What To Consider When Deciding On A Water Birth

7 June 2021 by Brent Woods

Water births are a semi-popular way for you to have your child delivered, and there are many benefits associated with this procedure. However, there are some considerations that you have to take into account before you jump right in and decide on a water birth. Some of these have to do with pre-existing conditions, so it is always a good idea to first talk to your doctor or obstetrician if you are considering a water birth. Otherwise, here are a few things you need to think about before you make a decision one way or the other. 

The Benefits

Before examining the proper way to have a safe water birth, it is important to know why people want to choose this method in the first place. There are many benefits, ranging from decreased pain all the way through to greater control of the environment. It also requires less energy to give birth in water, so the recovery time is often much quicker. Many women report that water births feel more natural and that there is less trauma from what can be one of the most intense experiences of your life. Experiences vary from person to person, but on a whole, most women who try water births have a more positive experience.

Safety First

While you theoretically can do a water birth at home with only a couple of midwives there to help coach you through it, most experts would suggest that you go to a water birth center. These are medical facilities that have specially built baths to accommodate water births. The major benefit here being that if anything were to go wrong at all, then you have medical facilities a yard away that can help protect both the mother and the child. It is simply not worth taking the risk of something going wrong during childbirth at home, so if it is at all possible, you should always complete water births at a designated center. 

Post-Pregnancy Care

Water births do not have zero side effects, no way of giving birth does, and it is important that you are fully examined and treated by your attending midwives or doctors whether you have a water birth or a more traditional one. In a water birth environment, this can be a little bit more tricky, and you need to prepare for it a little bit more. That is why, again, it is recommended that any water birth be done in controlled environments for both you and the child. 

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