Water Birth

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“After my experience with Heather and Gerri and their team, I have become a home birth advocate!”
– Tiffany

Is water birth safe?

Our practice specializes in water birth and water labor. We collectively have over 25 years experience in supporting families in water birth.

All of our practitioners practice water birth. Water birth is safe!

There have been many research studies that confirm the safety of waterbirth. A Cochrane review of 12 randomized controlled trials of water labor and birth found no harm to baby. These 12 studies included 3,243 women.

A number of other countries have endorsed waterbirth as a safe option for birthing women.

The AABC (American Academy of Birth Centers) wrote a position paper endorsing waterbirth in 2014 noting that “low-risk mothers, appropriate tub temperature, and planned with experienced practitioners”.

Benefits of labor and birth in water

Allows maximum mobility to laboring women
Enhances relaxation
Reduces blood pressure
Provides pain relief
Speeds up labor

Immersion in water may also allow the woman to get some much needed rest during labor. It also creates a private space for mother and baby as the baby emerges.

Any reasons not to labor or birth in water?

If a woman has a communicable disease, she is not a candidate for waterbirth. These women are being cared for in high risk clinics that ensure reduced or no transmission of disease to the baby.

Resource: Doctors and Midwives Disagree About Water Birth

San Diego County Midwives have either authored or reviewed and approved the content on this website.

Disclaimer of Medical Advice: All users of this website are responsible for their own medical care, treatment, and oversight. All of the content provided on the website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the providing of medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.