Gentle Waterbirth

Waterbirth involves laboring and delivering in a warm pool to ease pain and support movement. Research shows that water birth improves outcomes for moms and is safe for babies.

A Better Birth Experience

Waterbirth is a safe and gentle way to bring your baby into the world. It involves laboring and delivering in a pool of warm water, resulting in increased comfort, privacy and buoyancy against gravity. Many women feel that water birth allows them to better follow their natural birthing instincts.

For babies, the effect is a more peaceful transition from the womb to their mother's arms. Water births are generally calm and quiet. Water babies are likewise calm, quiet and alert after birth. Interestingly, healthy babies are born with a "dive reflex," meaning they instinctively hold their breath until they come out of the water and their faces are exposed to air.

Evidence on Waterbirth

Evidence-Based Reassurance

Water immersion during labor is frequently referred to as the 'midwife’s epidural.' Research indicates that warm water significantly reduces the perception of pain and decreases the need for pharmacological interventions. By promoting deep relaxation, it encourages the natural flow of oxytocin, which helps labor progress more efficiently and gently.

Enhanced Mobility

Buoyancy allow mothers to move freely and find optimal positions for birth.

fewer medical interventions

Water birth decreases use of pain medication, epidurals and pitocin. It therefore also eliminates the side-effects of those interventions, including effects on the baby's heartrate and well-being.

better outcomes for women

People who labor and birth in the water have fewer C-sections, episiotomies, hemorrhages and birth-related infections.

Perineal support

Warm water increases tissue elasticity and provides gentle resistance, reducing tears.

dive reflex

Babies instinctively do not breathe underwater.

safe for babies

The single increased risk for newborns is cord evulsion. This is prevented by gently lifting the baby from the water while paying attention to cord tension.