The Benefits and Considerations of Waterbirth: What You Need to Know
Waterbirth has gained popularity in recent years as an option for labor and delivery, offering a soothing, natural environment for birthing parents. But what does the evidence say, and how can you decide if this approach is right for you? Let’s explore the benefits, considerations, and key questions to ask your healthcare provider about waterbirth.
What is Waterbirth?
Waterbirth refers to the process of laboring or delivering a baby in a warm tub of water. Some people labor in water but choose to deliver outside of the tub, while others remain in the water for both labor and birth. This approach is often used in birthing centers, some hospitals, or even home births, depending on your provider and preferences.
Home Water Birth vs. Hospital Water Birth
When considering a waterbirth, it’s essential to distinguish between a home water birth and a hospital water birth, as each setting offers unique advantages and considerations.
Home Water Birth
Environment: Provides a familiar, private, and comfortable setting.
Control: Allows greater flexibility in creating your ideal birthing environment, such as dim lighting, music, and the presence of chosen support people.
Equipment: Requires renting or purchasing a birthing tub and ensuring proper setup and sanitation.
Support Team: Typically attended by a midwife and doula with experience in home births. Emergency medical services should be readily accessible if needed.
Considerations: Not recommended for high-risk pregnancies or those without quick access to a hospital in case of emergencies.
Hospital Water Birth
Environment: Conducted in a hospital or birthing center with waterbirth facilities, offering immediate access to medical interventions if necessary.
Support: A trained medical team, including obstetricians and midwives, is present to ensure safety. A doula is a great addition to this team.
Equipment: The hospital provides and maintains the birthing tubs, ensuring proper sanitation and setup.
Policies: May have stricter guidelines regarding when you can enter and exit the water and eligibility criteria based on your health and pregnancy.
Considerations: Less flexibility for personalization compared to home settings, but added reassurance with medical resources on hand.
Benefits of Waterbirth
Pain Relief: The warm water can help relax muscles and reduce the perception of pain, lowering the need for pain medications.
Shorter Labor: Research suggests that waterbirth may lead to shorter labor durations, particularly during the first stage of labor.
Perineum Protection: Laboring in water can increase the elasticity of tissues, potentially reducing the risk of tearing or the need for an episiotomy.
Lower Stress Levels: The calming environment of waterbirth can promote the release of endorphins, reducing stress for both the birthing parent and the baby.
Positive Birth Experience: Many parents report feeling more in control and satisfied with their waterbirth experience.
Is Waterbirth Safe?
Research indicates that waterbirth is generally safe for both parents and babies when conducted under proper supervision. Studies show no significant differences in neonatal mortality, NICU admissions, infection rates, or Apgar scores compared to land births. However, safety largely depends on factors like the birthing environment, the experience of the care team, and individual health conditions.
Considerations for Waterbirth
While waterbirth offers many benefits, it’s important to consider:
Eligibility: Waterbirth may not be suitable for high-risk pregnancies, such as those with complications like preeclampsia, multiple births, or breech positioning.
Infection Control: Ensuring the water and birthing tub are properly sanitized is critical to reducing the risk of infection.
Availability: Not all hospitals or birth centers offer waterbirth facilities. Home births require careful planning and the right equipment.
Emergency Situations: It’s essential to have a plan for transferring out of the water if complications arise.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re considering a waterbirth, open communication with your doctor or midwife is key. Here are some important questions to ask:
Am I a good candidate for waterbirth based on my health and pregnancy history?
What are the specific benefits and risks of waterbirth in my case?
What facilities or equipment are available for waterbirth at this location?
Who will assist with my waterbirth, and what is their experience with this type of delivery?
What are the policies regarding when I need to leave the water?
How is the water temperature monitored and maintained during labor?
What steps are taken to ensure the tub is sanitized and safe?
Can I combine waterbirth with other forms of pain relief, if needed?
What is the plan if an emergency occurs during labor or delivery?
Are there any specific postpartum considerations for me or my baby after a waterbirth?
Preparing for a Waterbirth
If you and your healthcare provider decide that waterbirth is right for you, preparation is key:
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Learn breathing and relaxation methods to complement the benefits of water immersion.
Tour the Facility: Familiarize yourself with the birthing environment and equipment.
Create a Birth Plan: Outline your preferences for waterbirth and share them with your care team.
Pack Essentials: Include items like towels, a water-safe outfit (if desired), and hydration options in your hospital or birthing center bag.
Waterbirth can be a wonderful option for those seeking a gentle, empowering birth experience. You can make an informed decision by understanding the benefits, considerations, and safety measures. Be sure to discuss your options thoroughly with your healthcare provider and ensure you have a well-prepared plan in place for a smooth and positive birth experience.
This blog was written by Alix, a dedicated doula in Montreal, Canada, and the founder of TENDER.LY. She provides expert pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding support to help families feel confident and cared for. Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating the fourth trimester, or looking for feeding guidance, Alix offers compassionate, personalized support.