Water Birth
Water birth is a growing demand by many families and used as a tool to achieve All-Natural Non-Medicated Vaginal Birth because of the comfort it provides. It has been found to be good for reducing anxiety, relaxing the muscles and allowing more freedom of movement to the mother. Water birth may be considered a gentler way to transition the baby from the womb to the world. No anesthesia can be used with this method.
Benefits of Water Birth
- Water facilitates mobility and enables the mother to assume any position that is comfortable for labor and birth
- Speeds up labor
- Reduces blood pressure
- Gives mother feelings of control
- Provides significant pain relief
- Promotes relaxation
- Conserves mother’s energy
- Reduces the need for drugs and interventions
- Gives mother a private protected space
- Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies
- Reduces cesarean section rates
With a water birth, during labor you will submerge yourself in a special pool of warm water, designed for birthing; similar to soaking in a warm bath. You will receive careful monitoring and attention during the time you are in the pool to ensure safe delivery.
Requirements
- Complete the Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center online water birth presentation. Click Here For PDF
- Print out the certificate at the end of the slides.
- Sign and date the certificate.
- Bring the completed certificate with you when you come to the hospital in labor.
- Attend the Water Birth Prep session at Ob/Gyn & Midwife Asst. Check the Chat & Chew Calendar for dates and times.
Qualifications
To qualify for a water birth with Ob/Gyn & Midwife Associates you must be a candidate with minimal or no risk factors. During your prenatal visits you will be continuously screened for specific risk factors that will helps us determine your eligibility. Some of these factors are:
- Less than 37 Weeks of Pregnancy
- Breech Position or Malposition of Baby
- Twins or Multiples
- Any Signs of Fetal Distress
- Pre-eclampsia or other High Risk Conditions
- Infection or a Maternal Fever Greater Than 100.4
- Active Genital Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis B antigen, or positive Hepatitis C antibody
- Open Wound
- Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40%