Water birth (giving birth in water): terms, preparation, risks, and the process

Have you ever thought of wanting to give birth in water (water birth)? As the name implies, water birth is a method of giving birth that is done in a water-filled labor pool.

Although it seems to offer more comfort during childbirth, water birth should not be done carelessly by all women. Actually, what is the process of giving birth in this water?

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What is a water birth?

Literally, water birth is the process of giving birth that is done in water.

If you can, then find a doctor or midwife who can help you give birth in water.

The reason is, not all doctors or midwives may be willing because they do not have previous experience.

2. Determine where water birth will be done

If you are in a hospital, you have to find a hospital that can provide the facilities for water birth (for example, a water bath for childbirth).

If you want to do water birth at home accompanied by a gynecologist, midwife, and a reliable medical team, of course you have to provide a variety of things.

Things that you must prepare if you want to do water birth or giving birth at home are as follows:

Tub or pool of water for childbirth

Choose a tub of water that is large enough for you to sit comfortably in and deep enough for the water to reach your armpits while sitting in the tub.

Make sure the tub is cleaned before you use it to give birth.

You can use children's plastic swimming pools, which are usually quite large.

Source of water to fill into the tub

Water used for childbirth must be completely clean of germs and have a temperature of 35-38 degrees Celsius.

The water you use should be as warm as you like it to be for you to feel comfortable in the tub.

You can get this warm water straight from your home faucet, plugged into the tub via a hose.

Another way to give birth in water can also be done by boiling water first until it reaches the desired warmth and then filling it into the tub.

You may need to add a cup of salt to the water bath to prevent the skin from becoming wrinkled as it lingers in the water.

Determine the room that will be used

Choose a room large enough so that the tub of water can enter. Also choose a room with a cool temperature, neither too hot nor too cold so that you are comfortable.

Make sure the floor in the room is strong enough to withstand the weight of a full water bath.

Do the simulation before starting

Try doing simulations starting from preparing the tub, to filling the tub with warm water.

This method aims so that you can determine how long it will take to prepare before the water birth process begins.

How does the water birth take place?

The following are the stages of the birth process in water (water birth):

Preparation for childbirth

Towards the day of birth, it is best if all preparations have been completed.

So, when the signs of childbirth have arrived, you don't have to wait long to prepare for them.

If you have visible signs of childbirth (such as persistent contractions and cervical dilation), you should contact your doctor or midwife.

Then, fill the tub with warm water and wait for the doctor or midwife to arrive before you enter the tub.

Also prepare drinking water and a clean cloth to prevent dehydration during childbirth.

A clean cloth can be dipped in cold water and put it on your neck or back so you don't feel too hot and are more comfortable.

Delivering babies in water

Wait until you feel the strong contractions to give birth. Some experts recommend that you wait until your cervix is ​​at least 2 inches (5 cm) wide.

If labor slows down while you are outside the pool of water, try getting in the water as this can stimulate labor.

When in the water, find a comfortable position, such as squatting, leaning back, kneeling, and so on.

Your partner can come in with you in the pool to help calm and energize you.

Follow your doctor or midwife's instructions for when to push as this is the most important part of giving birth.

When there is the right push, the mother will begin to apply the way of pushing during childbirth until the baby can come out of the mouth of the womb.

Pushing the baby out at this time may be easier because the push from the water helps.

After the baby is released, the baby will be carried by the doctor or midwife to the surface of the water slowly so that the baby's umbilical cord is not detached or damaged.

The first time the baby's nose makes contact with the air, this is the first time the baby will breathe.

After giving birth in the water

After the baby is born, your job is not finished because you have to deliver the placenta. You can remove the placenta in or out of the water.

Some mothers may choose to remain underwater to deliver the placenta.

However, if the placenta is taking too long to be delivered, it is best to get out of the tub and deliver the placenta out of water.