Since we moved to the Philippines this month we have been in a hotel room with no tub, just a shower. So yes I was able to keep myself clean but I wasn't able to truly relax. I forgot HOW much my bath time really relaxes me and gives me time to just think. Well today we moved to a new room..this one WITH tub!!!! So I get a nice long one today! Don't worry it wasn't to hot!
Anyway this got me thinking and realizing how much water relaxes me and that I think I made a good decision by picking an Alternative Birthing Center for my Birth location. This way I have the option of laboring and even giving birth in the tub. As with everything I may plan to do this but I first and foremost plan to listen to my body and follow its lead-so who knows maybe I will end up with a land birth, but at least I have the options.

So Why a water birth? I get asked this alot so here is some info on waterbirthing.

What are the potential benefits of water birth?

Benefits for Mother:

• Water is soothing, comforting, relaxing.
• In the later stages of labor, the water seems to increase the woman’s energy.
• The buoyancy lessens her body weight, allows free movement and new positioning.
• Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
• Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
• Water seems to alleviate stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins, which are pain-inhibitors.
• Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, which reduces the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy and stitches.
• As the laboring women relaxes physically she is able to relax mentally, concentrating her efforts inward on the birth process.
• The water provides a sense of privacy, which releases inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.

Benefits for Baby:

• Provides a similar environment as the amniotic sac.
• Eases the stress of the birth, providing reassurance and security.

Now questions I always get asked----
Q. What prevents baby from breathing under water?
A. Prostaglandin E2 levels from the placenta which cause a slowing down or stopping of the fetal breathing movements. When the baby is born the prostagladin level is still high, the baby's muscles for breathing simply do not work, thus engaging the first inhibitory response. Until baby feels air it will not try to gasp for air.

Q. What about when/if you poop while pushing?
A. They fish it out with a net LOL, poop floats to the top of the pool.

Q. I thought pregnant women shouldn't be in baths?
A. The temp of a birthing bath should range from about 95-100 degrees. 102 degrees is the temp at which fetal complications arise. 95-100 degrees may seem cool to you but most moms still get warm in this temp and need cool washclothes and drinks to feel even more comfortable.


Got any more questions for me? If I don't know the answer I can promise I will look it up--because I love to know things! Also check out Waterbirth International Website.