Most women choose to labor on a hospital bed, but a growing number of women are choosing water birth instead. There are many benefits that water birth offers to mothers and their babies.
Women rave about the pain relief that water birth provides. When submerged in a pool of water up to their chests, most women report significant pain relief. It has been compared to an epidural, and helps many women to have a natural birth.
Labor is a long, exhausting process. During a water birth, the buoyancy of the water helps to support the weight of the baby and helps the mother to relax and conserve her energy.
When a woman labors in water, her pelvic floor muscles relax. This helps prevent tears and reduces the need for an episiotomy as the baby is born.
Dads are typically scared of the birthing process due to the high level of pain that the mother will experience. However, the pain reduction due to water birth helps the mom manage contractions and dads can be an effective coach and companion during this time.
All of the above reasons contribute to an easier birth for the baby. No drugs enter his or her system, the experience of contractions and birth is shortened, and the baby is not pulled out via forceps or vacuum. Many parents choose water birth solely for this reason.
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