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WATER THERAPY FOR PREGNANCY                                                                 << Back to Previous Page

WATER BIRTH
“Imagine . . .remembering your birth as gentle, warm, soothing, and wonderful . . .”

Warm water immersion during labor and birth can be a great way to help alleviate pain and discomfort. It offers warmth, weightlessness and relaxation especially when the laboring mother is able to submerge her belly and lower body. This is accomplished easily with the use of a birthing tub. AquaNatal Birth Sap has large birthing tubs in the birth rooms, and we have portable tubs available for use during homebirth, for a small fee. They are wider and deeper than a regular bathtub, more like the size of a small hot tub. This larger size combined with the weightlessness of water immersion offers moms greater ease of movement during labor and birth. Water immersion during early labor can slow down progress sometimes, so your midwife may ask you to wait until active labor to get into the tub. During active labor water immersion has been known to speed up progress, perhaps due to the profound relaxation experienced. Many women take this comfort measure a step further and birth their babies into the water.

Waterbirth offers a gentle transition from mother’s womb to the outside world. Waterborn babies are birthed into an environment much the same as the amniotic sac- warm and watery. It is an intermediate step that allows the baby to adjust slowly to this new life. Babies do not begin the breathing process until they sense a change from a watery environment into the air. It is for this reason along with others that there is no risk of drowning for healthy waterborn babies. It is also for this reason that waterborn babies take a little longer than dry land birthed babies to initiate the breathing process. They may be a bit bluer in color at first, but are fine when they “catch up”. It is recommended to bring the baby to the surface of the water as soon as the body is born.

There is no additional charge for having a waterbirth with the AquaBirth midwives – either at the Birth Spa or at your home.  The birth tub is large & deep and can be easily set up at your home – and our fees include all birth supplies.
If you are interested in learning more about laboring and birthing in water then please come join us for an inspiring and fascinating evening of discussion and waterbirth videos, We  discuss the benefits of waterbirth and provide tips on how to effecively use the pool for optimal pain relief and labor enjoyment.

*Time and dates vary - the 2.5 hour class is usually offered once a month.
Please call 909-591-5353 to schedule a class with Joyce & Elena

Water Therapy:  I am pregnant, is it suitable for me?

Yes! Once you are in you won’t want to get out!

Mid term pregnant women often find considerable relief from pain and stiffness, particularly while floating prone, with elbows on the floor of the tank and chin cupped in hands. In this position the baby is fully floating and the mother’s back and pelvic girdle are released from the weight. Mothers-to-be have also remarked that floating has allowed them to lie on their back, something they have not done for some time. We also have a special float pillow which will allow you to lay on your front too!

"Pregnancy and Birth" magazine gave floatation 10/10 as a useful pregnancy therapy!  If you are in any doubt, please consult your local midwife.