Waterbirth: The Warmest Welcome For Babies
Waterbirth is thought by mothers and caregivers alike to be the gentlest of gentle births. The warm water is the most effective non-medicated pain relief available to women. For centuries women all over the world have enjoyed the benefits of using water during labour and birth, and You can too.
"People never sing...except in
the bathroom. Birthing women also make their natural sounds next to
running water. There is something about the power of water. People
are drawn to water, spas, and sacred streams. Women in labor are drawn
to water, too." Michel Odent, MD
Known benefits of water labour and waterbirth:
• Facilitates mobility and enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labour and birth
• Speeds up labour• Reduces blood pressure
• Gives mother more feelings of control
• Provides significant pain relief
• Promotes relaxation
• Conserves her energy
• Reduces the need for drugs and interventions
• Gives mother a private protected space
• Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies
• Reduces cesarean section rates
• Is highly rated by mothers - typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again
• Is highly rated by experienced providers
• Encourages an easier birth for mother and a gentler welcome for baby
Join the growing number of women who are taking control of their birth experiences and making them great by using water.
All pictures are of The Gentle Birth Pool.
Click here to learn about First Breath's waterbirth pool rental.
Still not sure
about waterbirth? Check out Waterbirth International's Waterbirth
Information for frequently asked questions about waterbirth, research
documents, birth stories and more. Or contact your midwives or myself with
any questions or concerns.
First Breath is a
proud member of Waterbirth International. Nicole is also proud
to be mother to two waterbabies born in Gentle Birth Pools.
Register your
waterbaby(ies) here
on the Waterbirth international website. Their goal is to accumulate
10,000 baby names by the end of 2010. This data will provide extremely
valuable information about the safety and efficacy of Waterbirth. They
delight
in your comments and birth stories!
*Gift Certificates available in any amount
on the Shopping page. Give the gift of
Waterbirth.*
"I
can`t tell in a couple of words how much I enjoyed giving birth to our
little Danika. I was so inspired by the literature I found and I knew
this was the chance of a life time, to experience giving birth in a
gentle, loving ambience with my husband... This is certainly one of the
best moments of my life. Thank you for providing information and inspiration to women seeking more gentle choices for their babies births."
-Catalina, mother of Danika Harris
These are a few of my favorite home/waterbirth videos on youtube:
All the moms in the above videos were using a Gentle Birth Pool.
Loved those videos? Feel like letting the emotions flow and watching a few more, click in these links:
Those who know me know how I adore dolphins. They are very intelligent, curious, and playful creatures. But there is something else that deepens my love for them; they are extremely drawn to children and more so pregnant women. They have been known to come into shore and play with children and treat pregnant women like royalty. I fantasize of birthing my next baby surrounded by dolphins. :-)
As you see dolphin are born "breech."
When a dolphin is giving birth her pod (family) creates a birth circle around her. One or two other female dolphins enter the circle to support the birthing dolphin, like doulas. The pod echos her rushes (contractions). The doula dolphins support her weight when she needs a rest and help her to the surface for a breath of air. The pod remains in the birth circle, with doulas inside through the entire labour, birth, and up to 6 hours after the baby has been born to keep them safe.
After the baby is born the doulas help mom and baby to the surface for air and encourage baby to nurse as soon as possible. Females in one pod are known to share nursing responsibilities. Dolphins have mammary slits that the babies stick their snouts into to nurse their mother's milk. Dolphin lactation is among the least understood lactation process of all the mammals.
