Birthing Services

Birthing Services

The Midwifery service supports each woman’s choice of various options for pain relief during the birth process.  A hallmark of midwifery care is labor support for natural childbirth, and a majority of our patients are seeking an unmedicated birth.  However, some women do chose to use an anesthetic block or systemic narcotic to help them during their labors and births.  The nurse-midwives believe each woman, family, and birth is unique with its own specific needs.  Our goal is to facilitate identifying those needs for each family and helping to meet them.

Waterbirth

Humans are drawn to water—for its beauty, serenity, and power.  Water therapy has long been used in labor to help relax a woman and help her cope with contractions.  Our birthing center has showers and deep tubs available in each birthing room.

Birthing in the water is also an option for some women.  A large water birth tub is available for women seeking a waterbirth.  Deep, warm water has an incredible ability to soothe and relax a woman in labor and facilitate the birthing process.  The buoyancy of the water helps reduce gravity and create a “weightlessness” for the laboring woman, at the same time supporting her body with gentle pressure all around.  The water also allows for a woman to change into different positions easily.  Position changes are important in labor to encourage the baby’s passage through the pelvis.

Laboring in water may make a woman feel more open, making it easier to let go completely.  The more relaxed a woman is, the more relaxed her body postures become.  However, it can also make some women feel more vulnerable.  If she is more anxious or tight in the water a kneeling position may help with her back up or getting out of the water may be better for her.

Water is wonderful but it may not be the answer for all woman.  Some women find water is not as comforting as they expected.  But it can make the pain more bearable to float and relax in a tub.  There are some situations that are not appropriate or safe for waterbirths.  If you are considering a waterbirth please discuss this with your midwife so you are aware of what situations would be too risky to birth in the water.

Women who decide waterbirth is something they want as an option for them will be asked to participate in a study.  We want to document the safety of waterbirth.  Please discuss this further with your nurse-midwife.