How to Prepare for a Water Birth

Worldwide, more than 25,000 babies have been born underwater. Women laboring and delivering under water report a 30 percent to 80 percent reduction in pain. Their lower bodies are freed from the pull of gravity.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Portable CD Players
• Tub Liners
• Water Thermometers
• Dried Herbs
• Bath Oils
• Doctors

1. Read birthing books and search birthing Web sites to learn all you can about water birth.

2. Find out whether your significant other would like to join you in the water when you give birth to your baby.

3. Ask your obstetrician whether she is willing to deliver your baby using a water birth method. Ask her about local midwives that are trained in water birth.

4. Find out whether there is a birthing facility in your area that offers water birthing tubs and/or jacuzzis. Discuss the option of having your water birth at home.

5. Gather together any herbs or oils you would like to place in your birthing tub. Some favorites are comfrey and/or sliced ginger, arnica and/or St Johns Wort oils, and salt.

6. Be sure your birthing tub has a fresh liner if you are using a tub that does not belong to you. The tub you use should be scrubbed clean before you add water and climb in.

7. Gather together your favorite soothing items, to keep beside you as you labor in the tub, such as a CD-music player, an audiobook, and favorite comfort foods and beverages.

8. Run the water so that it is betweeen 90 to 101 degrees F. Water that is too hot can dehydrate the baby while he or she is being born.

Tips & Warnings

• Babies have a "mammalian reflex" which means they are not stimulated to take their first breath until they are out of the water and into the fresh air.
• There is no need to worry that a water birth might lead to your baby drowning. Babies continue to get their oxygen through the umbilical cord until the cord is cut. And the cord is not cut until the baby is scooped up out of the water and placed into her mother's arms.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.