Under Water Birth
Water is the life giving element for all species on earth. Life, it is said, started in water. A 3 day old foetus is 97% water, and even as late as the 8th month the foetus is 81% water. As adults, our bodies are almost two-thirds water. Little wonder that water fascinates us.
THE LEGACY OF CHILDBIRTH
As we look back upon the history of birthing techniques, we realize that midwifery skills, which were handed down through generations, have now come to rest in the hands of doctors, gynaecologists and obstetricians. From giving birth in the familiar environs of the home, the scenario has shifted to the aseptic hospital labour wards, with doctors, busy nurses and sub-staff. Previously, birthing happened in natural and traditional positions. Now you lie on your back with feet strapped high, straining and heaving, bearing only pains and forsaking the joy of birthing.
Away from dry delivery!
A gradual shift back to nature is starting to show up, in the west. The tendency to opt for a Holistic alternative and going back to nature is now reflected in the desires of modern mothers wanting to use techniques like UNDER WATER BIRTH.
What is waterbirth or underwater birth?
The birthing mother sits inside a warm water tub with water up to her ribs. As she sits inside, from the end of the first stage of labour through to the 2nd and 3rd stages of labour, the warm water relaxes her. The buoyancy of water reduces the gravitational drag. This relief from gravity improves the elasticity of the functional muscles. The warmth of the surrounding water helps in the opening of the cervical os. Lying on the back when the woman gives a push, the muscles of the abdomen are heavily loaded, while in waterbirth, the natural position helps her to apply pressure in the right axis. Thus the power of the pelvic muscles is maximized. This reduction in stress reduces the production of the stress hormones like Catecholamines and Noradrenalin. Another advantage is that more of the internal painkillers, the Endorphins are produced. This eases the delivery. All this was about the birthing mother. The advantages of underwater birth for the baby are just as important.
The power of water!
A warm, cosy controlled environment is what the growing foetus enjoyed in-fetu for nine months. The occasional shock or jerk or bang was cushioned by the amniotic fluid. It drank and breathed the amniotic fluid. It floated weightless in its life nurturing goodness. The process of birthing in under water birth is a smooth transition from inside to outside. The amniotic fluid first and the warm water later smoothen the birthing. The baby does not feel sudden changes in lighting or sound or temperature. As it delivers in the water, it takes its first breath only after it is lifted out of the water. Thus the trauma of birthing and first breath is separate. The mother is calm and collected and under no stress. This freedom from stress keeps the baby also stress free. For it, this is akin to minimal birthing violence.
'A watery labour !'
Contrast this to the agonized mother to be: in pain, dreading the very idea of birthing, the cajoling and nagging nurses and ward-maids, the medicines and the injections, and the sheer noise and stress of it all. The mother who chooses water birth as opposed to the above is mentally at peace. She is prepared and is in a positive frame of mind welcoming the experience. The warm water medium relaxes her and unconsciously she rids herself of fear and tension, physically and mentally. Here the baby does not just get born; rather, the mother glories in giving birth to it.
Some FAQs
Will the newborn drown or asphyxiate?
One has to understand that the baby is not programmed to breathe while it is inside the womb. In transition into warm water, the baby does not perceive change and continues to get oxygen through the umbilical cord. It can stay under water for 40-50 seconds but actually is under water only for about 10-20 seconds. It is only after the baby comes into contact with air that the second programme takes over and the baby initiates breathing. This happens when the whole body of the baby is slowly drawn out of the water after taking care that the cord is not wrapped round or choking the baby and it is handed to the mother for its first feed.
Will the perineum (the space between the vagina and the anus) tear?
Perineal tears take place because of an excess of stress. In waterbirth, stress is reduced and in international studies it has been found that the percentage of perineal tears or the need to make a perineal cut (Episiotomy) is very low.
Can all women opt for Water Birth?
While the majority can opt for this birthing technique, unfortunately not all can avail of it. Obesity, multiple births, problems in the mother or foetus precludes the use of this technique. This technique is otherwise most suitable for normal mothers.
When do I start this Underwater birthing procedure and do I have to take any special position?
After the cervical os is opened to about 4 cms, the mother to-be is made to enter the special water birthing tub. She can relax comfortably in any posture she finds relaxing and can change it. From time to time the water, temperature and depth are adjusted. She can do labour squatting, crawling, kneeling and all the labour exercises in water.
How often are water births taking place?
Though this technique is widely prevalent in the West, its acceptance in India is now gradually increasing. A wider acceptance of this technique would require a multifocal counselling of the parents to be, the relatives and also the doctors. In a well equipped maternity hospital setup with advanced newborn care facilities like an in-house NICU this technique can succeed very well.
