The water birth

When you imagine your perfect birth, what does it look like? Are you in the delivery room, planning a home birth, or can you perhaps even imagine a water birth – in a hospital, birth center, or at home? Many women wish for a water birth because it allows them to be especially close to their baby immediately after birth and, according to many experiences, also experience less pain. Sounds good, doesn't it? Then in this article, you'll learn everything about the advantages and disadvantages of a water birth and how to prepare for the big day of delivery.

How can I prepare for a water birth?

A birth requires good preparation – the same applies to water birth. It is best to let your Midwife involved early in the decision to give birth in water . When giving birth at a birth center or in the delivery room of a hospital, it is also important to register in time and to express your desire to give birth. Most maternity wards and hospitals also regularly offer information evenings, during which you can get a personal impression of the services and options available on site.

If you prefer a home birth, we recommend that you schedule one promptly. Birth Pool for rent. It should be large enough and easily accessible, and meet important hygiene standards. Also, find out beforehand how you can manage the filling and water drainage at your home. And don't forget the structural stability – such a birth pool can become quite heavy. Therefore, it's best to ask your landlord if you don't live in your own home. :)

Think about it before the birth as well, what you want to wear during water birth . Do you feel comfortable naked, and don't need special clothing? If you'd rather cover your upper body a little, a bikini top or a loose T-shirt are suitable options.

As with many other birthing methods, you can also experience the water birth with your partner. Also, partners and can prepare for a water birth and bring their own clothing for the water birth.

Water birth: How it works

Finally, it's happening! Your little explorer is ready at the starting line, and you are also preparing for this special experience. The birth should be something unique for you that you can enjoy to the fullest – and your baby should also be doing well. You probably have thought a lot in advance about how you envision the birth and maybe even recorded your wishes in a . Since water birth is said to have pain-relieving and relaxing effects, you have decided on this birthing method.

What to expect from you now :

• For your safety and that of your newborn during childbirth, mainly your midwife is responsible, but doctors are also present. They all monitor and monitor your baby's heart sounds and keep an eye on your contractions activity.

• Whenever you feel like it, you can step into the birthing tub. It is filled with water, which is usually warm between 32 and 37 degrees Celsius is. This is the water temperature that most women find comfortable during labor. Only a few pregnant women spend the entire birth in the water. If you only get into the tub when the cervix is already 3 to 5 cm dilated, the chance that your baby will actually be born in the water is higher.

• A Labor induction before the onset of childbirth prevents stool from being released during the water birth and contaminating the water. This is not mandatory, but many women feel more comfortable afterward.

• Thanks to the integrated supports and handles, you are supported at all times. Birth phases completely free in your movements. Try it out, which Birth position feels best for you . This can be done in a semi-sitting, sitting or squatting position, as well as lying down or on all fours.

When is a water birth suitable for me?

If you want to give birth to your baby in water, you should first express this wish to your gynecologist and, above all, to your midwives/midwives. If you have no special pre-existing conditions, your pregnancy is progressing without complications, and your baby is in the head-down position, a water birth is definitely conceivable.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a water birth?

You have probably also heard that a water birth is considered a particularly gentle method of childbirth. For the expectant mother, the warm water has a relaxing effect, and babies feel comfortable in the warm water because it resembles the familiar environment in the womb. However, before deciding on a water birth, we recommend weighing all the pros and cons. It is also best to share your thoughts on this birthing method with your midwife so that you can make a decision that you feel comfortable with. :)

The benefits of a water birth

• The water appears during the Contractions relaxing and pain-relieving .

• The expectant mother may possibly need weniger Schmerzmittel .

• The Back is caused by the buoyancy in the water relieved .

• The water intensifies the contractions, causing the Accelerated childbirth process will be.

• Dammrisse and dam cuts are less common , because the dam tissue becomes more elastic through the water.

• First physical contact with the baby and first Create are still possible in the water.

The disadvantages of a water birth

• The position in the delivery cradle allows intervention in unexpected complications more difficult.

• The anesthesia via epidural anesthesia is excluded.

• The hot water can be used for Circulatory problems lead.

Does a water birth pose risks to my baby?

A water birth would appeal to you? Then you're like many pregnant women. But maybe you're still unsure because you think Worries about the health of your baby You are not alone with that either, because many women wonder how long the baby is underwater during a water birth and whether a water birth carries any risks.

The good news: The risk of infection during a water birth is no greater than during a birth outside of the water. We can also reassure you about the concern that your little explorer might breathe in water. We have addressed this in the Dive reflex thanks to, also called the breathing protection reflex. It ensures that your baby's trachea is closed off by reflexive breath-holding. In the meantime, your child is still supplied with oxygen, namely through the umbilical cord . As soon as your little explorer sniffs the air, he begins to breathe properly.

A birth is a natural process. Therefore, it cannot be scheduled and may unfold differently than you have imagined beforehand. Nonetheless, it is a special experience for you, and we wish for you to enjoy it to the fullest. Whether through a water birth or on land – the most important thing is that both your little explorer and you are doing well.