What About A Water Birth

Water birth, whether at home or at a hospital, is growing in popularity. Along with our experts, PETA DANIEL takes a look at the benefits, risks and some of the myths associated with this birthing method.

- Peta Daniel

The birth of a child is a beautiful, exciting, yet terrifying thing, and there are several different birthing methods that you could consider. Imagine a calm, warm pool where your belly floats gently as you labour towards birth. Your baby’s first experience of the world is a warm, calm place with no loud noises, harsh bright lights and cold air. Your child is brought slowly to the surface and held against your warm body, slowly acclimatising to this brand new world.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A WATER BIRTH?

During a water birth, a special birthing pool is used. It is filled with warm water and the temperature is kept at 37 or 38 degrees Celsius, the same as the internal body temperature of a human being. Once a woman’s labour is in progress she can move into the birthing pool, where she can continue her labour. The woman can remain in the birthing pool until after the birth. The baby is born into the water and is slowly and gently brought to the surface.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

According to doula and lactation consultant Laura Sayce, there are a great number of benefits to a water birth, including the following:

Pain relief