Let's Talk About Water Birth

"Hi Natalie! I've been reading a lot of posts on Messy Mom about your child birthing experiences and advice! That is super helpful! Thank you for writing those. I was wondering if you'd written any more posts about water birthing. I am thinking about this for our birth! I would love to hear your tips and advice! "


This question comes from first time expectant mom Bethany who blogs over at "Again We Say Rejoice" Isn't their pregnancy announcement adorable!?

 I was thrilled to get this question from Bethany because I am very passionate about water birth, but other than sharing my birth stories I have never blogged about the topic specifically. Granted, I am NOT an expert on water birth so I am not going to dish out a bunch of facts and statistics, but I will share my take on it from personal experience.

I have heard water birth referred to as nature's epidural and after having one birth that was not in water and two that were I can agree with that statement.

The way it works is that the baby receives oxygen through your umbilical cord and does not inhale until exposed to air. Since the baby is already underwater (or more accurately in amniotic fluid) in the womb for 9 months this makes for a smooth transition into the world. Think of it like having the lights gradually turned on rather than going from complete darkness all night long and then suddenly having someone shining a bright light in your face. That's not why I had a water birth, it's just one of the potential benefits.

Here is some more information about the entire process

PREPARATION

Preparing for a water birth can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. One thing you have to know ahead of time is whether or not it is offered by your care provider or birthing facility. Even if they do offer water birth their criteria might determine some of the methods you choose.

I know for a lot of home births people order inflatable birth pools, but I have no experience with this personally.

I will say that my first water birth was completely unplanned! I had planned to birth on my bed and had prepared everything accordingly, but I was comfortable in the bathtub and my daughter came so quickly that it just happened that way! 

This proves more than anything just how little preparation is needed for a water birth.

Attire

I was nude for my first water birth and wore a maternity swimsuit (with no bottoms) the second time around. The swimsuit was a lot like wearing a slip or a sundress. I really liked it because I didn't have to worry about being completely exposed. It kept me covered in and out of the water. The swimsuit was stretchy enough for me to pull the front down and breastfeed, which is an important factor to consider. I did this immediately after the delivery for skin to skin contact and both babies latched on and started breastfeeding while I was still in the water, which means it happened almost right away because I did not stay in the water long.

Timing

Typically you want to wait until you are really in active labor when you get in the water. This way the water is fresh and warm. For me I just waited until contractions were really intense. Your midwife or doula can let you know how far along you appear to be and give you instructions at that point.

Comfortable Positions

Unlike other types of birth there aren't a lot of tools and tricks because the water itself is the pain relief! Warm water is stress relieving, soothing, and literally reduces a lot of the weight of labor. It also naturally massages the perineum to promote elasticity and prevent tearing. One simple item you can use to get comfortable is a towel that can be rolled up or folded to create a soft surface for you to lean on.

With my first water birth I had my back against the edge of the tub (the same as when you bathe) and birthed in what I would refer to as the traditional position (lying down with your legs apart). With water birth number two I was on my knees leaning over the tub.

One reason is because I was Group B Strep positive which meant I had to have an IV. It was covered in plastic and could get wet, but it was not supposed to stay submerged in the water. There is a lot more information about this, but that's another topic altogether. You won't know if you are GBS positive until they do the test toward the end of your pregnancy.


Final Thoughts

There are so many different approaches to water birth. It's a very personal decision.

For me I had the unplanned water birth in my bathtub with a CPM (certified professional midwife) at home and birthed the placenta in the tub. I was near Dallas Texas at the time and the location is important, because laws vary from state to state.

Then I had a hospital water birth in Lexington Kentucky with an APRN (advanced practice registered nurse)/ CNM (certified nurse midwife) and delivered the placenta in the bed afterwards. The midwife also did the circumcision.

If water birth is an option where you are delivering then I say at least have it available just in case it turns out to be the place you feel most comfortable. You can always change your mind! No matter how things go when you deliver it's important to remember that you will NOT disappoint your baby. The baby just wants to be out of the womb. The hard part is knowing that for yourself and doing whatever feels best for you!