Waterbirth: A Natural Approach to Childbirth

Waterbirth is a natural approach to childbirth. During a waterbirth you labour in a pool of warm water and may also give birth while in the pool. This natural approach has gained popularity for its perceived benefits and the soothing effects of water your childbirth journey.

Benefits of Waterbirth

Pain Relief: The buoyancy of water can provide natural pain relief during labour, helping to ease your contractions and promote relaxation. Reduced need for medical pain relief such as an epidural.

Reduced Stress: Immersion in warm water can help reduce stress hormones, promoting a more relaxed and comfortable birthing experience.

Improved Blood Circulation: Water immersion can enhance blood circulation, potentially reducing the risk of complications such as high blood pressure during labour.

Promotes Natural Birthing Positions: The freedom of movement in water allows you to adopt various birthing positions, facilitating a more natural and instinctive birth.

Gentle Transition for the Baby: Babies born in water may experience a smoother transition from the womb to the outside world due to the warmth and buoyancy of the water.

What, where and when? Practicalities of waterbirth

Preparation: Set up your pool in a spacious area. Your midwife would like to have access to you from at least three sides. Keep all essentials, including towels, are within reach.

When to get into the pool: Get into the pool when your contractions are regular and become challenging to cope with. Entering the pool too early can slow down or even stop the childbirth process.

Birthing in water: When you feel the urge to push, ensure your baby’s head remains submerged upon emerging to prevent your baby from taking a breath until the body is fully out.

After Birth: The baby is gently lifted out of the water and placed on to your chest. The umbilical cord is usually left unclamped until it stops pulsating.

Birthing the placenta: Most healthcare providers will recommend to birth your placenta “on dry land”. This is to help them assess your blood loss. It is harder to judge when you are submerged in water. However, if you would like to birth the placenta in water talk to your midwife in advance to make arrangements.

Here are some waterbirth affirmations you might find useful for your birth experience:

1. “My body is perfectly designed for this water birth experience, and I trust its innate wisdom.”
2. “With every wave of the water, I feel more relaxed and confident in my ability to birth my baby.”
3. “As the water embraces me, I surrender to the natural rhythm of labour and welcome my baby’s arrival with joy.”
4. “Each breath I take in the water fills me with strength and peace, guiding me through this sacred journey of birth.”
5. “I am surrounded by love and support as I labour in the water, knowing that I am safe and protected.”
6. “The warmth of the water eases any discomfort, allowing me to focus on the beauty of bringing new life into the world.”
7. “With each contraction, I release tension and fear, embracing the powerful energy that brings my baby closer to me.”
8. “As I float in the water, I am filled with gratitude for the miracle of life unfolding within me.”
9. “The gentle movement of the water reminds me to stay present and connected to my body and my baby.”
10. “With each passing moment, I draw upon my inner strength and resilience, knowing that I am capable of birthing my baby with grace and ease.”

Planning a waterbirth

To help you plan your waterbirth, start planning early. Also download my waterbirth handout and relaxation script package. Everything you need to guide you through the planning of your waterbirth!

Waterbirth offers you as an expectant parent a natural and potentially beneficial alternative to other childbirth methods. With preparation, support, and attention to safety guidelines, waterbirth can be a rewarding and empowering experience for you and your family.

[Note: Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine if waterbirth is a suitable option for you based on your individual health needs and circumstances.]

Sources and Further Reading

• Birthplace in England Collaborative Group, Perinatal and maternal outcomes by planned place of birth for healthy women with low risk pregnancies: the Birthplace in England national prospective cohort study, BMJ 2011;343:d7400 (2011)
• Burns E, Feeley C, Hall PJ, et al Systematic review and meta-analysis to examine intrapartum interventions, and maternal and neonatal outcomes following immersion in water during labour and waterbirth. BMJ Open 2022;12:e056517. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056517. Accessed 03 February 2024. Available at: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/7/e056517.full
• Care Quality Commission, Women’s experiences of maternity care in England: Key findings from the 2013 NHS trust survey (2013) Cluett ER, Burns E, Immersion in water in labour and birth, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD000111. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000111.pub3. (2009)
• Cluett ER, Burns E, Cuthbert A. Immersion in water during labour and birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 5. Art. No.: CD000111. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000111.pub4. Accessed 03 February 2024. Available at: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD000111.pub4/full
• Gilbert RE, Tookey PA. Perinatal mortality and morbidity among babies delivered in water: surveillance study and postal survey. BMJ. 1999 Aug 21;319(7208):483-7. doi: 10.1136/bmj.319.7208.483. PMID: 10454400; PMCID: PMC28200. Accessed 03 February 2024. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10454400/
• National Collaborating Centre for Women’s and Children’s Health, Intrapartum care: care of healthy women and their babies during childbirth. NICE Clinical Guideline 190,London: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (2014)
• Nikodem VC. Immersion in water in pregnancy, labour and birth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD000111. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000111. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(2):CD000111. PMID: 10796134. Accessed 03 February 2024. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10796134/
• Science Direct: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/water-birth
• Ulfsdottir H, Saltvedt S, Georgsson S, Women’s experiences of waterbirth compared with conventional uncomplicated births, Midwifery,Volume 79,2019, Accessed 03 February 2024. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2019.102547