The Birth Centre for homebirth, waterbirth and natural birth

The first reported Waterbirth was in a French Medical journal in 1804.
Waterbirth's are therefore nearly 200 years old in the medical field and yet still looked upon as being "yuppyish" and just a Fad.

The truth of the matter is that Waterbirth has been around for centuries. Women have always used water to ease the pain of labour. They used to bathe in springs to help them get through the contractions. It is possible that in countries with non-tropical climates the attraction towards water during labour was stifled because hot and cold tap water was not available. However, this attraction could express itself in a subtle way via rituals. Baptism has often been interpreted as a rebirth. At the beginning of this century when most babies were born at home the father used to spend hours boiling water. This ritual might be seen as an unconscious attempt to include water in birth.

Water is our friend-it sustains and nurtures all forms of life. It has the power to heal and to bring tremendous benefit to mothers and babies. It is here to help women and midwives as we reclaim the power of birth.
The continuum, from the womb through water to the mother's arm, closes the circle. She takes her child right into her heart in the very first moment. The first contact between mother and baby in water has a very special quality. The water enhances the sacred ritual of welcome, the release of emotions, which takes place at this time. When a couple share an experience like this, their baby is born into the protection of a circle of love, which as parents, they will hope to maintain in the years to come.
A Birth pool is essential when it comes to safety as it has been designed perfectly for the woman's squatting ability.
It is kept hygienically clean and the water is kept at a perfect temperature.
The Birth pools are essential medical equipment used to alleviate pain and reduce other complications mention below.

Extracts taken from "Waterbirth Unplugged" by Beverly A. Lawrence Beech.

"Beauty without virtue is like a Rose without scent"
Danish Proverb

What is a Waterbirth?
A Waterbirth is the birth of a baby from the birth canal directly into water.
Water labour is the use of water for its many advantages during the labour process, with water labour birth takes places outside of water.
Waterbirths are organized and conducted by health professionals who are expericenced. A Birth pool is used as it is more comfortable than a bath and it allows you to move freely and squat at the time of birth.
You can hire a birth pool from Heavenly Birth pool hires, look in the directory for the number.

Who can have Waterbirths ?
Any woman who is low risk, healthy and has a will to give birth in this manner.

How do I go about having a Waterbirth?
The reality is that South Africa is a little slow in the uptake. Countries like France have been doing Waterbirth's since 1978 in hospital setting. Most Obstetricians in South Africa will probably discourage you from having a Waterbirth, as they have not done enough research on the subject. A midwife will probably be your best bet, so first find yourself a Midwife that will assist you with a Waterbirth in your area. There are some obstetricians that will assist but very few and far between.

Where can I have a Waterbirth?
Waterbirth's can be conducted in all birth settings such as Hospital, Home or in Birth Centres. Some hospitals are against Active Birth and will not provide you with this option; don't let that stop you. Find a hospital that will accommodate your needs after all this is a very special occasion and a little traveling won't don any harm. Ask your Midwife or Doctor they will know.

What are the Advantages to having a Waterbirth?
1. Enhances tension release.
2. Increases the hormonal levels-endorphins (pain relieving hormone).
3. Ability to move freely without getting tired.
4. More energy to use.
5. Less energy wasted.
6 Encourages stretching due to the warmth and relaxation qualities.
7. Easier breathing ability due to the vapor of the water.
8. Provides the mother with privacy, so she feels less inhibited which shrotens labour and birth.
9. Lowers Blood pressure.
10. Relieves pain -"Gate Theory" 90% of women who enter the birth pool do not require pain relief.
11. Intervention is reduced-less episiotomies, less internal examinations, less forceps and less epidurals so it tends to be a safer birth.
12. Mother feels involved with the birth and has a sense of accomplishment. Baby is born into water, and has shown to have a gentler birth experience.

One important factor is that not every one wants to have a Waterbirth. Waterbirth should never be the issue, a safe birth experience is the important factor. Some women labour in water and get out for the birth.

As an experienced midwife who has conducted many waterbirths I recommend that every low-risk pregnant woman should have the option to use water in labour and it should be available in every birth setting.

The choice is yours. Information is power and power gives you strength, strength gives you the ability to achieve what you wish!

Warm birthing and happy blessings
Midwife Tracy Roake
© 2001