Posted on 07/05/2022 7:56:24 PM PDT by Morgana
Water births provide 'clear benefits' for mothers and their newborns, with fewer complications, evidence suggests.
A water birth involves using a birthing pool to help with relaxation and pain relief during labour.
In some instances the mother exits the pool for the final stages of labour, while others remain in the pool for the birth and bring the newborn to the surface to start breathing.
Researchers analysed 36 studies involving more than 150,000 women to compare the interventions needed during and after labour between the two different types of water birth compared to standard care, without the use of a birthing pool.
Analysis revealed a water birth – regardless of whether the woman gave birth in or out of the pool – 'has clear benefits to women'.
Compared with standard care, a water birth significantly reduced the use of epidurals or injected opioids, and were linked to less pain and heavy bleeding after the birth.
A water birth also increased mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum, however there were more instance of umbilical cord breakage, the scientists said.
The practice was deemed to be as safe as standard care and did not increase the rate of caesarean sections.
Writing in the journal BMJ Open the researchers, from Oxford Brookes University, said: 'Water immersion provides benefits for the mother and newborn when used in the obstetric setting, making water immersion a low-tech intervention for improving quality and satisfaction with care.
'Water immersion is an effective method to reduce pain in labour, without increasing risk.'
They added that doctors should be 'mindful' to avoid pulling on the umbilical cord when bringing the newborn to the surface of the water, as this could explain the increased risk of umbilical cord breakage in water birth scenarios.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
I recall this gaining in popularity a couple of decades ago.
This is how dolphins do it, and they seem happy.
Yes in the United States, now it looks like the UK discovered it.
A friend on mine in the late 90s gave birth this way at home.
She said it was nearly effortless and should always be encouraged.
Did she have a midwife or nurse with her in case things went wrong?
She had a midwife.
I had a friend who had her last child at home in bed, no drugs. She seemed to find it far preferable to the hospital setup - you can move around and find the position best for you.
I’ve never had a child, but putting a woman on her back in stirrups - largely to accommodate the doctors - always seemed very unnatural to me.
But yes- you must always have a knowledgeable professional there. In the old days, women and babies often died from unexpected complications. My grandmother nearly did.
I think other cultures use gravity to help with birthing - as opposed to trying to work against gravity
Yes. But I suspect that in the water it’s even easier.
I’m sure it’s a great way to birth a baby, but who cleans that mess up? Ewwwwe.
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