What are the benefits for you?
Women have used water in labour and delivery for centuries - in rivers, streams and seas. Water birth in purpose built pools was pioneered in Russia in the 1960's, France in the 1970's and now is popular everywhere with women seeking a more natural birthing experience.
There are numerous benefits to using water during labour. Many of which Sheila Kitzinger, a leading authority on childbirth, mentions in her book “The New Pregnancy & Childbirth Choices and Challenges.”
- Relax during your last weeks of pregnancy, floating weightlessly in your own haven of warm water.
- Water allows more freedom of movement to adopt more active birthing positions. Women often switch from forwards leaning to other upright positions. This movement helps the rotation and descent of the baby’s head.
- Total relaxation in the warmth and comfort of warm water helps the uterus to contract more effectively.
- There is evidence that immersion in warm water can lower blood pressure during labour.
- Being immersed in water increases venous pressure so that veins return blood to the heart more efficiently. It enhances cardiac action and slows the pulse rate.
- The pool gives a sense of privacy and provides a peaceful environment.
- "A water pool offers a mother an environment where she can behave instinctively and feel in control. When a woman feels in control during childbirth, she experiences a higher degree of emotional well-being post natally. (Green et al, 1990)
- Water both counteracts the force of gravity and any pressure a woman may feel against her back and buttocks. It also reduces the pressure felt from inside the body.
- Your perineal skin becomes softer and suppler, reducing the chance of an episiotomy.