A study in 2005, called 'Listening to Mothers II', was conducted by Childbirth Connection. In 2006 they reported: "While 14) used one or more types of medication for pain relief for at least some of the time during labor. Epidural or spinal analgesia was, by far, the most common (76) and cesarean (88) reported they were given narcotics such as Demerol or Stadol, while a small proportion underwent general anesthesia (3 of cesareans), used nitrous oxide gas (3). A small proportion of mothers (8) reported receiving both a narcotic and epidural or spinal analgesia."

All these drugs have a purpose, and that is to numb the mother so that her labour pains are minimised or dramatically wiped out. In that space of numbness, the natural laws of birthing disappear - the levels of Oxytocin diminish (the love hormone and natural pain inhibitor); contractions change, intensify or cease; the mother's body has less movement (including paralysis in the lower region with an epidural); and after birth the mother can face a challenging time connecting to her baby (as the baby is affected by the use of drugs too).

If you prefer to avoid all this but are afraid of labour pains, WATER BIRTHS are a fantastic way to experience natural pain relief. Statistics have shown that women who birth in water, or use water as a natural pain relief far outweighs many other pain killers out there.

According to Waterbirth International (http://www.waterbirth.org/mc/page.do, 2007), the benefits of a waterbirth and water labour include: " Speeds up labor " Reduces blood pressure " Gives mother more feelings of control " Provides significant pain relief " Promotes relaxation " Enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labor and birth " Conserves her energy " Reduces the need for drugs and interventions " Gives mother a private protected space " Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies " Reduces cesarean section rates " Is highly rated by mothers - typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again " Is highly rated by experienced providers " Encourages an easier birth for mother and a gentler welcome for baby

Warm water softens every part of the mother's body including all her muscles and ligaments, as well as the perineum, just like when you take a bath. The mother can float if she so desires which takes the pressure off around her body and belly. This allows freedom to manoeuvre and ride through the contractions, and assist the baby to move downward and outward.

If the water birth is at home, then the partner can jump inside the pool to fully support the mother, and of course catch his baby (which can be done outside of the pool too, just ask your midwife).

From my own personal experience, I'd highly recommend this type of pain relief. Yes, I experienced labour pain, but I managed to ride the waves with each contraction. With my natural hormones working too with the labour pains, I actually felt euphoric and managed the pain quite easily. I actually enjoyed my birth and the pain whilst being in the water. It was a very empowering experience to birth in water, at home.

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