My name is Marla Thompson, and I am a nursing student from the University
of North Dakota. I am following an expectant family in the community who is
very interested in learning more about underwater childbirth. I also am
interested in the effects of water birth on breastfeeding however I have
had difficulties finding researched information.

I was watching “A Baby Story” on TLC the other day and the couple was
delivering via water. I found it interesting that the family can crawl in
the tub with mom and share the experience.  The midwife helped with
everything, mom labored in the tub and delivered in the tub. The baby was
brought to the surface of water, suctioned, and placed on mom. The whole
process appeared to be smooth and natural.

Underwater childbirth is when the mother-to-be is submerged in water during
labor and birth. In some instances the mom may be in water for all or part
of the first, second and third stages of labor. According to Houston &
Valentine, (1998), mothers choose water labor and birth because it is a
quiet, private, comfortable environment, relaxing; it relieves tension,
pain, and muscle cramps.  All participants of water births report a
satisfying birth experience as reviewed by Houston & Valentine.

According to a study conducted by Otigbah, Dhanjol, Harmsworth, & Chard,
(2000), there were four major results seen from water birth. “The length of
both the first and second stages of labor were significantly reduced in the
primigravida, total length of labor was reduced by 90 minutes, there was a
highly significant reduction in analgesic use, and it was found that a
primigravida was more likely to have an intact perineum.  There were fewer
episiotomies and less tears associated with water births.”

Fetal perspectives on water labor and birth are also positive, according to
Garland. It is said by Garland that, “The newborn emerges into very warm
water, an environment that is much closer to that in the womb. This enables
it to take on it’s new challenges one at a time instead of explosively it
all at once” (1995). In the study done by Otigbah, Dhanjol, Harmsworth, &
Chard, (2000), it was shown that newborns will not take their first breath
until outside the water

According to Otigbah, Dhanjol, Harmsworth, & Chard, (2000), water
temperature in the tub should be kept between 37-37.5 degrees Celsius. The
water does not have to be special by any means, it can be tap water, and
the tub is suggested to be large enough to move comfortably and hold at
least two adults with extra room. In a study by Sakala, (1988), some
midwives showed increased relieve of pain with the use of powered ginger
root, pouring water over mom’s abdomen, and wet compresses.

I am wondering if anyone has further information regarding risks, benefits,
and the water birth process. Are there other practices of which I am
unaware? Does anyone know where I would direct my expectant family in the
renting of a birthing tub? How would I go about helping her find the
nearest midwife? Also what effects are there on breastfeeding? Any
additional information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Marla Thompson, Junior II Nursing Student, University of North Dakota


Garland, D. (1995). Waterbirth: An attitude to care. England: Books for
Midwives Press.

Houston, R. & Valentine, W. (1998). Complementary and alternative therapies
in perinatal populations: A selected review of the current literature.
Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 12(3), 1-16. Retrieved October 23,
2002 from
http://web5.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/766/415/27751636w5/purl=rcl_
HRCA

Olds, S., London, M., & Ladewig, P. (2000). Maternal-newborn nursing: A
family and community based approach (6th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Otigbah, C., Dhanjol, M., Harmsworth, G., & Chard, T. (2000). A
retrospective comparison of water births and conventional vaginal
deliveries. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive
Biology, 91, 15-20.

Sakala, C. (1988). Contents of care by independent midwives: Assistance
with pain in labor and birth.  Social Science & Medicine, 26(11), 1141-
1158.

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