If you're an expectant mother looking for alternative, natural birthing methods, you might want to consider water birthing.   (Editor's Note:  the following is for informational purposes only.  We are not doctors. If you have any questions regarding water birthing as it relates to your pregnancy, please consult a professional midwife or your doctor.)

Water birth, as the name implies, is giving birth while in a tub of warm water during labor and delivery. Advocates of water birth say the water mimics the environment of the womb, which makes the transition from womb to being born easier for the baby.

Some of you may be thinking - "uh, isn't being underwater dangerous for my baby?" Actually, babies who have just spent the last nine months in water, can be perfectly at ease in their new out of body environment. Since babies don't breathe immediately after birth and the baby is immediately removed from the water, water birthing is a safe way of giving birth. Of course, you will have an experienced midwife or doctor in attendance. Any woman with a normal pregnancy is suited for a water birth.

Water birthing is also very gentle on the mother's body. The warm water tends to help moms calm down and relax. And, when a woman is relaxed the birthing process goes much smoother. The water also supports the mom's weight and provides a lack of gravity which helps mom feel more at ease. A large water birthing tub is usually used which provides freedom of movement for the mother, allowing her to change positions quickly which results in faster descent of the baby. In many instances, water birth can lower the need for drugs both for pain control and for labor stimulation.

Typically, you will have check-ups throughout your pregnancy. Sometimes the midwife will come to your home making it very convenient for you. You can also get the midwife's contact information, so they can be reached quickly, especially in emergency situations.

If you are looking for a natural home birthing method, water birth could be a great option for you. It is a very safe and nurturing option. Many times the empowerment and strength you feel from a natural, safe water birth will greatly enhance your birthing experience. You may never want to try birthing any other way!






Editor’s Note: Any information given on Expecting-Baby.NET is to be used for educational and information purposes only, and should never be substituted for the medical advice from your own doctor or other health care professionals. Please always consult your doctor or health care specialist if you are in any way concerned about your health.

Synonyms:  Water birth and water birthing are used synonymously.

Ater, awter, wwater, wter, wtaer, waater, waer, waetr, watter, watr, watre, wateer, wate, and waterr are typos and mispellings for the word "water."  Irth, ibrth, bbirth, brth, brith, biirth, bith, bitrh, birrth, birh, birht, birtth, birt, and birthh are typos and mispells for the word, "birth." Irthing, ibrthing, bbirthing, brthing, brithing, biirthing, bithing, bitrhing, birrthing, birhing, birhting, birtthing, birting, birtihng, birthhing, birthng, birthnig, birthiing, birthig, birthign, birthinng, birthin, and birthingg are typos and mispells for the word, "birthing."