What could be better than being immersed in warm water while gently birthing your baby? The therapeutic properties of warm water immersion have been known for centuries. Baths, showers and whirlpools have been used for comfort during labour for many years in hospitals, birth centres and homebirths around the world.
Here at Mamatoto, we have the first waterbirthing facility in the Caribbean. Our luxur
ious tubs provide comfort to mothers and fathers during labour and birth. Take a look at our cozy rooms with our waterbirthing tubs.
Imagine sitting in a warm (body temperature) bath, large enough to move and float. The warmth and buoyancy create an actual physical and hormonal response in your body. You relax decreasing the amount of stress hormones, your blood pressure drops slightly and you give more oxygen to your baby. The water becomes your support, like 1000 hands holding you and caressing you.
It is perfectly safe for the baby to be born in water. The baby has been growing in a fluid- filled sac, floating happily throughout your pregnancy. When (s)he is born into the warm watery environment of the birth pool, (s)he adjusts by stretching arms and legs after a few seconds. The breathing mechanism is delayed until (s)he is safely in mother’s arms.
Waterbirth is nothing short of miraculous!
LOOK AT THE BENEFITS OF WATERBIRTH!
- Is the most gentle welcome for baby
- Gives mother more feeling of control
- Provides significant pain relief
- Promotes relaxation
- Conserves energy
- Reduces blood pressure
- Reduces perineal tearing
- Reduces the need for caesarean section
- Enables the mother to assume any position
- Reduces the need for drugs and interventions
Waterbirth International continues to review the best available evidence about how positive and beneficial giving birth in water really is for both mother and baby.
Our sincere thanks to Waterbirth International who donated the soaking/birthing tubs and materials for our Resource Centre.
“Comfort, warmth, relief .”
“It felt so good. It helped every muscle in my body relax. Especially the pelvic floor muscles. ”
“I loved bonding with my baby in the warm water after the birth.”
