Water Birth San Diego: How It Works and What to Expect

What is a water birth?

A water birth is the process of laboring, and potentially delivering, your baby in a deep soaking tub, a special birthing tub, or a mini pool filled with warm water. Whether you plan to have a home birth or a birth center birth, your midwife can guide you through the process.

It’s important to note that warm water, also known as hydrotherapy, can be used during labor, either continuously or intermittently. While some women prefer to give birth in the water, others may feel more comfortable delivering outside of it for a more grounded experience. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to using water during labor, as each labor is unique and fluid in nature.

How does a water birth work?

Once you reach the second part of labor, you can either move out or stay in the water pool. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is minimal data on the safety or practicality of staying in the birthing pool past the first stage of labor.

Why should I consider water birth?

Water birth has many benefits for labor. However, as with all things birth-related, there are potential risks, and safety protocols must be followed. Many families see these risks as quite minimal and believe the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Benefits of a water birth

As listed in Evidence Based Birth, by Dr. Rebecca Dekker, the potential benefits of water birth include:

• Less pain and higher satisfaction with the birth experience.
• Less medication use for pain relief—this may be important for people who want or need to avoid epidurals or narcotic medications during labor.
• Less use of artificial oxytocin and possibly shorter labors.
• Higher rates of normal vaginal birth.
• Lower rates of episiotomy.
• Higher rates of intact perineum, especially in high-episiotomy settings.
• Possibly lower rates of severe tears (3rd or 4th degree), especially in high-episiotomy settings.
• Possibly lower rates of postpartum hemorrhage.

For a deep dive, please visit Evidence-Based Birth online, and take the time to do your own research and explore the benefits versus risks for yourself. We highly recommend this site on all matters related to pregnancy and birth as a great source of current research presented in an unbiased manner.

Potential risks of a water birth

It is important to note that these risks are quite low, especially in low-risk pregnancies.

• There may be a higher rate of mild labial tears from water birth in low-episiotomy environments such as homes and birth centers.
• Umbilical cord snap (avulsion) is a rare but possible occurrence in all birth settings.
• Water aspiration is possible, so we do not allow the baby to remain underwater after birth.
• Water temperature must be monitored throughout labor/birth as this can affect the baby’s body temperature.
• Although large research studies have not shown any increase in the risk of infection, there have been several case reports of infections after water births. This risk can be lowered by using pools that are easy to disinfect, filling tubs closer to the time of the birth, and regularly testing the hospital water supply, hoses, and birthing pools.

Note: At A Family Affair Birth Center, we only utilize one-time-use hoses and thoroughly disinfect our birth tubs before and after each use. This ensures a systematic double cleaning and sanitizing process between each use. We do not have jets in our tubs, as research has shown that the tubing in jetted tubs is a great place to harbor bacteria and inadvertently put mom and baby at risk.

What else can to expect in a water birth

As you go through a water birth, there are a few different things you should plan to expect.

1. Increased relaxation: The labor process can be overwhelming, but immersing your body in warm water can promote relaxation. It may also help alleviate the pain associated with contractions and dilation, making labor feel more manageable.
2. Consult Your Midwife: Water birth is safe when conducted properly. It is crucial not to attempt a water birth without the guidance of a midwife or another qualified medical professional. If you suspect that your water has broken or is leaking, consult your midwife before entering the water.

Planning for your water birth

As with any birth method, you will want to prepare ahead of time should you choose to go for a water birth.

1. Where to have a water birth: Many hospitals and birthing centers offer the option of delivering in water if they have birthing tubs available. If you’re planning a home delivery, you can also make arrangements to facilitate a water birth.
2. Cost of a water birth: In most cases, a water birth should cost the same amount as a traditional birth. However, if you’re planning to do an at-home delivery, you may have to spend a bit extra money to buy or rent a water birth tub, if needed.
3. What to wear during a water birth: Comfort is the most important thing. Some women wear a bra, tank top, or T-shirt. Bring an extra bra or shirt to have handy once you are ready to dry off.
4. Safety and sanitation: To ensure the best possible outcome, maintain the water temperature between 97 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A trained professional, such as a midwife or OB/GYN, should oversee the water birth to help maintain the cleanliness of the tub throughout the process.

Is water birthing right for you?

There are plenty of childbirth options to choose from when the big day arrives. At A Family Affair Birth Center, we want to help you explore these options, and one that stands out is water birth. This method has many benefits worth considering. However, it’s essential to remember that water birth, like all childbirth options, should be viewed as just that—an option, not a fixed plan.

Labor is an ever-changing, dynamic process that requires flexibility. It’s important to surrender to the experience rather than orchestrating every detail, which can lead to stress, unmet expectations, and disappointments. While it’s good to visualize your ideal birth experience, once labor begins, your body may ask for something different from what you had anticipated. You need the freedom to disconnect from your thoughts and tune into what your body is communicating.

Childbirth is a unique process, a dance between you and your baby that culminates in the beautiful moment of holding your new baby in your arms. Embracing this process and utilizing your available options as needed can enhance your experience.

For some, the idea of a water birth may feel intimidating. However, once you understand what it entails, you might find yourself wondering why you didn’t consider it sooner.

When is a water birth not recommended?

In some cases, water birth is not a viable option. If any of the following factors apply, you may need to opt for a different method of birth. The majority of the factors below may also make you ineligible for an out-of-hospital birth.

• If you are expecting twins or other multiples.
• Your baby is either premature or very large.
• If you currently have any kind of infection or illness.
• Your baby is in breech position (baby is positioned bottom or feet first).
• You have had serious complications during this pregnancy.
• You have insulin-dependent gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or other concerning conditions.

While we perform many water labors and births at A Family Affair Birth Center, safety is always our primary concern.