Waterbirth Benefits

Giving to birth to your baby in water...to some this seems completely natural, to others it makes no sense and even seems dangerous. Water birth, a relatively new idea, is rapidly gaining in popularity and is actually safe and gentle for both mom and baby.

For many moms, the act of simply laboring in water offers her another precious coping tool for working with the intensity of labor contractions. Its assistance is so notable that it has often been referred to as the “aqua-dural”, referring to the fact that it offers relief like an epidural but with one significant difference...it has no side effects like the epidural or any other labor medication.

Common concerns around water birth include the baby drowning - however the baby is still receiving oxygen through the cord. If baby is brought to the surface upon birth, the baby is safe. Infection is another misunderstood concern. The direction of birth brings everything “down and out”. For infection to get in, it has to go “in and up”...a very difficult and rare occurrence. Some are concerned with the water becoming contaminated, but like the worries of infection, water contamination are unnecessary. If bowel is passed, as is common, it is scooped out with a fish net. The amazing thing is, the very act of baby coming in contact with mom’s bacterial may actually help offer protection to the developing immune system of the baby.

There is much research, articles and books written on this subject. for more information, go to: www.waterbirth.org, www.midwiferytoday.com, www.mothering.com. Popular books to consider reading that discuss water birth include: Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper, We Are All Water Babies, by Jessica Johnson and Michel Odent and Choosing Waterbirth by Lakshmi Bertram.

Birth Pool Rentals: Offering a Deluxe rental and an economy rental

The Deluxe model: This is a true birth spa. The only negative to this pool is you may be too comfortable and not want to get out! This pool is deep enough to allow plenty of “soak” space for mom and her belly. It comfortably holds mom and her partner. It is heated and it has a filter which gives this pool an added advantage...mom can use it prior to the birth to cope with the end of pregnancy discomforts and not worry about refilling it in time for labor. If the filter is properly cleaned and maintained, the water will be perfectly safe for mom and baby to birth in when the time comes!

The economy model is a wonderful pool for those on a tighter budget. It easily fits mom and her belly and her partner if he chooses to join mom. It has a seat on one end and three sets of handles for support in varying positions. Its walls are strong enough (when filled) to support someone weighing 210 pounds on the side of it without collapsing the pool. The disadvantage to this pool is that it is not heated and does not have a filter. If mom chooses to use it prior to labor, she will have to drain, refill and heat it before the birth.

Each of the pools are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once reserved, it will be blocked out from 37 weeks until you have your baby. Each pool has a flat rate for rental which includes LFL doing all set-up, take down and sanitizing of the pool, leaving your time free for what is important...soaking in your new treasure, your baby. There is also a kit you can purchase which includes the hose, facet adapter, debris net, and thermometer.

Deluxe Birth Pool rental $350 (includes filter)
Economy Birth Pool rental $125 (includes liner)
Birth Pool kit $60 (hose, adapter, net, thermometer)

Contact Jenny at 320-493-5110, or jlcdavis@laborforlove.com.