Laboring in water is also beneficial as pain management therapy. The buoyancy of the water makes labor less painful when you have at least 22-26 inches of water to float in. Laboring in water is safe, since dopplers can be used underwater to listen to fetal heart tones.
Benefits of laboring in water:
*relaxation in warm deep bath
*free from gravity's pull
*reduced sensory stimulation
*decreased secretion of stress-related hormones
*decrease in noradrenaline/catecholamines=decrease in blood pressure
*increase in pain inhibitors called endorphins (less pain)
*analgesic effect of water (provides significant pain relief)
*reduction of fear
*reduction of stress
*woman is better able to focus inward on the birth process
*reduces perineal tearing
*eliminates episiotomies
*facilitates mobility to turn easily to hands/knees position
*gentle welcome for baby
*protects a mother's birth space
*conserves energy
*speeds up labor
*Is highly rated by mothers
*reduces C-section rate
*enables mother to assume any position, even floating
Info about birth tub:
External dimensions 76 x 55
Internal depth 26"
Holds 55 gallons
Spacious enough for two people
Built in seat
Eco-friendly (phthalate free)
FDA approved birth pool
handles for laboring mother to grip
bottom of pool is padded for your comfort
insulated liner used to maintain a warm water temperature
How is Homebirth different from a hospital birth?
*Homebirth provides freedom of movement. A laboring mom is not strapped to fetal monitors nor forced to stay in bed. She is able to move about as she desires. She can naturally assume the body positions she feels most comfortable in while laboring. She can go outside and gaze at the stars and moon. Freedom of movement does not mean neglect of fetal heart tones. Midwives use doppers to monitor heart tones intermittently. When it is time to push, upright postures are often used harnessing the power of gravity. *Homebirth provides continuity of care with a midwife. No strangers are in the birth room. There is no change of shift.
*Eating and drinking are encouraged
*Having a midwife reduces the number of internal vaginal exams
*Homebirth has less risk of infection (no hospital acquired infections)
*Having a midwife decreases chances of vaginal tears/episiotomy
*Homebirth provides privacy and a peaceful environment
*Homebirth allows waterbirth
*Homebirth allows the choice to have family members be present, including children*A mother is monitored for vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse)
*Fetal heart tones are monitored with a hand held doppler
*Midwives have portable oxygen and portable suction equipment
*We move with the mother as she labors. We take our birth supplies to the room the mother chooses to birth in. We do not force her to stay in the bed or in one room for our convenience.
*We do not separate the baby from its mother
*We do not use incubators; we use skin to skin contact, and warm heating pads
*Breastfeeding is promoted
*Mother is tucked into her own bed after giving birth; she doesn't have to try to sleep in a hospital bed.
*Midwives return to the home to check on the mother and baby