Waterbirth

Common questions about waterbirth:

How can babies be born underwater?

There are four main factors that prevent the baby from inhaling water at the time of birth:

1. Prostaglandin E2 levels from the placenta which cause a slowing down or stopping of the fetal breathing movements. When the baby is born and the Prostaglandin level is still high, the baby's muscles for breathing simply don't work, thus engaging the first inhibitory response.

2. Babies are born experiencing mild hypoxia or lack of oxygen. Hypoxia causes apnea and swallowing, not breathing or gasping.

3. Water is a hypotonic solution and lung fluids present in the fetus are hypertonic. So, even if water were to travel in past the larynx, they could not pass into the lungs based on the fact that hypertonic solutions are denser and prevent hypotonic solutions from merging or coming into their presence.

4. The last important inhibitory factor is the Dive Reflex and revolves around the larynx. The larynx is covered all over with chemoreceptors or taste buds. The larynx has five times as many as taste buds as the whole surface of the tongue. So, when a solution hits the back of the throat, passing the larynx, the taste buds interprets what substance it is and the glottis automatically closes and the solution is then swallowed, not inhaled.(www.waterbirth.org)

What about monitoring the babies heart rate? Our monitoring devices are waterproof. We can continue to monitor the baby while mom is enjoying the benefits of the warm water.

How does mom benefit from water during labor and birth? Warm water provides helpful relaxation to both the mother and baby. I encourage mom to use water during labor for many reasons. The support water gives to the body enables the laboring woman to easily get in a variety of positions. Women enjoy the weightlessness of being in water. It provides great freedom of movement for moms. Water can provide a bouyance that reduces pressure from gravity, it helps promote circulation to the uterus, and softens the perineal area. This can have pain relieving benefits that many moms swear by. In addition to its aquadural effect it can aid in lowering high blood pressure and increasing tissue flexibility promoting less tearing.

Why is waterbirth so special? Birth in water is a very gentle transition for babies. Rather than being immediately exposed to a dramatic change of environment after they are born, waterbirth babies are welcome into warm water that allows them to gently transition to breathe air.

What kind of tub is best? I generally recommend an inflatable tub. They are comfortable and affordable. The tubs are easy to clean or easily disposed of after birth. Either a childrens play pool, or a more theraputic model with jets will work. These tubs provide good depth and room for moms to move around and are large enough to accomodate partners and siblings. I will share options for tubs with you if you ask.