HAVE THE WATER BIRTH YOU WANT

You’re a candidate for a water birth and have your heart set on it. What’s next and what can you expect?

Water birth advocates will tell you that the practice holds substantial benefits for both parents and baby. So what’s involved? With a water birth, you bring your child into the world in a birthing pool. Many parents swear by this as a bonding process, because your birth partner can help during the birth. Water birthing is not, despite what you may think, a new age trend, with the first documented water birth having taken place in France during the early 1800s.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A WATER BIRTH?

Any manner of birthing can be a wonderful experience, however water births are known as being a calmer, less clinical way of giving birth. Durban-based doula and mom of four children Michelle McClelland says, “If you want an all-natural and calm birth experience, then a water birth is definitely for you. It provides mothers with great pain relief and buoyancy, as the water helps to hold your big belly and not put so much pressure on your nether regions and back. It’s also great if your partner wants to get into the water with you to help you through contractions and help to birth the baby.”

HEED THE RULES

Water-birthing facilities are not available at every hospital, so check with your clinic sister or doctor if it’s an option available to you before you set your heart on it. Water-birthing is often used in home births, but this isn’t something you can do alone. To ensure your health and that of your baby, you’ll need to be assisted by a qualified midwife, doula or doctor at a home birth. There are also some conditions, so you may not be able to have a water birth if: You’re carrying multiple babies (twins, triplets or more). Your baby is in a breech position when you go into labour. You had a previously difficult labour or delivery, or a Caesarean section. You go into labour earlier than 37 weeks. You’ve had an epidural. Your doctor, gynaecologist, midwife or clinic sister has advised you that you’re not a candidate for a water birth, due to specific medical concerns because your pregnancy is considered high risk or you’ve experienced pregnancyrelated complications, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes. Your water has already broken – this will depend highly upon the progress of your labour. “There is a risk of infection if your membranes have broken,” says Michelle. “Moms can get into the water after their waters are broken, as long as the water is clean and the bath has been correctly sterilised,” adds Cheryl Rowe of Cheryl’s Gentle Births. “I also ensure that any examinations are done by myself only, as this reduces the risk of infection.” Why the extra caution? “The longer the time between the membranes rupturing and delivery, the higher the chances for infection,” says GP Dr Beth Walsh. “Because every labour is different, where this happens in relation

to active labour is key. If the membranes are intact, she can get into the water at any time. If the membranes are ruptured, the woman should be in active labour – 4 to 5cm dilated and experiencing regular contractions – before getting into the birthing pool. If a mother’s membranes have ruptured, she is not in active labour, and she gets into the water, she may progress slowly or not at all. It is then safer for the baby and mother to be out of the water and monitored for any signs of distress.”

BUSTING A FEW WATER BIRTH MYTHS WILL MY BABY DROWN?

Not a chance. Your baby is still connected to the placenta via the umbilical cord and this provides the oxygen they need. The baby will only take their first breath as they are lifted out of the water. It is only then that their tiny body will begin to use their lungs to breathe.

HOW RISKY IS IT?

Water births pose minimal risks as long as you’re well looked after by a qualified and experienced medical professional throughout the birth. The birthing pool must be sterilised and safe, and you should have a backup plan in case of any emergencies.

DO I HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY NAKED?

No. You can wear a bikini top or sports bra when you’re in the water if you don’t want to be naked. Your birth partner, and anyone who joins you in the birthing pool, should wear appropriate swimwear.

IF I GET IN THE TUB, DO I HAVE TO DELIVER THERE?

Some moms prefer to use the birthing pool for pain relief and then deliver their babies in a bed. Check with your gynaecologist, doctor or midwife to see if this option is available to you.

THE BIRTHING POOL MUST BE STERILISED AND SAFE, AND YOU SHOULD HAVE A BACKUP PLAN IN CASE OF ANY EMERGENCIES