Open Door Midwifery: Services

Water has long been used by women to ease the discomforts of labor. Whether standing in a shower, sitting in your own bathtub at home, or fully reclining in an large tub built just for laboring, many women find instant relief of their labor discomfort from the use of water. Their relaxed bodies release fewer stress hormones and their labors proceed more quickly and easily, with less discomfort. No wonder that the idea of water immersion is so appealing to many women. To clients who wish to take advantage of this option for their birth, the one obvious need is the tub. If the client has a deep tub, such as a Jacuzzi, in her home, this is an ideal option for her. Use of a standard bathtub or shower may be sufficient, but most women find that the greatest degree of relaxation is achieved if the belly can be submerged as fully as possible. For clients who want to have the deeper water available but do not have a built-in Jacuzzi-type tub, I will assist them in finding a tub to rent or purchase. There are now several low cost tubs available, costing only $40. You may enter the tub at any time during active labor, although waiting until you are dilated to about 4 cms is recommended. Often, the relaxation afforded by the warm water will allow you to dilate more quickly and easily, resulting in a shorter, more comfortable labor.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR TUB USE & PLACEMENT:

Laboring in the water is almost always possible and usually very helpful. If, as part
of a homebirth plan, it is also your intention to give birth in the water, I am
comfortable with this as a goal and willing to do my best to help you achieve it.
However, like anything else in a birth plan, this needs to be flexible; if events occur
during your labor that contraindicate water birthing, you must be willing to follow the
course of action that is best for you and your baby, even if this means birthing
outside the tub.