Waterbirth is so peaceful baby will often not even cry
Waterbirth
Water has long been used as a tool of comfort
As a midwife I love the use of water for labor
support and after the birth for a rewarding,
soothing, herbal bath for both mom and baby. In
recent years I have begun to deliver baby after
baby in the water and it has been wonderful! As
the baby goes from one warm-water-filled place
to the other the startle is greatly lessened.
Babies are often born without even as much as a
wimper because the transition is so gradual and
smooth.
Moms love the water as it eases the pain of
contractions, and is easier for movement. Less
perineal massage is necessary and warm packs
are not needed as the warm water does the job.
I see less tearing and easier second stage.
Even big babies who may have a tendency to get
stuck - shoulder dystocia are more easily
managed as mom's hips are more fluid which
gives baby optimum room.
I have never met anyone yet who has had a
waterbirth who would not choose to do it again!
One of the most common
questions I get asked is,
"Won't baby swallow
water or drown?"
Consider this... Baby has
been swallowing water
for nine months, even if
baby attempts to
breathe, nothing has
changed since being in
utero. Until the baby
takes its first breath of
air, its lungs are not
inflated. The baby is not
left to swim, but
immediately brought up
onto mom's chest.
You would never put the
baby back in the water
once out of water.
Dayspring Midwifery LLC
1076 W. Hayden Ave.
208-772-2823