Weston, born at home using a birth pool
A water birth is a gentle entry for newborns. The birth pool resembles the womb. It is warm and soothing. The transition from intrauterine life to the external world is more subtle in water. Why then do babies not breathe underwater? There is primitive reflex in newborns that prevents them from breathing until they are exposed to the air. Also, the dive reflex allows water to be swallowed and not inhaled. When a solution reaches the back of the throat the taste buds on the larynx automatically closes the glottis.
Mothers benefit from having a water birth. Hydrotherapy is a natural form of anesthesia. There is immediate reduction in pain. A birth pool’s depth is important. The water must completely cover the mother’s belly to create buoyancy. She then can freely move to her body’s rhythms. Concerned about tearing during delivery? Warm water from a birth pool relaxes muscles and the tissues reducing tearing on the perineum. Choosing a water birth at home with a midwife is a safe and satisfying option for low risk mothers.
A water birth is a gentle entry for newborns. The birth pool resembles the womb. It is warm and soothing. The transition from intrauterine life to the external world is more subtle in water. Why then do babies not breathe underwater? There is primitive reflex in newborns that prevents them from breathing until they are exposed to the air. Also, the dive reflex allows water to be swallowed and not inhaled. When a solution reaches the back of the throat the taste buds on the larynx automatically closes the glottis.
Mothers benefit from having a water birth. Hydrotherapy is a natural form of anesthesia. There is immediate reduction in pain. A birth pool’s depth is important. The water must completely cover the mother’s belly to create buoyancy. She then can freely move to her body’s rhythms. Concerned about tearing during delivery? Warm water from a birth pool relaxes muscles and the tissues reducing tearing on the perineum. Choosing a water birth at home with a midwife is a safe and satisfying option for low risk mothers.
