Birthing Pools – Great For Mom, Great For Baby
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As a mom to be the chances are that you’ll want to look into different birthing methods to ensure that you find the method that suits you. We’re lucky to have access to lots of different methods, which means that whatever we prefer there should be something to suit us. The best thing to do is read up on the different types of birthing facilities available, their features, benefits and of course their cons to make your decision.
Birthing Pools
One method that is well known for helping to reduce pain during pain relief is to use a birthing pool. There are lots of different birthing pools that you can buy or make use of, so there should be something to suit you. For a number of years now we have known of the benefits of hydrotherapy to help with different pains and even just having a warm bath if you’re suffering from stomach ache, so it makes sense that giving birth in water can help with child birth – as it helps to lessen the pain that contractions cause.
An example of a birthing pool room in a hospital
Lots of people like to choose birthing pools because they help to promote calmness and a relaxed environment which is essential when it comes to giving birth. It is recognised that fear and tension during the labour process can make contractions much worse and the whole labour experience much more stressful, which of course is something that should be avoided as much as possible. Not only will a stress free environment make giving birth much easier but your baby will have a much happier start in life too!
On top of that you also have the added benefit that using a birthing pool lessens the risk of tearing during child birth. As your body as the full support of water you will find that your perineum stretches much easier which means that giving birth will be much easier. The baby will not be stressed about going into the water at all and they do not use their airways to breathe until they reach fresh air – which will happen when the midwife lifts them out of the water for the first time.
Can I Give Birth in a Pool?
There are certain circumstances where a birthing pool labour will not work for you. If you are considering giving birth in this way then you’ll need to speak to your midwife about your options and whether this route is something that they would recommend for you. If your birth is considered relatively low risk then often you’ll be given the go-ahead to give birth in this way.
With birthing pools you can have your husband / partner in the pool too
It is important that you look into all of your options, especially if you are going to use a birth pool in a local facility rather than buying you own. You will want to make sure that they have a good reputation and all of the facilities that you might need.
As much as no one wants to think about it, you should speak to them about what will happen if anything goes wrong and what emergency care plans they have in place – because you need the reassurance that you can have the medical help you demand, should you necessity it!
If you do decide to go for a pool birth like this then why not look into homeopathy, massage, aromatherapy and meditation too! These can all be used alongside water births to help with pain relief and help to make the whole situation more bearable.
