What Are Water Births?
Water births are a type of labor method in which a woman sits in a tub or shallow pool of warm water, supervised by a midwife or doctor. Water birthing is based on the notion that warm water mimics the amniotic fluid a baby is surrounded with in the womb and eases the transition into the outer world. It is also promoted as helping the mother feel more in control of the birth instead of the doctor. Advocates of the water birth process believe that warm water is relaxing and can increase a woman’s energy levels, especially during the final stages of labor. The immersion is thought to improve blood circulation and reduce the pain from uterine contractions. Water may also relax the pelvic muscles and vaginal opening to prevent tearing or other complications.
