The UW Health nurse-midwives offer water immersion as an option for labor and birth.
Studies have demonstrated that women who choose to birth in the water require significantly fewer pain relievers as water promotes deeper relaxation. Water also promotes ease of positioning due to buoyancy and mobility. This can be helpful to rotate a baby, open pelvis and allow the baby to descend.
Women often report an increased feeling of control, less anxiety and less fear when in water. Water provides support of perineal tissue which can lead to less tearing. Babies born in the water have a gentle transition to life outside of the uterus as they are eased from water into water.
There are some situations that not ideal for water birth. The nurse-midwives will discuss these with you in advance during the planning for your baby's birth.