Southwest’s Family Birth Center dives into water births

What is a water birth?

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. The theory behind water birth is that the baby has been in the amniotic sac for 9 months and birthing into a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.

Research suggests that water births may reduce the stress during labor and delivery and contribute to reducing fetal complications. Water births, like traditional birthing methods, should always occur under the supervision of a health care provider.  At Southwest , our water birth partners include the midwifery providers from The Vancouver Clinic and Kaiser Permanente.

What are the potential benefits of water birth?

Benefits for Mother:

• Water is soothing, comforting, relaxing
• In the later stages of labor, the water seems to increase the woman’s energy
• The buoyancy lessens her body weight, allows free movement and new positioning
• Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation,      resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby
• Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety
• Water seems to alleviate stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins, which are pain-inhibitors
• Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, which reduces the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy and stitches.
• As the laboring woman relaxes physically she is able to relax mentally, concentrating her efforts inward on the birth process.
• The water provides a sense of privacy, which releases inhibitions, anxiety, and fears.

Benefits for Baby:

• Provides a similar environment as the amniotic sac.
• Eases the stress of the birth, providing reassurance and security.

Water Births at Southwest:

Southwest Washington Medical Center is pleased to offer water births as part of our comprehensive birthing services.  Expectant mothers planning for a water birth will be required to attend a water birth class offered by Southwest. In addition, a water birth kit will be available for purchase. For safety reasons, Southwest has established specific criteria for who is eligible for water births. Talk to your doctor or midwife about your options for water birth. For more information on Southwest’s water birth program, call 360.514.BABY (2229).




Pregnant mom Lindsey Moon (center) is assisted in her water birth by Southwest Washington
Medical Center RN Laura Hutchison (left) and husband Dustin Moon.