The practice of giving birth in water has been around for hundreds of years, and wisdom about it abounds in the midwifery community. But more formal research on the topic seems to be relatively new.
An article in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, which showed that use of a birthing pool “significantly reduced operative delivery rates, a shorter second stage of labor, reduced analgesic requirements and a lower incidence of perineal trauma,” inspired me to speak with a couple of friends about their recent birthing experiences.
My friend Gina, who gave birth to beautiful twin girls not long ago, recalls that although she did not actually give birth in a tub, she found that standing in the shower and letting the hot water run over her belly and back did a lot to relieve the intensity of her labor.
My other friend, Kai, who gave birth to both of her daughters in water, told me that having the pool of hot water was incredibly helpful. “On the physical level,” she said, “it helps the muscles relax. It provided a lot or relief for my hips and during contractions.” Furthermore, since we are more buoyant in water the result is that “instead of having gravity pulling on you, you’re held by the water.”
Being held in this way and the stillness of the water were emotionally soothing, as well. As Kai put it, “I had my own womb to go into in order to birth my daughter.”
In addition to helping mothers, the warm water is also helpful for the baby, as it eases the transition into the world from the water-filled womb. “My second daughter didn’t even cry until a few minutes after she was born,” Kai told me, “and I stayed in my tub just floating with my baby for a half an hour.”
Water births are, of course, not for everyone; contraindicatons include kidney failure, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. But clearly there is good reason for the growing popularity of this type of birthing experience. And if the birth cannot take place in water, a hot bath or shower, with doctors approval, can at least help alleviate the difficulty of labor.