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| A water birth facility |
Every woman knows how comforting a warm bath can be. So doesn’t a bath for women in labor make sense? A large hydrotherapy tub is now an option for women having their babies at The Family Birth Center at Lima Memorial.
Water birth has been around for centuries, and because of the therapeutic properties of warm water immersion it is regaining popularity in America. Water birth can make you calmer, lower your blood pressure, and lead to a more efficient labor.
The buoyancy of water allows the mother freedom of movement. Having the ability to change positions freely causes increased blood supply to the uterus and placenta, and improves fetal oxygenation. When women are relaxed, they experience less pain and anxiety and a greater sense of control.
Most women who have used hydrotherapy report a positive experience. If you are interested in using hydrotherapy for your labor, discuss this option with your health care provider. To find out more about hydrotherapy or for a tour of The Family Birth Center, call (419)998-4570.
According to a Swiss study of more than 7,500 births, water birth mothers lost less blood, used fewer painkillers, had a lower rate of episiotomies, and had an overall better birth experience than did mothers who gave birth in a bed.