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Waterbirth: A Gentle Labor and Delivery
Waterbirth is becoming more popular. Laboring and birthing your baby in water is a unique experience. Many birthing centers and homebirthers are opting for this gentle alternative. The decision to birth in water is very personal and before you choose this method, be sure to learn all you can about it.
Waterbirths take place in a birthing tub that is specifically made for labor. The only special preparations for water birth are setting up the portable tub. And that's only necessary if you are having a home birth. Many birthing centers have built-in tubs.
Water birth has numerous benefits for the mother, which in turn helps out the baby. Relaxation is the main benefit of birthing in water. When the mother is relaxed, labor is actually quickened. Her deep relaxation allows hormones to enter her blood stream that speed labor along. Her muscles relax as well, allowing her cervix to dilate and her pelvic floor muscles to open in preparation for birth. In fact, getting in the water can help a mother who isn't progressing in her labor.
Her body is so relaxed there is no need for other pain control methods. Floating weightless in the water allows her to concentrate on breathing and focusing on her labor. The buoyancy of the water supports her weight and allows her to move from position to position effortlessly. She's able to pick the most comfortable position to birth in.
Her reduced anxiety can make labor happen more quickly and gently. Being immersed in water also helps the mother's blood pressure. The placenta receives more oxygen rich blood, which is helpful the baby during labor.
It's a much easier transition for the baby to move from the amniotic fluid to water. Many "water babies" are calm and quiet when they emerge from the water. There's a lot of family bonding time after waterbirth because of the calm and relaxed atmosphere.
You owe it to yourself and your baby to consider having a waterbirth.
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