Water birth

More and more hospitals are offering women the chance to use a birthing pool to ease the pain of labour, and even to give birth in. Many women have found that wallowing in deep warm water during labour allows them to relax, and gives much relief from the discomfort of contractions. Some choose to get out of the water in the second stage to deliver their baby. Others actually give birth in the water, so that the baby’s first moments of life outside of the uterus are under water.

Water birth tends to create a special atmosphere, and can be a very different experience from having your baby in the main labour suite of a hospital. If you have planned for a water birth it is more likely that you will have built up a rapport with the midwife, and she will probably be in constant attendance, checking on the progress of labour and the wellbeing of your baby, with as little disturbance to you as possible. Aromatherapy oils and soothing music can enhance the relaxed atmosphere. Because the water aids relaxation and relieves the pain of the contractions, there is a calmer atmosphere and fewer interventions.