“Water is the midwives epidural”. I’ve heard this phrase many times in regard to birthing without medication. I’ve also used water in both of my own labors and will support this statement to some degree.
Yes, water acts as a pain reliever in labor. But no, water doesn’t typically have the bad rap that epidurals do in regard to slowing down labor.
So here are a few questions that I typically receive about laboring in water and the way that I usually answer them. If you have something beneficial to add to this, please feel free to expand upon my information. Also, if you have a question that isn’t represented, please post. I think that water should be used generously in birth, both by submersion and fluid intake!
When can I get in the water?
Whenever you’d like! Warm water can calm one down, which helps labor to progress. Most women benefit from a warm bath when contractions become difficult enough so that they demand serious concentration. Water helps soothe the discomforts of contractions and relaxes muscles. The uterus is one BIG muscle!
How long can I stay in the water?
You can stay in water as long as you’d like. In every birth that I’ve attended in which a bath was used, labor has progressed very quickly after the bath. I would suggest getting up out of the bath every 30-45 minutes to move around, go pee and see if contractions have changed. Many women cannot feel the transition of their contractions while submerged in water, because they are more relaxed. Most times water helps a woman to dilate more quickly.
What temperature of water?
Warm, not hot. The temperature of water in tub will be similar to that of amniotic fluid. Thus, a baby born into a warm tub has no shock of temperature change as they are born – very gentle!
Will my dr./midwife allow me to get into the water?
This depends upon their knowledge of the benefits of water and their position on labor, in general. Here are some local resources of dr./midwives that are supportive of water in labor/birth. There may be more… you’ll just have to ask around.
http://baby-moon.org/birthresources.html
Can I deliver my baby in water?
Yes! It is safe and gentle. If you are having a homebirth or birthing center birth, you can certainly deliver in water. The baby receives oxygen through the umbilical cord as long as it is intact and still pulsing. While some hospitals will allow you to labor in a bath, they will not deliver in a tub.
If my bag of waters is broken, can I still get into the water?
There are no studies that prove that a bath is dangerous if your water has broken. If your water breaks, there is an increased risk of infection IF things are inserted into your vagina or if you are checked for dilation. Speak with your healthcare provider about this issue. If you don’t agree with their opinion, seek a second or third opinion.
Resources:
Gentle Birth Choices (Paperback)
Using water as a comfort tool in labor
#1 by Robyn at July 21st, 2009
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I loved water during both labors but I do want to point out that my labor slowed significantly after I used the tub for six consecutive hours. When pregnant with Kai, I read in the Birth Partner that water is best between 5 and 7 cm and then again at full dilatation. Forgive me if I have the cm wrong, my sister has the book right now. I used water much more carefully (and with my doula watching my progression) with my second labor and had no slowing this time around.
My midwife was supportive of a return to the tub after my water was broken in my first labor.
I did not do my research on timelines on water useage before my first labor and wish I had. Thank you for putting information out here for all of us to use. If I had seen information like this before my first labor, I think I would have felt better-prepared.
#2 by Lauren Metelski at July 21st, 2009
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Great! Thanks Robyn for commenting on water in your births. Water might slow down early labor because it technically decreases the production of some hormones as it relaxes your nerves and muscles. But it won’t slow down your labor once labor is in full swing. I certainly suggest getting in a warm bath once contractions become difficult enough to demand attention or even to relax a mom that is having lots of early contractions to calm her so her body can work efficiently (if that helps make her more comfortable).
It won’t hault serious labor, for sure. I think that generous usage of water can be very effective in the birth experience! It’s good stuff!
#3 by Heather at July 24th, 2009
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I think water is a huge benefit for birth. I was able to use the tub when I delivered my firstborn and it greatly helped along my progression and relaxation to the point that when I did get out, I could lay on my side and dose for a bit even through some contractions (this is without an epidural). It was amazing!
we were in a different hospital/different city for the birth of my 2nd child and there was no tub available for birthing, just a shower. I really missed it and my labor stalled out at about 7cm for awhile. I think the tub would have helped me with that last bit.
Great post, Lauren!
#4 by amy at July 25th, 2009
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My waterbirth with my first son was absolutely amazing. Our midwife was very careful about when she let me in – she wanted things to be far enough along, and for the water to be just the right temperature. After 25 hours of labor, it helped me relax, but I also found it motivating once I was in the tub because I knew the baby would be coming soon.
I’m pregnant again, and will be using the same midwife, same tub, and same strategy to have yet another wonderful, safe, healthy & happy birth in February. I can’t wait!
If you are pregnant and planning on a hospital birth, talk to the staff and nurses beforehand to see about any tub availability. They are becoming more widespread, but are hardly used! A good friend of mine just delivered at Central Baptist and used the tub for awhile, but NONE of the nurses had ever had anyone request it before, and her OB hadn’t either. If you can hold out on the epidural long enough (or completely), a 30 – 45 minute soak will be quite a reward, and will bring your baby closer to your arms.
Thanks, Lauren!