Water birth, whether at home or at a hospital, is growing in popularity. Along with our experts, PETA DANIEL takes a look at the benefits, risks and some of the myths associated with this birthing method.
The birth of a child is a beautiful, exciting, yet terrifying thing, and there are several different birthing methods that you could consider. Imagine a calm, warm pool where your belly floats gently as you labour towards birth. Your baby’s first experience of the world is a warm, calm place with no loud noises, harsh bright lights and cold air. Your child is brought slowly to the surface and held against your warm body, slowly acclimatising to this brand new world.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A WATER BIRTH?
During a water birth, a special birthing pool is used. It is filled with warm water and the temperature is kept at 37 or 38 degrees Celsius, the same as the internal body temperature of a human being. Once a woman’s labour is in progress she can move into the birthing pool, where she can continue her labour. The woman can remain in the birthing pool until after the birth. The baby is born into the water and is slowly and gently brought to the surface.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
According to doula and lactation consultant Laura Sayce, there are a great number of benefits to a water birth, including the following:
Pain relief
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Mamas&Papas.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2018 edition of Mamas&Papas.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 Bad Driving Habits
When you have to spend so much of the day in your car, you’re bound to develop a few less-than-perfect driving habits.
Dealing With Mouth Injuries
Few children make it through their childhood without a split lip or cut tongue. Although most mouth injuries aren’t severe, it’s always best to be prepared to treat them.
9 Early Signs You Have A ‘Passenger On Board'
Some women just know they are pregnant before any tests can confirm it, while other women are months into pregnancy without even noticing. Loren Stow reveals early signs that you may be in the family way.
Exercise
TO AVOID DURING PREGNANCY
The Road To Safety
All parents want their little ones to be secure; Katherine Swift explores car safety as you transport your most precious cargo around
Homework Headquarters
Encourage a positive attitude to homework by creating a designated homework area for your child
Activley Breaching The Fatherhood Gap
What does it mean to be a father? Fumani Shilubana looks at what it means to be a father, and ways one can be more involved in their child’s life
Homework Can It Be Done?
Assisting your child complete their homework tasks on time can be frustrating
Mommy Emergency
Do you know when to call the doctor or when to rush to the ER? LOREN STOW has the right advice for moms who need a little reassurance
From Pregnancy To Back-To-School Blues
Whether it is for managing morning sickness or treating lice, GOGO has a few remedies in her cupboard that will help stressed out moms !
