Is Water Birth Right for You?

Water birth has become a big topic in the birth world and gained popularity with a lot of mothers. It provides a natural way for many mothers to experience a more comfortable, less painful labor. 

 

Let’s talk more about whether or not water birth is right for you.

 

Do you offer water birth?

 

Yes, all of our rooms at Roots Community Birth Center are set up for water birth. We have a room with a plumbed-in tub and two rooms with inflatable tubs.

 

If you’re interested in having a water birth, we’ll discuss beforehand so we can accommodate you accordingly.

 

Is there a time restraint on using a tub?

 

No, there is no specific time limit to how long you can stay in a birthing tub. It is entirely up to you.

 

We encourage people to get out of the tub every hour or so to try different positions, use the bathroom, and take a break, but you can stay in the tub as long as you want.

 

Should I use the tub for pain management, labor, or birth?

 

This is subjective to each mother. What you use the birthtub for depends on what you want. 

 

Water birth is great for pain management as it alleviates the pressure from gravity on your lower back. That, combined with the buoyancy of the water helps make contractions less painful while still allowing you to labor effectively.

 

Some mothers like to spend the entire labor in the water, until delivery. However, you always have the option to spend the first stage of labor in water, until you’re fully dilated, and then come out for the birth. It all depends on what you feel comfortable doing.

 

What does water help with?

 

Water birth is associated with pain relief and less need for interventions like epidural or other medicines.

 

This is because the water allows some buoyancy and the warmth of water gives relief to your joints. 

 

Water can be soothing to muscles and it helps with lower back pain by easing the pressure off of it. The effect and the heat of the water can help reduce tearing for some by allowing your cervix to dilate with more ease.

 

What are the disadvantages of water delivery?

 

While water birth is considered safe for most mothers, there is a slight increase in certain risks. Your midwife will discuss the risks and benefits with you in your prenatal care.

 

If you have a condition where your baby might need urgent pediatric care, it is advised you don’t have a water birth as it might delay the care.

 

If you’re interested in having a water birth or need more questions answered, please feel free to ask your midwife or make an appointment!