Water birth

Thanks for your response. It's true though, how do they get to it, if something goes wrong?

Most labors & births will not have something go wrong. Especially in a water birth, where there will be less interference with the natural process. When things do go wrong in a labor or birth, it's seldom a sudden thing without warning. Multiples, breech, and especially big babies are almost always known before labor through exams & ultrasound. Checking the heart beat occasionally during contractions will alert care givers if the baby is stressed. Almost always, a care provider will have plenty of time to talk to mom about what's happening & to move her should they decide that's what's best.

hIYA THERE,,i have a friend that had one..and she said it was the most wonderfullest experience of her life..she told me that she came slower..but the stretching didnt hurt as much..becaise of the water..i had no idea what was involvedthen and here..so i looked it up and find it soo very cool..and if i ever have another child..i will deff go and have them this way..i hope u dont mind me posting what i found..ill leave blah blah stuff out and leave the link for everyopne to read..let me know what ya think... Once considered an option only in birth centers, warm water immersion during labor and delivery is now becoming a viable choice for birth plans at many facilities. It promotes relaxation and provides an environment where mothers can have more control over the birthing process. Mothers who plan water births also include “natural childbirth” as part of their birth plan. “I got out of the pool once, and that was a very bad mistake. The water decreased the pain of the contractions, and I could relax a whole lot easier.” “Being in the water for labor was absolutely awesome.” These are comments made by individuals who have labored and/or delivered in the water. Water immersion for labor and delivery is a safe option for healthy women with low risk pregnancies. Research has shown that there is no statistical difference in the outcome of mothers and babies who have used water immersion as opposed to traditional deliveries. There was no increase in infection for either the mother or baby, no increase in bleeding for the mother, and no increase in aspiration of fluid by the baby. Many mothers are concerned about the monitoring of the baby during labor. The babies are monitored with a Doppler every 15-30 minutes during the dilating stage of labor. During the pushing stage of labor, the baby’s heart rate is monitored every 5 minutes. Waterproof Dopplers are available so the mother does not have to get out of the water to hear the baby’s heart beat. There is research that shows that periodic monitoring of the fetal heart rate in low risk pregnancies is as effective in evaluating the baby as continuous electronic fetal monitoring. The mother’s temperature, blood pressure, and progress in labor will be monitored throughout labor. The birthing pool will be set up and filled while the mother is in early labor. There are protocols for setting up and cleaning the pool to prevent any problems with infection. The pool is filled with warm water to nipple level. This seems to be the secret to decreasing the pressure of labor. The mother assumes any position that is comfortable in the water. The water must be between 96 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is warmer, it causes the baby’s heart to beat faster and also causes dehydration in the mother. If the water is cooler, the mother is uncomfortable. The baby who is delivered in cool water is more at risk for taking a breath before his or her head is brought above the water. The mother is encouraged to drink fluid while in the birthing pool. Mothers should get into the birthing pool when they are in the active stage of labor. This phase is characterized by contractions that are strong and close together. At this point, mothers find the birthing pool very relaxing and at the same time most mothers experience some pain relief. Getting into the water too soon will cause the labor to slow or stop. Other comfort measures such as showering, walking, and massages can be used to help the mother cope with labor until she is ready for the birthing pool. When the baby is born, she is lifted from the pool so that her head is above the water. The nose and mouth can be suctioned out and the remainder of the baby kept under the water to remain warm. Babies do not always start crying immediately. They start breathing and looking around as they make a gentle transition to their new world. Women who use the birthing pool for the delivery of their babies do not usually receive episiotomies (a cut at the perineal opening to make room for the baby to come out). Instead, the baby’s head is allowed to deliver slowly. This helps the stretching of the perineum and eases the risk of perineal lacerations. If there are lacerations, they are repaired after the mother gets out of the birthing pool. Water birth is a gentle delivery with the mother having more control over her experience. The water seems to give sufficient pain relief to make it possible for mothers to have a very satisfying, unmedicated birth experience. The mother and her support person are able to participate fully in their birth experience with watchful observation by the obstetrical staff and care provider. http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/stlouis/waterbirth.htm wow! doesnt that just sound soo relaxing? and beign weightless in water would deff help the pain..now after i sent this..anyone now think they may have one someday? I sure would love too..with music..and lots of candles..:)

Unfortunately, for us here in Quebec, I think nobody practices that. I've searched the internet for water births, and in Quebec, there weren't any.

Thanks for your response. Well, I've learned something; I had no idea that's where the whole lying down with your legs wide opened was born. Now I do. Thx!