Water Birth

Physicians for Women - Melius & Schurr

Obstetricians & Gynecologists & Primary Care Physicians located in Madison, WI

Research shows that laboring in water is linked to shorter labor and less reliance on medical interventions. For your water birth experience, consider the expertise of The Madison Midwives. Patients deliver in a large spacious tub in a beautiful labor room at Unity Point Health -Meriter and under the gentle and continual care of one of our midwives with extensive experience in water-birthing. Find out more by calling today or scheduling an appointment online.

608-227-7007

Water Birth Q & A

What is water birth?

Water birth is a type of delivery offered by The Madison Midwives in conjunction with Physicians for Women. Water birth involves laboring and giving birth in a soothing tub of warm water. You also may decide to labor in the tub, but get out for your delivery.

Water birth is intended to mimic the calm, liquid environment in the womb. Because your baby has spent the last 40 weeks cushioned in amniotic fluid, birthing in a similar environment is thought to be gentler on your baby.

Immersing yourself in water also may offer several benefits to you during labor and delivery. Physicians for Women offers water births in suites at Madison’s UnityPoint Health - Meriter Hospital, which is equipped with water birth tubs.

What are the potential benefits of water birth?

Research shows that laboring in water is linked to shorter labor and less use of medical interventions like epidural drugs. In the later stages of labor, the water may increase your energy.

Water birth tubs offer a soothing, comforting, relaxing environment for labor. The buoyancy of the water naturally lessens your body weight, allowing you to move freely and maintain a more comfortable position. Buoyancy may promote more efficient contractions and better blood circulation, which is good for you and your baby.

Water immersion may offer other benefits, including:

Lowering high blood pressure
Reducing stress-related hormones
Relaxing the perineum
Increasing your focus on the birth process

Water also affords a greater sense of privacy, potentially easing fears, anxiety, and inhibitions.

What are the benefits to my baby with water birth?

Water birth provides your newborn with an environment similar to the amniotic sac. This may ease the stress of birth while increasing your baby's sense of security.

Is water birth right for me?

Physicians for Women offers this choice to healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies. Generally, to have this option, you'll need to give birth at 37 weeks to 41 weeks of gestation.

Your delivery team fully discusses the benefits and potential risks of this form of childbirth so you can make the most informed decision — and one that's right for you.

If you're interested in experiencing a water birth, call today or schedule a consultation online with the women's health professionals at Physicians for Women.

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