Some News on Water Births Which Might Surprise You

More and more hospitals are allowing and even encouraging women to relax in warm water during the first stage of labor.  Some will not prevent a mother from giving birth in the water if she desires to do so.  Many of the women "catch" their own babies.

I recently read a comment by an OB which was practically venomous in tone.  It was clear that he did not have all of his facts.  It is one thing to question something and another to accuse mothers of attempted murder.

Water birth has many advantages, including decreasing the need for medications which affect breastfeeding initiation, increasing the likelihood of a vaginal vs. C-section delivery, and so on. 

Water birth baby who happens to be breaking it's own membranes ("caul").  Photography by Jane McCrae of www.JaneMcCraePhotography.com

 
Here is a newly released position paper by the American Association of Birth Centers.  If care providers who attend women in labor want to adhere to evidence based practice, they need to consider this position paper before they automatically nix a patient's desire for a water birth.  Certain criteria must be met, as in any type of approach to childbirth.  However, water birth can be a safe option for many women who desire to explore the possibility

http://www.birthcenters.org/webfm_send/145