Water birth for natural protection

Speaking of natural birth, most people would think of pushing the baby out on a bed. However, there's another form of natural birth – water birth, which is beneficial for both the mother and the baby.

What is "water birth"?

Water birth is a form of natural birth which is very popular and has been practiced in many countries for the past three decades. The mother sits in a tub filled with warm water. The water helps support the mother's body while the warmth helps the mother relax and reduce the pain from childbirth.
In the water, the mother's body can move freely. Being in a relaxed position in the warm water helps relax the pelvic muscles and open the birth canal, so that the baby's head can move through easily. Giving birth in warm water helps reduce the force of the contraction and promote blood circulation and oxygen, which helps reduce the pain. The mother will feel relaxed despite the drop of adrenaline while the endorphin and oxytocin increase, reducing the pain and shortening the process of childbirth. The mother also recovers faster from water birth.

Baby born in water

When the baby is born into the water, it can float and swim freely in the water. Do not worry that your child will sink or choke – your baby has lived in your amniotic fluid for months. The baby can survive in the water, but doctors won't let your baby stay in the water for too long. The baby will be taken out of the water for cleaning the mouth and nose, so that he can breathe naturally on his own.

Water birth is a way to help your baby adjust to the change of atmosphere from the womb to the world, using water as the transition. This helps your baby ease into the strange new world that he will live in.

Water birth is not suitable for:

Mothers with contagious disease at the sexual organ, especially herpes, since it can easily spread in the water
Babies who are not in head-down position
Overweight babies
Mothers with obstetrical hemorrhage or infection
Multiple births

Water birth is not dangerous for the mother or the baby. It is very safe and makes you feel closer to the baby.