Water births and a beautiful water birth story!
24/02/2009 18:41

To have the opportunity to birth in water should be every woman's right.

BUT it is usually only offered in a Birth Centre or at home with a Homebirth Midwife. Not every Midwife is experience with waterbirth and most Delivery Suites, whilst they may have a ‘token' bath, it is often not deep enough in which to birth. You don't know where you will give birth. No-one can plan how they will give birth, but every woman should have the option of birthing in water, if that's what you choose at the time.

Most women who have experienced waterbirth say that the water provided a calm influence and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. The water allows complete freedom of movement. From my observations of attending many waterbirths over the years, I see women relax to the point of being able to go deep within their birthing body, to be in tune with their baby, block out all distractions, birth their baby in a gentle and quiet way. To watch as these babies emerge, from one water environment to another, is very beautiful. They appear calm and very alert.

There is absolutely no risk with birthing in water if the labour is normal.

The last birth I had the privilege of attending was Sarah & Andrew's.

Sarah phoned me at 9.00p.m. stating she was having some tightenings but nothing too strong. I advised her to get some rest/sleep and focus on her deep breathing. Andrew phoned an hour later to say they were going in to the Birth Centre.

I spoke with Sarah who calmly told me the surges were coming every 2mins. And lasting about 60 secs. And she wanted to go in to use the bath. I phoned ahead and made sure the bath was filled when we arrived. Sarah decided she did not want to use the bath when we arrived.

We set up the room, candles around the bath, music, dim lighting and she paced and paced around the room for about an hour. Then got into the bath, and her whole body immediately relaxed. About 30mins. Later Andrew & I helped her out of the bath because she needed to sit on the toilet - convinced this was her bowels!

She alternated between the bath and the toilet for the next little while. No longer having the energy to hoist her leg over the bath, she stayed in the water and that's when we noticed a beautiful little head, with lots of black hair, emerging.

Sarah announced she could feel her baby coming down the birth path and he would be here very soon! She breathed Samuel out slowly and calmly. As his little head sat in the water, waiting for the next surge, he opened his eyes and looked around, so alert.

I always feel overwhelmed with the absolute beauty of waterbirth, watching a baby open their eyes under water, and being gently scooped up into Mum's arms. Sarah should feel very proud of herself. What a great start to life she has given her baby - there is no greater gift.

If you have any questions regarding water birth, or any type of birth our expert Susan Ross midwife for over 35 years, owner of Birth Right and mother is here to help. Simply direct your question in confidence to ask the expert on our website.

Or why not visit some of these great sites to read more about water birth and the joyous birth stories! Or head to You Tube and type in Water Birth and see the magic for yourself!

 Water Birth Stories

Why not have a water birth?