Water has been a source of pleasure since time began.  Out of the raging oceans comes the picture of peaceful, white beaches where we all long to play and relax.  It is this image of tranquility, which women carry with them into the tub when they consider having a waterbirth.  They hope for a peaceful labor, free of pain, anxiety, fear and loss of control.  The water seems to hold all these promises out to them.  Some will feel these promises fulfilled and others will only feel partial contentment with their experience.  Labor and birth are often not what we expect. 

 

    It is our goal to help women feel informed about the choices they make so that whatever their experience ends up being they will feel some sense of "I did it", which is so often heard as a first response with waterbirth and also in natural childbirth.  The goal of a waterbirth itself should not be the priority for midwives, mothers or fathers when entering labor, but using water as a helpful tool to create a positive birth for mother and baby is a unique and special part of our practice.        

 

    When laboring in the water women feel buoyant helping them to easily change positions and relaxation comes naturally as the warm water engulfs them.  The baby is born naturally without manipulation and is gently lifted up to the mother's breast by her, the partner or the midwife.  Babies born into the water begin to breath after the air stimulates their skin, become pink very quickly, and some parents say these children love to swim forever!