The benefits of hydrotherapy
 
Can it really be that great?  There are many Advantages to laboring and birthing in water. This is just a short list. If a hot shower or a warm bath has ever soothed you, then you have already experienced the power of hydrotherapy. Who can use Labor Tubs?  Most women can use a birth tub. However, there are a few circumstances where you may not be able to use a birth/labor tub. Look at your options closely and talk to your provider.  Why Kiddy Pools don’t really work.  Not large enough too shallow can’t maintain water temp. Don’t just take my word for it.  click for more informationhttp://www.waterbirth.org/spa/content/view/107/108/shapeimage_2_link_0
 
Advantages for Mother • Safer, more effective and economical than an epidural (Waterbirth coined as an "aquadural" or "wetepidural") • Less use of analgesics and anesthesia • Fewer birth canal injuries, vagina, perineum and vulva • Reduction of episiotomies, water relaxes the pelvic floor muscles • Increases maternal connection over labor and birth environment • Increases maternal autonomy • Conservation of maternal energy • Better focus and concentration in water • Deeper relaxation resulting in hormones kicking in • Less pressure on the abdomen because of the buoyancy promoting more efficient contractions, better blood circulation, more oxygen to baby and mother... • Helps to relieve anxiety and promote focusing inward, as labor becomes more intense • Moist air assists better breathing for mother specifically if asthmatic • Can speed up normal labors • Effective tool to easing the woman into and through transition to pushing • Warm water stops false labor contractions • Sound of water running or the jets on belly or back create more endorphin secretion • Empowering experience for mother without drugs...developing inner strength and power enriching her life forever • Family relationships empowered with mother in less pain; father takes more active role in birth experience resulting in deeper bonding and a more enhanced relationship the rest of their lives • Parent-child interactions are enhanced by a positive experience in her body/mind/spirit, less painful, gentle approach in bringing child to the planet • Reduction of Cesareans • Bacteria is dissipated in water reducing infection to mother Advantages for Baby • Easier more gentle transition from one womb of water to an external womb of water, weightless, warm, wet and soft • Decreased trauma at birth • More blood to baby due to better blood circulation in mother • Baby doesn't receive the invasive stimuli to induce breathing, which results in less crying, babies after birth resulting in a calmer, more alert state • Bacteria is dissipated in the water reducing infection to baby • Cord cutting after birth is delayed until it stops pulsating • Fewer problems with breastfeeding after birth • Less trauma to mother means less trauma to baby • Babies brought into a world with less violence have a greater potential to integrate into the world with less violence