Water Birth
Page Contents:
Liquid Relief, Written by Kate Lamb, Birth Doula - United Kingdom
Water During Labour and Birth, Written by, Jane Palmer, Midwife - Australia
LIQUID RELIEF
Kate Lamb, Birth Doula – United Kingdom
If scientists discovered a pain-relieving substance that was naturally occurring, non-invasive, safe for labouring mothers and their unborn babes, 100% renewable and, above all, cheap to produce; would we not assume that the NHS [National Health Service]would jump on it and promote its use in every quarter? If this substance were to be described by medical professionals as possessing more therapeutic qualities than any other single drug on the market, would we not as parents in waiting, expect the knowledge of its pain-relieving qualities to be thrust upon us by ever informative midwives?
The fact that this doesn’t happen may lead us to assume that such a substance does not exist and that the only pain relieving agents we can expect to use when in labour are to be found in a canister or a syringe. But wait – before you resign yourselves to an “all or nothing” pain management plan for your labour, this substance does exist and what’s more, has been around since the world began! It has the most recognised chemical formula in the periodic table, is the most common chemical solvent on earth and its powerful force generates mega-watts of electricity globally. It is of course water.“Water’s unique chemical properties make it so complicated that even after decades of research, scientists still have much to learn about this remarkable and versatile substance…. If water behaved like other liquids, it would exist as a gas at the temperatures and pressures found on Earth, and life as we know it couldn’t survive.”(1)
The therapeutic use of water has a long history. Ruins of an ancient bath unearthed in Pakistan date as far back as 4500 B.C. Bathhouses were an essential part of ancient Roman culture. The use of steam, baths, and aromatic massage to promote well being has been documented since the first century and Roman physicians Galen and Celsus wrote of treating patients with warm and cold baths in order to prevent disease.
Just look at what scientists have to say about water: “There is no drug on the market that can rival the number of beneficial physiological effects that water is capable of producing, and it is widely available and cheap. In fact, there are no substances known to man that possess as many remedial and health-promoting qualities as water.”(2) This article goes on to list many of the qualities attributed to using water. "Hydrotherapy, with its circulating currents, allows for immediate and effective transfer of heat, relaxing tense muscles and increasing blood flow to the tissues. The warmth has a sedative effect on nerve endings and there fore reduces pain and discomfort.(3) “The warmth of Hydrotherapy and the massaging effect assists this pain relief, particularly if the pain is muscular in origin or the result of tension. Once an acute phase is over the Hydrotherapy is a useful aid to help with the management of intermittent periods of muscle spasm”.(4) Although they were not writing specifically with labour in mind, the physiotherapists who compiled this report have described it perfectly: “Intermittent periods of muscle spasm”
Having first experienced the powerful pain-relieving effect of water when labouring in the bath with my first child, I was so struck by it’s effect that I went on to have my second and third children at home in water. Given the obvious benefits of hydrotherapy throughout the world in both Eastern and Western cultures I am astounded that maternity services within the NHS have not jumped on this most natural and economical pain-relieving substance. The answer, so I understand is often that the labouring women do not request it.
Throughout the NHS, two of the most commonly spoken words are often: “patient led” This means that instead of the general public playing a passive role in the acquisition of knowledge, one has to be pro-active, know the questions to ask and have the courage to ask them. No easy task when contractions are coming every 5 minutes; which is why expectant parents have to arm themselves with knowledge prior to the life-changing event about to engulf them (which, it has to be said, many may never have experienced before.) How do you know what questions to ask if you have no idea where to begin? Again, no easy task and a task made yet more challenging as the NHS trust cuts parentcraft classes in another belt-tightening exercise. The answer? Nature has an uncanny way of providing just what we need (not necessarily what we want). Is it mere coincidence that a clump of dock-leaves will grow right alongside the nettles whose sting they can often soothe? Try asking your midwife to “think outside the box” or rather to look outside the birthing room – there may be a mysterious scientifically baffling liquid with remarkable, tried and tested pain-relieving effects, just waiting to be utilised! Or to put it another way: Ask her to run you a bath!
Sources:
(1)National Science Foundation website
(2) Internet Health Library
(3) Dr Anthony Coope Extract from a report for the Hydrotherapy Association.
(4)Philip A. Chinn, Grad. Dip Phy., M.C.S.P., S.R.P. & Mrs. C.E. Chinn, Grad Dip. Phy.,M.C.S.P., S.R.P. Chartered and State Registered Physiotherapists An extract from their report on a clinic using Balsan Hydrotherapy over a period of two years, both personally and with a wide group of patients.
Kate Lamb, Birth Doula - United Kingdom
Aquarius Birthpools:www.aquariusbirthpools.com
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WATER DURING LABOUR AND BIRTH
Jane Palmer, Midwife - Australia
(23rd March 2001)
Options for labour and birth have expanded over recent years. You can choose between different health care providers and different birth places. You can choose an active birth, a Leboyer birth and now you can choose a waterbirth. The use of water has become increasingly popular as a way of avoiding a high tech birth both in hospital and at home. While the use of water during labour is common place, giving birth to a baby under water is more controversial.
A woman can use water during labour and birth in a number of ways. These include:
Waterbirth concerns many people. One common fear is that the baby will drown if born into water. The baby born into water has a diving reflex that helps prevents the inhalation of water into its lungs. Once the baby is exposed to air the receptors in the baby’s face triggers the baby’s breathing. Because of these factors, once the baby is born into water it should be brought gently to the surface and the baby’s face must not be resubmerged under the water.
To make sure that the baby does not get cold after the birth - the baby’s body can stay under the water and the baby’s head can be dried with a warm towel. If the baby is well he/she can stay with their mother in the water. Whether or not to permit the placenta to be born in the water in the water is another controversial issue. There are some theoretical risks to remaining in the water, however none have ever been proven. Some health care practitioner encourage women to leave the water for the third stage of labour while others are happy for women to remain in the water. If bleeding after the birth seems excessive the woman would be asked to leave the water.
I have heard that using water during labour is helpful, can you explain the reasons why?
Using water during labour and birth encourages:
I like the idea of using water during my labour. I would like to know if it is safe for my baby to be born underwater?
Until more research is completed, we cannot say with any accuracy whether there are any risks associated with the use of water during labour and birth. The limited evidence that is available so far indicates that waterbirth is thought to be safe so long as some simple, sensible guidelines are followed. These guidelines include:
I have decided that I would like a waterbirth. Can you tell me how I could organise one?
This will depend on the place that you plan to give birth. A water birth is easily arranged at home. A large bath can be used or it is possible to hire or buy a pool suitable for a water birth. If you plan to give birth in a hospital you will have to find out what facilities are available and what their policies are regarding waterbirth. Some hospital facilities have a waterbirth policy all ready in place. Where as others have not had a request for a waterbirth before. Achieving a water birth will also depend on the skills of the midwife or doctor providing your care. If they are not confident with water birth - they may prefer that you give birth on dry land. Most hospital facilities do have water available for use during labour eg. shower, bath or pool.
Setting up a pool at home or in a hospital requires some forethought. Is there space enough for the pool? How will the pool be filled and emptied? Is the hot water service adequate? Is the pool a good height and width? Is the pool comfortable? Are you able to lean on the sides of the pool without it collapsing? Is the floor able to take the weight of a pool filled with water?
Make sure that there is safe heating in the room, remember electricity and water do not mix.
The following items are helpful for when planning a waterbirth:
Web: www.pregnancy.com.au
back to the top
Liquid Relief, Written by Kate Lamb, Birth Doula - United Kingdom
Water During Labour and Birth, Written by, Jane Palmer, Midwife - Australia
LIQUID RELIEF
Kate Lamb, Birth Doula – United Kingdom
If scientists discovered a pain-relieving substance that was naturally occurring, non-invasive, safe for labouring mothers and their unborn babes, 100% renewable and, above all, cheap to produce; would we not assume that the NHS [National Health Service]would jump on it and promote its use in every quarter? If this substance were to be described by medical professionals as possessing more therapeutic qualities than any other single drug on the market, would we not as parents in waiting, expect the knowledge of its pain-relieving qualities to be thrust upon us by ever informative midwives?
The fact that this doesn’t happen may lead us to assume that such a substance does not exist and that the only pain relieving agents we can expect to use when in labour are to be found in a canister or a syringe. But wait – before you resign yourselves to an “all or nothing” pain management plan for your labour, this substance does exist and what’s more, has been around since the world began! It has the most recognised chemical formula in the periodic table, is the most common chemical solvent on earth and its powerful force generates mega-watts of electricity globally. It is of course water.“Water’s unique chemical properties make it so complicated that even after decades of research, scientists still have much to learn about this remarkable and versatile substance…. If water behaved like other liquids, it would exist as a gas at the temperatures and pressures found on Earth, and life as we know it couldn’t survive.”(1)
The therapeutic use of water has a long history. Ruins of an ancient bath unearthed in Pakistan date as far back as 4500 B.C. Bathhouses were an essential part of ancient Roman culture. The use of steam, baths, and aromatic massage to promote well being has been documented since the first century and Roman physicians Galen and Celsus wrote of treating patients with warm and cold baths in order to prevent disease.
Just look at what scientists have to say about water: “There is no drug on the market that can rival the number of beneficial physiological effects that water is capable of producing, and it is widely available and cheap. In fact, there are no substances known to man that possess as many remedial and health-promoting qualities as water.”(2) This article goes on to list many of the qualities attributed to using water. "Hydrotherapy, with its circulating currents, allows for immediate and effective transfer of heat, relaxing tense muscles and increasing blood flow to the tissues. The warmth has a sedative effect on nerve endings and there fore reduces pain and discomfort.(3) “The warmth of Hydrotherapy and the massaging effect assists this pain relief, particularly if the pain is muscular in origin or the result of tension. Once an acute phase is over the Hydrotherapy is a useful aid to help with the management of intermittent periods of muscle spasm”.(4) Although they were not writing specifically with labour in mind, the physiotherapists who compiled this report have described it perfectly: “Intermittent periods of muscle spasm”
Having first experienced the powerful pain-relieving effect of water when labouring in the bath with my first child, I was so struck by it’s effect that I went on to have my second and third children at home in water. Given the obvious benefits of hydrotherapy throughout the world in both Eastern and Western cultures I am astounded that maternity services within the NHS have not jumped on this most natural and economical pain-relieving substance. The answer, so I understand is often that the labouring women do not request it.
Throughout the NHS, two of the most commonly spoken words are often: “patient led” This means that instead of the general public playing a passive role in the acquisition of knowledge, one has to be pro-active, know the questions to ask and have the courage to ask them. No easy task when contractions are coming every 5 minutes; which is why expectant parents have to arm themselves with knowledge prior to the life-changing event about to engulf them (which, it has to be said, many may never have experienced before.) How do you know what questions to ask if you have no idea where to begin? Again, no easy task and a task made yet more challenging as the NHS trust cuts parentcraft classes in another belt-tightening exercise. The answer? Nature has an uncanny way of providing just what we need (not necessarily what we want). Is it mere coincidence that a clump of dock-leaves will grow right alongside the nettles whose sting they can often soothe? Try asking your midwife to “think outside the box” or rather to look outside the birthing room – there may be a mysterious scientifically baffling liquid with remarkable, tried and tested pain-relieving effects, just waiting to be utilised! Or to put it another way: Ask her to run you a bath!
Sources:
(1)National Science Foundation website
(2) Internet Health Library
(3) Dr Anthony Coope Extract from a report for the Hydrotherapy Association.
(4)Philip A. Chinn, Grad. Dip Phy., M.C.S.P., S.R.P. & Mrs. C.E. Chinn, Grad Dip. Phy.,M.C.S.P., S.R.P. Chartered and State Registered Physiotherapists An extract from their report on a clinic using Balsan Hydrotherapy over a period of two years, both personally and with a wide group of patients.
Kate Lamb, Birth Doula - United Kingdom
Aquarius Birthpools:www.aquariusbirthpools.com
back to the top
WATER DURING LABOUR AND BIRTH
Jane Palmer, Midwife - Australia
(23rd March 2001)
Options for labour and birth have expanded over recent years. You can choose between different health care providers and different birth places. You can choose an active birth, a Leboyer birth and now you can choose a waterbirth. The use of water has become increasingly popular as a way of avoiding a high tech birth both in hospital and at home. While the use of water during labour is common place, giving birth to a baby under water is more controversial.
A woman can use water during labour and birth in a number of ways. These include:
- A shower
- Hot towels
- Submerging in a bath
- Submerging into a deep pool of water
Waterbirth concerns many people. One common fear is that the baby will drown if born into water. The baby born into water has a diving reflex that helps prevents the inhalation of water into its lungs. Once the baby is exposed to air the receptors in the baby’s face triggers the baby’s breathing. Because of these factors, once the baby is born into water it should be brought gently to the surface and the baby’s face must not be resubmerged under the water.
To make sure that the baby does not get cold after the birth - the baby’s body can stay under the water and the baby’s head can be dried with a warm towel. If the baby is well he/she can stay with their mother in the water. Whether or not to permit the placenta to be born in the water in the water is another controversial issue. There are some theoretical risks to remaining in the water, however none have ever been proven. Some health care practitioner encourage women to leave the water for the third stage of labour while others are happy for women to remain in the water. If bleeding after the birth seems excessive the woman would be asked to leave the water.
I have heard that using water during labour is helpful, can you explain the reasons why?
Using water during labour and birth encourages:
- Reduction in pain
- Greater mobility that comes with buoyancy
- Induces relaxation
- Reduction in abdominal pressure
- Softening effect on the perineum and vulva can promote stretching during crowing
- Gentle entrance into the world for the baby
I like the idea of using water during my labour. I would like to know if it is safe for my baby to be born underwater?
Until more research is completed, we cannot say with any accuracy whether there are any risks associated with the use of water during labour and birth. The limited evidence that is available so far indicates that waterbirth is thought to be safe so long as some simple, sensible guidelines are followed. These guidelines include:
- A skilled practitioner in waterbirth is available
- The pool or bath has been thoroughly cleaned and rinsed
- A normal labour and birth is expected.
- The water temperature is not too hot (<36 degrees Celsius)
- The woman is at least 6 cm dilated (hoping before this time is thought to slow labour)
- The woman is well hydrated. It is important to drink lots of fluids when in the water, as dehydration can be a problem
- There are no additives put in the water (these are not helpful and some are potentially harmful)
- The baby is brought to the surface as soon as it is born
I have decided that I would like a waterbirth. Can you tell me how I could organise one?
This will depend on the place that you plan to give birth. A water birth is easily arranged at home. A large bath can be used or it is possible to hire or buy a pool suitable for a water birth. If you plan to give birth in a hospital you will have to find out what facilities are available and what their policies are regarding waterbirth. Some hospital facilities have a waterbirth policy all ready in place. Where as others have not had a request for a waterbirth before. Achieving a water birth will also depend on the skills of the midwife or doctor providing your care. If they are not confident with water birth - they may prefer that you give birth on dry land. Most hospital facilities do have water available for use during labour eg. shower, bath or pool.
Setting up a pool at home or in a hospital requires some forethought. Is there space enough for the pool? How will the pool be filled and emptied? Is the hot water service adequate? Is the pool a good height and width? Is the pool comfortable? Are you able to lean on the sides of the pool without it collapsing? Is the floor able to take the weight of a pool filled with water?
Make sure that there is safe heating in the room, remember electricity and water do not mix.
The following items are helpful for when planning a waterbirth:
- A bath thermometer - this can be used to ensure that the water temperature is not getting too hot.
- A plastic strainer and a bucket - to be used for removing debris from the pool.
- Lots of warm towels for mother and baby.
- A space for you to use - in case you decide to leave the pool at any stage.
Web: www.pregnancy.com.au
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