WATER BIRTH
“Imagine . . .remembering your birth as gentle, warm, soothing, and wonderful . . .”
Warm
water immersion during labor and birth can be a great way to help
alleviate pain and discomfort. It offers warmth, weightlessness and
relaxation especially when the laboring mother is able to submerge her
belly and lower body. This is accomplished easily with the use of a
birthing tub. AquaNatal Birth Sap has large birthing tubs in the birth
rooms, and we have portable tubs available for use during homebirth,
for a small fee. They are wider and deeper than a regular bathtub, more
like the size of a small hot tub. This larger size combined with the
weightlessness of water immersion offers moms greater ease of movement
during labor and birth. Water immersion during early labor can slow
down progress sometimes, so your midwife may ask you to wait until
active labor to get into the tub. During active labor water immersion
has been known to speed up progress, perhaps due to the profound
relaxation experienced. Many women take this comfort measure a step
further and birth their babies into the water. Waterbirth offers
a gentle transition from mother’s womb to the outside world. Waterborn
babies are birthed into an environment much the same as the amniotic
sac- warm and watery. It is an intermediate step that allows the baby
to adjust slowly to this new life. Babies do not begin the breathing
process until they sense a change from a watery environment into the
air. It is for this reason along with others that there is no risk of drowning for healthy waterborn babies.
It is also for this reason that waterborn babies take a little longer
than dry land birthed babies to initiate the breathing process. They
may be a bit bluer in color at first, but are fine when they “catch
up”. It is recommended to bring the baby to the surface of the water as
soon as the body is born. There is no additional charge for
having a waterbirth with the AquaBirth midwives – either at the Birth
Spa or at your home. The birth tub is large & deep and can be
easily set up at your home – and our fees include all birth supplies.
If
you are interested in learning more about laboring and birthing in
water then please come join us for an inspiring and fascinating evening
of discussion and waterbirth videos, We discuss the benefits of
waterbirth and provide tips on how to effecively use the
pool for optimal pain relief and labor enjoyment.
*Time and dates vary - the 2.5 hour class is usually offered once a month.
Please call 909-591-5353 to schedule a class with Joyce & Elena
Water Therapy: I am pregnant, is it suitable for me?
Yes! Once you are in you won’t want to get out!
Mid
term pregnant women often find considerable relief from pain and
stiffness, particularly while floating prone, with elbows on the floor
of the tank and chin cupped in hands. In this position the baby is
fully floating and the mother’s back and pelvic girdle are released
from the weight.
Mothers-to-be have also
remarked that floating has allowed them to lie on their back, something
they have not done for some time. We also have a special float pillow
which will allow you to lay on your front too!
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"Pregnancy
and Birth" magazine gave floatation 10/10 as a useful pregnancy
therapy! If you are in any doubt, please consult your local
midwife.
  
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