Should I Choose a Water Birth For The Arrival Of My Baby?
June 26, 2010 No Comments
This gentle and natural method of delivering your baby is gaining popularity, but a lot of misconceptions and myths surround it.
There is nothing more discouraging when you have your heart set on a particular method of natural childbirth, but all the feedback you get is negative. This is particularly true where water births are concerned.
There is one particular fact about water births that is simply not true. They are considered to be unsafe. Well, there are risks to giving birth however it is done. Medical childbirth is no exception!
Others are concerned that the baby may drown after exiting the birth canal. This is hardly possible as babies get their oxygen from the mother’s umbilical cord. It’s not until after the cord is severed that baby breathes in air. Baby did not drown in the fluid filled uterus, so he’s not going to drown during a waterbirth.
Now if you’re an expectant mom, consider these advantages. Warm water assists in pain relief so the need for taking pain killers is reduced and you’ll find it a lot easier to move and change positions in the water. This will enable you to better handle contractions which will ease the birth process.
Being surrounded by warm water will help you relax and remain alert at the same time which is much better than being “numbed” by anaesthetic drugs. Baby will also benefit from a waterbirth. Babies can absorb chemicals during the birth process and the fewer drugs mom takes, the better off baby will be.
If you are considering a waterbirth, you’ll need to find a midwife or doula who is familiar with a water childbirth and who can assist you with the birth process. You will also need to source a “birthing pool”. These are available for rent which makes them quite cost effective.
There are many advantages to having a water birth. Of course it’s not for everyone, but I hope this information has helped you make an informed choice.
Childbirth/Pregnancy
