Water birth is the process of delivering the baby in a pool of water or a bathtub. Many experts opine that this method is more beneficial for the expecting mother as well as the newborn baby helping soothe the delivery experience as compared to traditional / natural or caesarian procedures of pregnancy childbirth.

Process Of Water Birth

Childbirth with the help of water involves putting the mother in a warm water tub where she is monitored with the help of special underwater devices. The mother remains submerged in water during the complete labor till the baby is delivered. After the baby is delivered underwater, the nurse takes the baby out of water and hands it over to the mother - one of her long-awaited and life's most precious gift! The baby can remain submerged under water after birth without any risk because they do not breathe until they are exposed to air.

Advantages Of Water Birth

Igor Charkovsky, a Russian researcher, is one of the forerunners who started the concept of Water Birth. Later a French Obstetrician, Frederick Leboyer, also supported birth of child under water for the following mentioned advantages:

• Reduced Complications: It minimizes fetal complications during childbirth as this process replicates the womb environment and shields the baby from sound and light making the transition of the baby to the outer world much easier and effortless for the mother as well.
• Peaceful Birthing Experience: Results in less painful birthing experience as delivering the baby in warm water soothes and relaxes the pelvic muscles easing the process of childbirth.
• Less Labor Pains: Reduces labor pains as the effect of warm water helps reduce the secretion of adrenaline and increases the secretion of endorphins. It lends more elasticity to the perineum leading to fewer chances of slashes and results in an effortless birthing experience.
• Active Mother: Makes the expecting mother less exhaustive and more energetic as water has a soothing effect on the woman's muscles which helps reduce the strained pushing activity.
• Ease of Changing Positions: Water also helps the delivering mother change positions during childbirth and it provides the requisite buoyancy making the process a lot easier for the anxious mother.

Though water birth comes with its advantages, it cannot be universally applicable as it is not advisable for breeched, premature and multiple childbirths. Also, in cases where the expecting mother lacks body flexibility or is affected with herpes, giving birth underwater is not advised. It must be performed under the supervision of trained medical staff or with the help of a mid-wife and should not be attempted on your own. So choose carefully and consult a physician before you decide to deliver your baby underwater.