Water Birth at Austin Area Birthing Center
Austin Area Birthing Center’s birth suites are designed to provide you with an experience that is natural, safe, and as comfortable as possible. In addition to beds and birthing stools, we offer mothers the option of a water birth.
What are the benefits of water birth?
Water helps bodies to relax, especially during challenging labor phases. A water birth often helps to reduce the pain and stress of labor, leading to an easier natural birth. Water immersion during the early stages of labor has been shown to reduce the risk of episiotomy, as well as the need for epidurals. Other positives associated with water birth include a reduced risk of c-section, as well as better bladder control after delivery.
Is water birth safe?
Water birth is considered safe when both the laboring person and baby are healthy and well. We perform the same assessments in the tub as outside, using waterproof equipment to ensure everyone involved is doing well.
Does it matter what birth suite I use for water birth?
Each of our birth rooms has a deep tub appropriate for labor and water birth. We’ve worked hard in our 30 years of operation to find the most comfortable birthing tubs available. Our tubs are outfitted with strategically placed handles to allow you to brace yourself while finding your most comfortable birth position. Almost all of our clients use water for relaxation in labor, and about 20% of our clients choose to deliver their babies in the water.
Sometimes, partners can even join the laboring person in the tub to provide hands-on support if they desire.
How does the baby handle water birth?
Babies have a reflex not to take a breath until they hit the air. After the baby is born, we bring the baby directly to the mom’s chest outside the water. Babies born in water tend to be calmer after birth and come into the world in a relaxing environment.
Austin Area Birthing Center’s master midwives have years of experience performing safe water birth deliveries. Having the freedom to choose a delivery method is a deeply personal decision for mothers. At Austin Area Birthing Center, we seek to provide our clients with all of the information and as many options as possible. No matter what you choose, our midwives will be here to guide you through the many steps of your pregnancy, labor, and delivery.