Ask Our Expert - Water Births

May 16, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Water Births

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, I heard that natural birth in water is the least painful way to deliver. Where can I find out about it? — Christy in Vancouver, Canada

ANSWER	April 2, 2001


Dear Christy, Your timing is perfect--I participated in my first water birth today and it was beautiful! Water birth is the term used for laboring in and giving birth into a big tub of warm water. Many laboring women express a tremendous sense of relief and relaxation as they immerse into the tub. If your hospital doesn't provide tubs for birth, you may be able to rent a tub and fill it up with warm water during your labor. For safety, it is important that the birth attendants are familiar with water births and that they are able to monitor the baby and mother in the tub. Here is a website that has a lot of information on water birth and provides resources to help you locate a supportive and experienced practitioner--www.waterbirthinfo.com. — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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