Water Birthing: A Gentle Way to Welcome Your Baby
Each pregnancy comes with countless decisions. From planning for labour and delivery to envisioning your baby’s future, every choice matters. One question you might have is whether you can select how your baby enters the world. The answer is yes, and one increasingly popular option is Water Birthing.
So, what is Water Birthing? As the name suggests, it involves delivering your baby in a tub of warm water. Many mothers choose this method for its potential benefits, though like any delivery method, it comes with its own set of considerations.
The concept of water birth delivery is rooted in the idea that since babies spend nine months in the amniotic fluid sac, being born into a similar water environment can be a smoother transition for them and less stressful for the mother. Natural birthing with the right support can help the mother to exercise more control over her pregnancy.
If you’re exploring the option of water birth in India, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Before deciding, consult your healthcare provider to discuss whether this method aligns with your health and preferences. It’s a good idea conduct your own research water to understand the benefits of water birth.
What is Water Birth Delivery?
Water birthing is a delivery method where part or all of your labour and delivery occurs while you are submerged in a birth pool filled with warm water.
Many women wonder, “Why give birth in water?” The answer lies in the reported benefits: women who choose water birth often describe it as calming and comfortable. Some even opt for a water birth with their husband present, making the experience more supportive and intimate. This process can be carried out in a hospital, at a birthing center, or even at home under the supervision of a healthcare provider or a midwife.
Is Water Birth Right for You?
Water birth is an excellent option if you meet the following health criteria:
- Full-term and low-risk pregnancy
A full-term or low-risk pregnancy does not involve many complications. Hence, it is suitable for a water birth delivery.
- Free of infection and other medical conditions
Infections during pregnancy require additional attention and medications which cannot be administered during water birthing. If you are free of infection and do not have other critical medical conditions, water birthing is suitable for you.
- Pregnant with only one baby
Water birthing can only deliver one baby at a time. You should not consider this delivery method if you are pregnant with twins.
- No history of high blood pressure or bleeding disorders
Women with no history of high blood pressure and bleeding disorders are ideal for water birthing as you may not require additional medications to deal with such disorders.
- No complications during pregnancy or labour
Complications during pregnancy or labour cannot be addressed during a water birth. If your pregnancy is devoid of complications, water birthing is a great option for you.
- Meeting pre-pregnancy BMI criteria
Meeting a pre-pregnancy BMI criterion indicates a healthy mother and baby with no complications. Such women are ideal for giving birth in water.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it may require extensive foetal monitoring during labour and delivery and hence the doctor may not advise you on water delivery to keep you and your baby safe.
Why Choose Water Birthing?
Water birthing is considered a safe and effective delivery method. Studies show that water reduces the need for analgesia, alleviates pain, and promotes relaxation, giving mothers a greater sense of control during childbirth. This method is not only beneficial for the mother but also poses no harm to the baby, making it a compelling choice for many expecting women.
One of the most common questions women ask is whether they will experience a painful water birth, and the answer is NO!
During a water birth delivery, you will be submerged in a deep tub filled with warm water. As you prepare to give birth, the baby’s head emerges into the water, an environment that closely mimics the amniotic fluid the baby has been surrounded by for the past nine months.
This natural transition allows the baby to avoid the shock of air intake and instead gradually adjusts to breathing. As the baby’s head rises above the water, nerve receptors on the baby’s cheek are stimulated, prompting the baby to use their lungs for oxygen.
What are the Water Birth benefits?
Water birthing especially during the first stage of labour has become much common these days. Choosing a hospital water birth or allowing the first part of labour in water ensures several advantages:
- It helps in easing the labour pain, thereby removing the need for usage of epidurals.
- It reduces the need for medications.
- It shortens labour time.
- It reduces the severity of tissue or perineal tears.
- It reduces the need for other interventions including NICU admissions.
- It doesn’t require a surgical procedure.
Benefits of Water Birth Delivery for the Mother
Water birth delivery is ideal for women as it reduces pain and gives a higher satisfaction in the birthing experience. If you are someone who enjoys relaxing in a warm bath to reduce your stress, water birth would be an excellent choice for you.
It involves the following benefits for the mother:
- Relaxation
The warm water is soothing which helps the body to produce pain-inhibiting hormones and keep the body under the lowest possible stress.
- Ease of movement
Some women have found that delivering in water also makes them feel lighter and more comfortable to move during labour.
- Enhanced circulation
Warm water also improves blood circulation in the body which helps women to have more efficient contractions as well as deliver more oxygen to the baby.
- Decreased risk of tearing
Women who labour in water are less likely to experience tearing due to the increased elasticity of the perineum.
Benefits of Water Birth Delivery for the Baby
Water birth delivery offers numerous benefits not just for the mother but also for the baby. Babies born in water experience less stress because the environment closely mirrors the protective space of the mother’s womb. Here are some ways experiencing a water birth can benefit your baby:
- Eases the birth stress
Many women opt for a hospital water birth to enjoy a more relaxed, private setting during labour. Having their partner present can offer additional emotional support. This calm, safe environment is not only beneficial for the mother but also helps the baby arrive in a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by warm water that reduces birth stress.
- Familiar environment
Babies born into water are entering an environment they already know. In the womb, babies are protected by amniotic fluid for nine months. When the baby’s head emerges into the water during a water birth delivery, it feels similar to the amniotic fluid they’ve been surrounded by. This smooth transition into the outside world helps the baby feel calm and secure during the labor process.
Reasons to choose Motherhood Hospitals for a Water Birth Delivery
A water birth offers a calming experience for both you and your baby, and this experience is made even more comfortable with the expert care and advanced facilities at Motherhood Hospitals. We provide support and guidance to mothers from the 3rd month of pregnancy.
At Motherhood Hospitals, we are renowned for offering comprehensive maternal and childcare services. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures that your delivery is safe and comfortable. We pride ourselves on providing access to well-trained Physiotherapists, Dieticians, Lactation consultants, and doula/midwives to help minimize risks and provide you with a smooth and seamless water birth delivery.
Choosing a hospital water birth at Motherhood Hospitals guarantees a safe delivery in a warm, soothing water environment. A dedicated and experienced doula for the parents also ensures better involvement of the father. We offer the perfect balance of advanced medical care and private space, ensuring both you and your baby are well cared for throughout the process. Since water birthing involves key medical considerations, our experienced team is always ready to manage every detail for you.
Also, we organise a candle light dinner after the delivery for the family. A day for a cozy & comfortable celebration with your loved ones.
If you’re seeking a water birth delivery in Bangalore, reach out to Motherhood Hospitals to make your birthing experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Risks Involved During Water Birth
Water birth is generally safe with fewer risks involved. Some problems, however, may arise due to:
- Chance of infection
When you are under labour and delivery, blood and other fluids from your body also get mixed in the water. If your baby is exposed to bacteria through the eyes or mouth underwater, there is an increased chance of infection.
Maternal vaginal infections are therefore checked and mothers are screened regularly to prevent the chances of infection in the baby
- Alternative pain management
Unlike other delivery methods, epidural or other pain-relieving medications cannot be given during a water birth.
- Longer time for other medical interventions
If you and your baby need a medical emergency, you will be shifted out of the pool for other medical interventions.
- Overheating or dehydration
The temperature of the water can also put you and your baby at risk. If the water is too hot, overheating can cause serious issues. Hence, the temperature of the water has to be monitored and enough fluids are given to ensure proper hydration. This is taken care of by the birthing centre.
- Baby breathes too early
Although water aspiration is a rare occurrence with water birth, it can occur. Hence, it is important to take your baby out of the water at the right time to avoid it from happening. The delivery at a birthing centre will be conducted with a Natural Birthing Team and Neonatologists around.
In Conclusion: Make an Informed Choice About Water Birth
Water birth is a safe, calming, and relaxed way of welcoming your baby into the world. It not only benefits the mother but also the child. Of late, several women opt for water birthing delivery to labour their baby in a private space and ensure that their baby is coming out in a familiar environment. Before, however, selecting your preferred means of delivery, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I have a water birth in Motherhood Hospitals?
Yes, you can experience a water birth at Motherhood Hospitals. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities along with experienced doctors to help you deliver your baby safely.
- What are the benefits of water birth delivery in hospitals?
A water birth delivery in a hospital ensures a calmer, more relaxed environment with less pain and minimal vaginal tearing. Moreover, since the process is conducted under the supervision of expert doctors, nursing staff, and world-class amenities, it caters to all your birthing needs.
- What is the cost of water birth delivery at Motherhood Hospitals?
To find out about the water birthing packages at Motherhood Hospitals, kindly call us at 080 69549260.
- How do babies breathe during water baths?
Unlike other delivery methods, babies do not start breathing with their lungs in the water bath. They continue to receive oxygen from the umbilical cord until it is cut. Once the baby is taken out of the water and the umbilical cord is cut, the babies take their first breath with their lungs.
- Does giving birth in water pose any risk to the baby or mother?
Giving birth in water is generally safer and causes fewer complications to both the mother and the baby. Certain risks including infection or reduced chances of pain management are involved, however, these are not potential risk factors.
- Is water birthing safe for the baby?
Yes, water birthing is safe for the baby. During the process, the baby is born in a tub of warm water which is similar to the amniotic fluid in the uterus. This makes the environment familiar for the baby. When performed under expert supervision, the process is much safer.
- Is water birthing safe for a mother?
Water birthing is specifically selected by mothers to ease their pain and relax them while labouring. The delivery method is safe for the mother.
- Are all pregnant women eligible for water birth?
Water birth is not suitable for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies.
- Can I just choose to experience labour inside the water and deliver outside?
Yes, you can choose to experience labour inside the warm water and then deliver outside.
- Can I try the method beforehand?
Yes, if you are worried about getting inside the water, you can discuss it with your doctor and try it once beforehand to ensure that you feel comfortable.
- Will a baby/mother catch an infection post-water birth?
The chances of catching infection post-water birth are rare. Additionally, maternal vaginal screening for infection is done to prevent this.
- Can my family/husband be around during water birthing?
Yes, a lot of women consider water birth with husband to have support during the water birthing.
- What’s the duration of water birth?
Water birth takes the same time as other delivery methods.
- What situations suggest discontinuing with water birthing?
If you have high-risk pregnancies, twins, or anxiety in general with water, you may not be ideal for a water birth delivery.
- Why is it not popular in India?
Water birthing is an established concept abroad. It has, however, now become common in India and women are considering this option.
Given this, several hospitals in India are now providing facilities for water birthing.
- Will there be an experienced Neonatologist/Paediatrician present during the water birth delivery to assist if there is an infection in the baby?
Yes, a team of experts including Gynaecologists, Neonatologists, Paediatricians, and nurses are present during the water birth to address any kind of emergency or situation that may arise.