supportive environment for you and your baby.
What are the benefits of waterbirth?
Water birth offers several benefits, including reduced pain during labour as the warm water can help relax muscles and ease the intensity of contractions. Research shows that women who labour and give birth in water often adopt upright positions as the buoyancy of the water allows for easier movement and position changes. Upright positioning is beneficial for the baby moving through the birth canal with the help of gravity. Additionally, women report physiological, physical, and psychological benefits, leading to a more holistic natural birthing experience.
How is the baby monitored when I am in labor in the water or am having a waterbirth?
During a water birth, we follow our standard procedure of intermittently monitoring the baby's well-being using a handheld doppler (fetal heart rate monitoring) device.
What if my baby tries to breathe underwater?
Babies have a natural reflex called the "diving reflex," which typically lasts until they are about six months old, preventing them from breathing underwater. Remember, babies are floating in water in the uterus and in fact, “fetal lungs are already filled with fluid which protects the lungs, and keep the spaces open that will eventually exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen”.
When the baby's face comes into contact with water, the glottis at the back of the throat automatically closes, preventing water from entering the lungs. The baby will not inhale until they are lifted out of the water and their face is exposed to air. This ensures a safe transition from water to air during a water birth.
Can I have a waterbirth if I plan to use pain relief?
Many women find that water immersion itself provides significant pain relief. In fact, research indicates that water immersion in labor is effective at reducing the severity of pain felt from contractions and aids in relaxing the laboring woman. Hydrotherapy in labor is often offered prior to other pain relief options as it is an easy, nonpharmacologic method of pain relief. If you use other pain relief methods like some IV/injections or have an epidural, you CANNOT use the birthing tub for labor or birth.
We encourage the use of natural pain relief methods. Our team will discuss these methods with you during prenatal consultations and childbirth preparation classes. These techniques include various comfort measures and positions that can be used effectively both in and out of the water.
