How can water be used in labor and childbirth?
Water can be very relaxing– particularly to a laboring mother. Soaking in a tub of warm water during active labor (after 5-6 cm) can ease pain and help speed along dilation. In fact, this method of pain control is so effective it has been called the “aqua-dural” by some midwives! Giving birth in the water is also an option. This allows the baby to be born into a warm, familiar environment that eases the stress of birth and provides a gentle entry into this world of bright lights and loud sounds. The baby is then immediately brought to the surface and placed on the mother’s stomach. It’s first breath is stimulated by air contact, so the baby will not breathe in water. There is also very little risk of infection to the mother, provided the water is clean. Think about the stress-relieving qualities of water next time you take a warm bath at the end of a long day!
