"If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water." ~Loran Eiseley
We depend on water for life. For mothers, being in warm water during labor can ease pain and help them relax. This relaxation allows for smoother, gentler birth. Babies are formed in the waters of the womb, and so being born into water is familiar. There are times when we may ask a mother to get out of the water for various reasons, and there are times when we suggest the mom get back in the water, but usually the choice is up to mom. In my experience most moms who get in the water during labor don't want to get out!
I have attended many water births, and appreciate what the water has to offer. I myself had both of my babies in water, and loved the freedom of movement the water afforded me during labor. I was more able to relax into birthing, and I know that the water helped my labor progress. I loved it! That said, occasionally water can slow down labor, so we take care in deciding when a laboring mother can get in the water.
We like to use the inflatable Birth Pool in a Box (pictured above and below), which we lend to our clients free of charge, though clients are responsible for buying a new liner, a potable hose and adapter to fill the tub.
See waterbirth.org for more information on birth in water.
