#4: Water birthing

      Water birthing is not a new idea, but it is definitely starting to gain more popularity. It is an excellent substitute for traditional birthing if you want to have more control during your labor and delivery. In my opinion all of the pros completely outweigh the cons, and I plan to have my first baby via water birthing.

      Not all hospitals have the option to use a birthing tub, and if they do they insist that you may only labor in the tub, then get out of the water to birth your baby. I feel that this completely defeats the purpose of having a water birth. Getting to a certain point of relaxation where you're ready to push, and then having to break that concentration and peace to get out of the tub does not seem like a practical procedure to me. I understand that hospitals aren't as comfortable with water birthing because the doctors lose a little bit of control, but having a baby is supposed to be a blissful experience.

      I refuse to be treated like I'm on an assembly line while giving birth to such a miracle. Generally, I wouldn't suggest someone with a high risk pregnancy try a birthing pool or tub as it can lessen the necessary intervention.

      Let's talk about the potential benefits and possible risks:

PROS

• Laboring in water- Relaxation, privacy and control, buoyancy, pain management and satisfaction with your experience.
• Birthing in water-The risk of tearing lessens, working with gravity causes less pressure, peaceful birth for you and baby, and the ability to be the first person to touch your baby while helping them out.

CONS

• Laboring in water- Infection related to prior tub cleaning, dissatisfaction with pain relief and monitoring for emergency situations.
• Birthing in water- Possibility for first breath underwater if startled, and the risk of snapping umbilical cord if pulled up too fast.

Resources: BabyCenter.com