Today's woman has a number of choices when it comes to giving birth. One of them is called water birth.
During water birth, mom is in a tub of soothing water. This may help the mother relax and remain as comfortable as possible during the stages of labor.
Why Choose Water Birth?
Some people find water relaxing and comforting, such as a warm bath at the end of a long day or a vacation near the ocean or a lake. Water may help women during childbirth by providing a soothing environment for the mom during labor.
Here are some reasons why you may want to consider water birth as an option:
- Some women find water helps them relax during labor.
- Being relaxed may help decrease stress hormones and allow a more functional progression of labor and, perhaps, less pain.
- Some women find that the relative weightlessness caused by water buoyancy helps with repositioning, comfort and muscle support.
- The buoyant effect of water may lessen muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- When a woman in labor relaxes, breathing becomes easier which may provide optimal oxygenation for both mother and baby.
- Laboring in water may help pelvic floor tissue to relax and may decrease the need for an episiotomy.
To understand this unique childbirth option, North Fulton Regional Hospital offers a class specific to those planning water birth. A certificate of completion for this class is needed to be considered for water birth at North Fulton Regional Hospital. Click here to register for a water birth class (Search the Women's Health topic).
At North Fulton Regional Hospital, birth is a momentous occasion, so we offer childbirth choices to fit patients. In addition to such progressive techniques as water birth, North Fulton Regional Hospital offers traditional labor and delivery options as well as a vast array of services for women of all life stages including diagnostic imaging, non-surgical diagnostic and treatment options, and health education. See how convenient advanced medical services can be. When searching for innovative choices for childbirth or water birth in Atlanta, consider North Fulton Regional Hospital.
If you think water birth may be an option for you, browse this list of physicians who provide this service. All providers listed are on staff with North Fulton Regional Hospital.
For more information or to schedule a personal tour of Women's Health Services, call us at 770-751-2660.