The Waterbirth Page
Compiled by LLM
"Aaaahhhh, the tub was DIVINE. The contractions
went from 'heavy, drop-me-to-my-knees' contractions
to contractions that felt more like 'expansions'.
I felt the effort of my uterus and cervix, and
it didn't take my whole body with it. It was
heavenly." -Andrea Genung, from Morgan's
Birth Story
"I loved the water… it was so relaxing
and warm. The contractions were never unmanageable,
but in the water they became almost secondary
and I didn't have to concentrate as hard on
most of them." -Brenna Palmer, from
Nathan's
Healing, Precious Birth
"I yelled 'the baby is here' and got to
experience the ring of fire on dry land- ok,
here's the advantage of waterbirth: the ring
of fire is much hotter on land!" -Gretchen
Humphries, from Maille's
Birth
Waterbaby Kari, seconds after birth
Note: all photos on this page are copyright
Patti
Ramos Photography. Please no reproduction,
copying or any use of the images on this page
without obtaining prior permission from Patti
Ramos.
On this Page:
Click to go to the desired section. Note that
many of these stories appear elsewhere in other
sections of the site.
Waterbirth Articles and Information
Intimacy of
Water in Birth
-ideas for optimal birth attendance by Gloria
Lemay
"When you are called out to attend a
birth, the simple act of cleaning the woman’s
bathtub, drawing her a deep, warm bath, putting
in a couple of drops of lavender oil, and
lighting a small candle may be the biggest
contribution you will make. I have found that
even those women who are disinterested in
having a water birth, per se, during the pregnancy
will be drawn to the sound of a bath running
and appreciate the option of water immersion
when the sensations of birth are strong.
"Water birth does not necessarily mean
that the baby emerges into water. It could
mean that the mother uses water immersion
before, during or after the birth. Like all
aspects of the birth process, it is not about
performance and rules; it's about possibilities
and the unique experience of each birth.
"Once the birthing woman is in the tub,
in the dim light and she has a drink beside
her, leave the room and keep everyone (including
Dad and kids) out until she requests company.
Being alone in the water has a very good effect
on the part of the human brain that controls
dilation. Let go of your own temptation to
'support' and 'be helpful'- these things have
an adverse effect on the part of the human
brain that controls dilation.
The woman who is in darkness and alone will
feel more safe to massage her vulva and vagina,
change positions, make odd facial expressions,
curl up, stretch out, fart, pee, smile...
do any of the things that a human being does
when completely private. Knowing that people
who love her are within calling distance is
all that is needed."
Study
Shows Benefits of Underwater Birth A paper
in a German OB/GYN publication spotlights the
wonderful safety of waterbirth, and its benefits
to the mother and baby; including: far fewer episiotomies,
no required pain medication, and a gentler experience
for both.
How
to Get a Water Birth A humor piece by Fiona
Campbell-Smith; written in retort to local hospital
politics that make waterbirth so unattractive-sounding
that women don't want waterbirths.
Minnesota
Women Embrace the Gentle Option of Water Birth
Originally in a mainstraem newspaper, this article
illuminates one family's waterbirth in photos
and text. Included: how safe waterbirth is,
and a waterbirth Q&A.
How
Does the Baby Breathe in a Waterbirth? Originally
in Midwifery Today's Waterbirth issue, this
article excerpt explains the physiology behind
newborn breathing- and just why waterbirth is
so safe.
Waterbirth
Considerations Two midwives discuss the
sometimes unpleasant realities behind this popular
birth choice, and the work involved in making
things go as "swimmingly" as possible.
Waterbirth:
The Power of Water Sarah Buckley, MD talks
about the safety and power of water in birth,
and about the revolutionaries who brought waterbirth
into such a public focus. Included: some of
her own experiences of water in birth, and recommended
books to read.
Some Advantages of Waterbirth
-by Gloria Lemay and LLM
- Water helps prevent tears of the perineum
by softening the tissues.
- Water feels good. One woman said, "it's
like having a warm blanket of comfort pulled
up over you when you enter the water."
Another said, "It's like liquid love."
- Women have been reported to "swim away"
from the dr. or midwife when they want to
do too many checks.
- Your baby can shift and dance with you easily
and unimpeded.
- You are free to move in so many ways- water
is soft and sensual, not hard and limited.
- Water is the ideal setting for the first-time
mom- she is free, uninhibited, and comfortable-
three things needed for the smooth passage
of birth.
A Waterbirth
That Turned the Tide by Fiona Campbell-Smith.
Appearing in Midwifery Today Magazine, Autumn,
1999. Fiona details her sister's waterbirth-
the birth that proved to be a revolutionary
bomb for local Scottish birthing standards!
Waterbirth Support
Waterbirth Stories
This baby was only 3 minutes old at the time
this photo was taken!
Click to go to the desired collection of stories.
Unassisted Waterbirth Stories
The Birth
of Mackenzie Grace Says Valerie about her
empowered, spiritual unassisted waterbirth: "To
make this birth possible I had to reach into the
deepest part of my being and find my power and
choose to trust nature, my body and my baby to
birth my child safely and gently the way it was
meant to and replace the fear and listen to my
inner voice... and then I just followed it."
Includes beautiful photos.
The Birth
of Belen Angel Jones Amy's sixth child is
born quickly in the water, into her own loving
hands. Note that this story includes Amy's experiences
with low blood pressure, and how she helped herself
get better fast. Note that this links to her experiences
and challenges with breastfeeding after breast
reduction surgery.
Chandler's
Birth Story Kymberli's fifth baby is born
blissfully and unassisted at home in the water.
Kymberli was 26 days "overdue"! (Way
to go ten month mama Kymberli!)
By Kimberley Hudson
- The
Birth of Aquene' Nyirah-Moon Kim's eighth
baby is born at home in the water. This birth
was very challenging for Kim- in no small part
due to her small stature (she is 5'2) and her
large baby (9lbs!). Includes sweet photos.
- My Voyage
to Unassisted Homebirth Kim shares her hospital
birth stories (including cesarean and drugged
and induced births), and then her powerful unassisted
home waterbirth. A must-read that includes beautiful
photo
A
FAMILY BIRTH Sherry gives birth to her fourth
child at home in the water- with everyone in her
family playing a special part. This beautiful,
empowering story includes photos, and much quotable
beauty from Sherry. Including: "I could feel
his tiny nose and lips under the water while his
body was still inside me. I felt under the water,
touching his ears and nose and hair. It was the
wildest feeling... he was kicking inside me, but
his head was outside of my body."
My
Journey to Unassisted Birth Danette has her
first unassisted birth with her fourth child.
This includes much of what she has learned in
her path- about the dangers of routine birth and
postpartum procedures, as well as the body's ability
to give birth without intervention. Danette's
story includes her first birth experience (typical
hospital), as well as many photos of her unassisted
home waterbirth.
baby Jeremy (see story below)
at three minutes old
Last
but Not Least: Jeremy Wilson's Perfect Unassisted
Home Waterbirth Jamie gives birth to her eighth
child, at home in the bathtub, with her husband
and daughter gently attending. This birth was
beautiful and Jamie's most perfect- but still
she is sad, because she won't have babies again.
This story includes many amazing photos that document
the baby's first minutes and days, and links to
all of Jamie's other stories on BirthLove. Interesting
to note about Jamie: she is a VBAC mom and is
GBS+, and her last two children were born GBS
free due to Jamie's ingestion of colloidal silver
in her pregnancies.
AJ's Birth
Story, As told by his Dad and Mom Shannon
is a doula and childbirth educator, and decided
that a planned homebirth with a midwife and doulas
was the best way to have her second baby. She
however went on to have an unplanned- but very
welcome- unassisted homebirths Says Jim about
seeing his baby being born- "Tears, both
of fear and joy, were streaming down my cheeks.
My mouth and throat were so dry I spoke in squeaks.
I had so much energy flowing through me I thought
my chest was going to burst." Jim caught
his baby in his bathtub.
Rosy's
Unassisted Waterbirth In this wonderful story
Bernice talks about her hospital birth (not too
bad), her midwife-attended home waterbirth (beautiful!)
and then her perfect unassisted birth. Included:
how her placenta came so simply (not at all dramatically
as in her other births) and how this birth revolutionized
her husband.
Bowen's Beautiful
Birth Cate has her first unassisted pregnancy
and birth with her fifth child; and her autonomy
taught her so much about self-reliance, and the
beauty of preventative living. Included in her
story: how challenging it was to get through the
latter stages of the birth, and how she caught
her baby boy in her waterbirth. Includes photos.
Kelley's Beautiful
Birth Judy gave birth to her third child unassisted
at home, with her husband in the watertub behind
her. After two traumatic hospital births, this
was exactly the birth Judy needed to really know
what birth is supposed to feel like, and mean.
This story includes photos.
Ursula's
Waterbirth Ursula was born into the tub with
only her mother, father, brother and the doula
attending. This story is wonderful- so honestly
told, and reassuring about how peaceful and happy
giving birth can be.
Maia’s
Birth- A Family Celebration This is the birth
story of the fourth child born to an Australian
doctor. Maia was born feet first in the water
at home, with only her loving, reverent family
welcoming her. Includes mention of Maia's lotus
birth, and her mother's peaceful postpartum experience.
Ciara's
Waterbirth Rachel had a glorious unassisted
waterbirth with her third child. Includes a link
to her first two children's hospital birth stories.
UnaBirth:
Doing it Right the First Time Ril G., a Cape
Breton, Nova Scotia mother gives birth to her
first baby at home in the water at 35 weeks gestation.
This story includes her amazing birth, as well
as the upsetting hospital stay that ensued.
Pam's Healing Unassisted Waterbirth
After having two babies born prematurely and painfully
in the hospital, Pam gives glorious birth to her
son at home in a watertub. Pam found so much healing
in this birth...
Sariah's Beautiful, Free,
Perfect-For-Her Birth Jennifer shares the
details of her Sariah's unassisted home waterbirth-
how the children were involved, how her body knew
exactly what to do, and how this birth transformed
her husband. Says Jennifer- "I believe now
VERY strongly, that all men need to go through
unassisted birth with their children to fulfill
their true measure as men. They have been robbed
of this heavenly experience due to the crazy messed
up medical profession, and it is wrong!!!"
Midwife-Assisted Waterbirth
Stories
By Heather McCue, mother of five
- Emily's
Birth Heather chose traditional birth attendants
and had a peaceful home waterbirth, despite
the presence of meconium. Says Heather about
the experience- "It was quick and intense
but it was empowering and beautiful. I had quiet
moments that were reflective and relaxing, and
times when I roared out from deep within my
soul and felt great power run through my body."
- Jillian's
Birth Heather scoops up her fifth child
out of the water, her third child to be born
at home. Says Heather about the impact of this
birth on her children- "They had all been
able to witness their youngest sibling be born
in natural, normal circumstances. This had really
been a family event that I think will impact
them and their views on positive birth, forever.
This links to Heather's other stories on BirthLove.
Abigail
June's Birth Kerensa's third child is born
gently in the water. Note that Kerensa's husband
was beautiful in the birth process, and that Kerensa
made a point out of keeping optimally healthy
in her pregnancy. Includes precious photos.
The
Births of Amy Noelle and Nicole Faith Patricia,
a registered nurse, gives birth at home to twin
girls; the first girl being born into water. Patricia
had been planning to go to the hospital, but things
happened too fast to transfer. This links to Patti's
other stories on BirthLove, including her first
homebirth story (her second child) and her third
child's breech birth story. Many lovely photos
are included.
Charlotte's
Birth Susanna, a nurse, gave birth to her
second child in luscious power and self-reliance
in her bathtub. She caught her own baby, and had
the birth of her dreams! The only element missing
in he perfect birth is he husband- he is in the
military and has been, since before the birth,
stationed in Iraq. Note that Susanna deeply regrets
the severance of the umbilical cord, and talks
about how she has preserved the placenta for her
daughter to care for. Includes many beautiful
photos.
Birthstory
of Thomas Kirsten has her second waterbirth,
and finds it dramatically different than her first-
in no small part due to her waters not being artificially
broken. This lovely story links to Kirsten's first
birth story.
Lea's
Birth- A Case For "Undisturbed Birth"
Julie Foster gives birth at home in her bathtub
to her third child, with her midwife minding her
wishes to be left blissfully alone. Included:
how Julie's water was slightly stained greenish
with meconium, how her original midwife let her
down, and how her baby's cord (which was the longest
the midwife has ever seen) was around her neck
four times! Julie simply unwrapped her thriving,
healthy baby. Note that this story includes much
pregnancy, birthing and women's wisdom.
Ayden's
Birth Carol-Anne, a doula, gives birth in
the water surrounded by her husband, family and
birth attendants. This page includes many beautiful
photos of the birth, as well as before and after.
The
Birth of Will Amber's third child was born
in the water, with her sisters and husband attending.
The birth, and after, was a time of joy and sweetness
for her whole family.
Aja's Birth
Jacqueline tells in verse the story of her waterbirth;
and the agony and ecstasy of giving birth.
The Home
Waterbirth of Isabella Charlotte Rose This
is the detailed account of Jeanette's whole birth
proess- from her first labor sensations to several
hours after the birth.She learned an enormous
amount about birth, and the amazing trustworthiness
and beauty of women's bodies. Includes photos.
Calvin's
Story It was just the midwife and the mom
and dad in this radiant home waterbirth. Melanie
says of her midwife- "She told me I was beautiful
and that I did a wonderful job. I don't think
I could have found a better midwife. She gave
me exactly what I needed through the pregnancy,
labor and birth." Melanie's first baby died
after being born in a series of medical mishaps
at 24 weeks gestation.
Coming
Full Circle: Morgan Theresa Genung's Birth Story
In this empowering and beautiful story, Andrea
gives birth to her third child at home with the
great assistance of water. The midwife got there
just in time to catch the baby. This includes
many photos.
Iyla's
Perfect Waterbirth A midwife candidly shares
the story of her first child's home waterbirth.
Includes photos.
The
Birth of Brendan Jamie A mother has a painless,
short labor and birth with her second child in
the water. This page includes links to her other
stories. Photos added 11/29/01
The Birth
of Noah Aren This is so beautiful, that I
couldn't stop crying when I was putting it up.
A home waterbirth story with a gentle, wise midwife
attending.
Magical Birth- A Reaffirmation
of How Beautiful the Moment Can Be A doula's
account of a storybook-pretty home waterbirth.
Includes a link to photos of the birth.
Wild
Women Like Us Alison gives birth to surprise
twins at home in the water, with her midwives
attending.
The Birth That Shook The
Earth On March 4, 2001 there was an earthquake
in Seattle, Washington. The shaking radiated far
into the surrounding area- including into a birthing
woman's bathtub in British Columbia, Canada! This
page includes the story of the mother's beautiful
Blessingway ceremony. Photos added 3/15/01.
This baby's beautiful face is the symbol of blissful,
peaceful non-interventionist homebirth.
Butter
birth...yes, my own
(A Midwife's Birth Story) Allison talks about
how she finally learned how not to tear
while giving birth- letting birth happen when
it's supposed to.
Beautiful,
Gentle, Sacred, Safe- The
Birth of Hannah Pressman This
birth story is told by both Hannah's mother and
father. It is among the most moving, profound
and inspiring birth stories I have ever read.
I can't read it without crying. This story should
be read by simply everyone! It is very descriptive
of what birth feels like, it shows how positive
water can be in "labor". The doula and
birth attendant in this story illustrate excellence
of practice.
Yashua's Glorious Birth:
A Mother's journey through her first pregnancy,
waterbirth, lotus birth and 40 days of Solitude
and Father's birth announcement. Karen Love tells
her family's story with such beauty, honesty and
love that tears come to my eyes. This story is
a must-read.
Hospital and Birth Center
Waterbirths
My
First Birth as a Doula Rita talks about the
beautiful waterbirth she attended as a professional
labor support person. The first-time mother said
that she would have planned a cesarean were it
not for Rita's gentle influence in her pregnancy
(way to go Rita!).
Kirsten's Waterbirth Story
Kirsten gave beautiful birth in a birth center
in Belgium. Kirsten talks about how her husband
was initially wary about natural birth, but "saw
the light" with Kirsten's educating him.
Sandrine's Birth
by Fiona Dionne. This birth story was originally
a letter to from Fiona to Leilah; it is informal,
warm, and friendly. Fiona talks in part about
how perineal massage caused her to tear in her
birth center waterbirth. Includes photos.
VBAC Waterbirths
For many more VBAC stories go here.
from Naomi's
Blessing
Naomi's
Blessing After a searing rape of a cesarean,
Bonnie gives powerfufl, painful, womanluy, radiant
Awesome birth at home in the water. The birth
hurt far mroe than Bonnie oculd have anticipated-
but she does't regret her VBAC for a second. Says
Bonnie about the gift of birth for her baby:
"My greatest triumph in this is not even
me; it's my baby. I knew her, smelled her, saw
her, and coherently held her right away. She
was alert, no drugs. She was not terrorized
by needles and heel pricks... she was not deprived
of 1/3 of her blood by having her cord cut too
soon... she was not washed and scrubbed within
seconds of being born and robbed of her soft
vernix. She was not placed in a warmer all by
herself under bright lights for over an hour
because I was in recovery. The list goes on,
as she was aspirated so many times they bruised
her nostril passages and when she couldn't breathe,
of course they had to take her for tests- and
bottles of sugar water and formula..."
Waterbirth is Essential
for a VBAC Birth
"If anything, waterbirth is essential
for a VBAC birth. The relief from backache
and the pull of gravity gives the mother an
even more acute understanding of what is happening
in her lower uterine segment. I find that
many VBAC women are reluctant to ask for waterbirth
because they feel that just asking for a VBAC
is almost too much. VBAC women should
be asked the question: 'If you were having a
second baby and had had your first vaginally,
how good would you be willing to have it?
what would you be demanding? requesting?
asking for? expecting? If you were
the wealthiest woman in the country, what would
you want for your birth?'
"These questions will illicit the woman's
deepest desires which will lead her to the deepest
satisfaction with the birth. Every VBAC
mother that I have asked these questions of
puts waterbirth into her wish list."
-Gloria Lemay, Vancouver, BC Canada
Maia's
Birth: My Beautiful, Healing HBAC Waterbirth
To the song of birds, Mary pushes out her baby
in joy and triumph. This story is a luscious,
beautiful must-read, and links to Mary's cesarean
story.
Lauren
Elisabeth's Miracle Birth Carmen, a registered
nurse, gives birth at home in the water after
four previous cesareans! Note how perfect her
birth team was, and how instrumental it was that
they were picked perfectly for her smooth birth.
Also noteworthy: Carmen had had a tubal ligation,
and a successful reversal; and that Carmen was
42 when she gave birth.
Elysia's
Journey Kitty had a cesarean due to her son
being in a breech presentation. With her second
child, she dearly needed a natural birth; and
after a long search through options (including
seeing a doctor who is too arrogant to believe)
she found British Independent Midwives. She had
a victorious home waterbirth, while held gently
in the loving arms of her husband Matt. This includes
beautiful photos, and links to Matt's version
of the birth story (so sweet!!!).
Ethan
Alexander's Birth Story Carrie gives birth
to her fifth child, her first VBAC and first unassisted
birth, at home in the water. This story is wonderful-
so descriptive of the birth process (including
the third stage and subsequent cutting of the
cord), and so full of love as well. This includes
many photos, and links to her emergency cesarean
story.
My
Journey to VBAC After three wounding cesareans,
Susanne pushes out her baby in her hot tub. This
includes entries from her pregnancy journal, and
a photo of her victorious, luscious birth.
Carina
Rose's Birth Story Misha gives birth to her
fourth child, at home in the tub, with her doula
"catching"- her midwife didn't get there
in time! This includes photos of this radiantly
beautiful "plus size" mama giving birth.
My
Home Waterbirth after Two Cesareans
Stephanie's first baby was born at home,
then she had two cesareans; her fourth baby was
born at home in the water. She went from 1 cm
dilated to 10 in almost no time at all, after
a long prodromal labor- her midwife came just
in time to see the baby's head emerge.
Pablo
Felix's Birth Story Joanna was told that her
first baby was too big to be born vaginally, so
she had a cesarean. Pregnant with her second baby,
she chose to look beyond the doom-saying of her
OB and had a homebirth- with an even bigger baby.
Pablo was twelve pounds! This includes the story
of why Joanna had to transfer to the hospital
after the birth. Includes beautiful photos.
Our
Home Waterbirth After Two Cesareans Wendy
gives birth in the water only 45 minutes after
her midwife arrives. Her baby was posterior- but
she knew that she would give birth anyway, regardless
of the position the baby was in. This includes
the great help her husband gave her.
Emily
Lin Powell's Birth Emily died shortly before
her birth. Her mother, Tami, had long been planning
a VBAC waterbirth- and this is how she did give
birth to Emily, with an OB's gentle encouragement.
This birth story includes photos, and a link to
Emily's homepage.
Gretchen's
Beautiful Home VBAC Waterbirth Gretchen talks
about her waterbirth with much humor, love and
touching honesty. This story is very descriptive
of what birth feels like, and is highly recommended
for first-time moms and VBAC moms. Includes amazing
photos.
God Bless
The Midwife Lindsay Pepin describes her healing,
gracious home waterbirth VBAC in touching verse.
Her midwife talks about the birth with equal joy
and love.
Waterbirth Links
Reprinted with permission from
My
daughter Csenge's birth
My
daughter Csenge's birth in 100 pictures An
amazing, monumental, luscious home waterbirth
story told in words and beautiful photographs.
Home
VBAC Waterbirth The midwives didn't make it
in time to attend this victorious, beautiful birth.
Includes powerful photos.
Waterbirth in the British Medical Journal:
Birth
Balance A beautiful waterbirth/natural birth
reference site, with a comprehensive resource
directory.
The
Waterbirth Website -This site provides
in-depth information on the newest innovations
in safe, gentle, joyous andempowering childbirth.
Includes a tutorial, a photo gallery, dozens of
waterbirth stories, and much more. -Karil Daniels
Giving
Birth Underwater A very gentle choice-
see this lovely site, created by the Global Maternal/Child
Health Association (GMCHA).
Reprinted with permission from
My
daughter Csenge's birth
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