Are Water Births Safe?

Coming up with a birth plan can be stressful! You have to decide on a birth location, delivery method, technique and more. One popular delivery option many parents have been considering is water birth.

What is a Water Birth?

A water birth is pretty much what it sounds like…laboring and delivering in the water! Many hospitals or birthing centers today are equipped with special birthing pools or tubs to allow for this. In some instances, women elect to have a water birth in their home with a doula or midwife.

Where Does a Water Birth Happen?

Moms who choose water births get in big tubs of warm water while in labor. Many women choose this option because it has been reported to reduce labor pain. And, if you reduce the pain and increase the comfort, oftentimes it speeds up the labor process (and who wouldn’t wish for that!)

The practice of laboring in water is a relatively new concept. Through the centuries, women never delivered babies in water, so there’s still some confusion around this birthing practice.

Controversy with Water Births

While laboring in water is safe, there is controversy around actually giving birth in water. In the womb, your baby’s lungs are getting ready for their big debut. The first breath is a huge life transition. However, when the baby is born in a tub of water, there is a risk that they can breathe in some of the water, which could lead to drowning. Another potential risk is exposure to infection, especially if mom has a bowel movement in the tub.

If you plan to give birth in a hospital, make sure to schedule a private tour of the facilities. Bring along a list of questions, including if you will be allowed to birth in water.

The decision to have a water birth or not is your own preference and being informed is key. It’s important to discuss this decision with your OB or midwife, to make sure you align on what’s the best plan for you and your baby.

Ultimately, it’s important to be flexible when it comes to your birth plan. Things can change quickly during labor, and complications can arise, but the #1 priority of doctors, midwives, doulas, and parents alike is the safety of mama and baby.

Are Water Births Safe?

Haftungsausschluss: Die Informationen auf unserer Website sind KEINE medizinischen Ratschläge für eine bestimmte Person oder einen bestimmten Zustand. Sie sind lediglich als allgemeine Informationen gedacht. Wenn Sie medizinische Fragen und Bedenken bezüglich Ihres Kindes oder Ihrer eigenen Gesundheit haben, wenden Sie sich bitte an Ihren Gesundheitsdienstleister. Muttermilch ist die beste Quelle der Ernährung für Babys. Es ist wichtig, dass Mütter in Vorbereitung auf das Stillen und währenddessen eine gesunde, ausgewogene Ernährung zu sich nehmen. Die Kombination von Stillen und Flaschenernährung in den ersten Lebenswochen kann die Muttermilchversorgung verringern und die Entscheidung, nicht zu stillen, ist schwer rückgängig zu machen. Wenn Sie sich entscheiden, Säuglingsnahrung zu verwenden, sollten Sie die Anweisungen sorgfältig befolgen.