Everything comes from water
Primordial element at the center of many religious rites since antiquity, water can today become the passageway from uterine life to the outside world, thanks to equipped structures. With benefits for the mother and for the child.
There are an increasing number of hospitals that make the professionalism of their staff available to practice water birth.
There are many advantages of giving birth in a tub full of hot water , both for the mother and for the baby.
First of all, as far as women are concerned, it is good to know that water has a relaxing action on the body both during labor and at the moment of expulsion, with less probability of tissue laceration.
But that's not all: if it cannot be said that pain in water is reduced, certainly the perception is lightened thanks to the
analgesic function of the liquid . Endorphin production increases, breathing becomes calmer and blood pressure decreases. Even
the weight of the immersed body is 'reduced' : without the force of gravity, the woman can change position looking for the most suitable one. In fact, water is the feminine element par excellence: it has an
inhibiting effect on the control that the woman tries to maintain over the contractions, which increases the predisposition to childbirth.
On the other hand, there is no shortage of
benefits for the newborn . The baby spent nine months in the amniotic fluid and being born in water therefore represents a continuation of this state, without forgetting that no invasive maneuvers are practiced in the water.
Also interesting is the possibility for the baby to
remain in the tub with his mother until the placenta is expelled naturally: the first important opportunity for contact between the two.
Where does water birth take place?
The tank normally measures 2x1.5 meters and has a depth of 70-80 centimetres. It is therefore large enough to allow the woman to move, enter, exit, reenter and assume the positions she prefers:
full freedom , as advocates of gentle birth promote. The depth instead allows a fairly high upward thrust. The water temperature in labor is 36 degrees, rising to about 37 degrees at the time of delivery.
No risk to the newborn
Future mothers, worried that their babies might
swallow water in an attempt to breathe, don't worry: the breathing reflex only occurs in the newborn when it comes out of the liquid. The functions of the umbilical cord continue for many minutes after birth (hence the schools of thought, such as that of the Lotus
Birth, which invite you not to cut it prematurely): therefore, in the water the newborn continues to breathe through the gaseous exchanges of the umbilical cord, until it reaches the surface.
Yes to water birth :
■ with a physiological pregnancy;
■ if labor is particularly long or when there are very strong uterine contractions;
■ for handicapped or obese women, as the water favors the work of the body thanks to the absence of gravity;
■ for anxious, cardiopathic parturients, with strong rigidity of the pelvis and of the entire pelvic fascia.
No to water birth:
■ in the presence of infectious diseases (Hiv, HbsAg, Hcv);
■ in case of abnormal blood loss;
■ in the presence of diagnosed maternal or fetal pathology;
■ in women who have pre-caesarean sections or need continuous monitoring;
■ if before the 37th gestational week (due to the infant's lack of the diving reflex, the natural diving reflex) or after the 41st week.
WHAT ABOUT THE DADDY?
Some parents-to-be may worry that they may not be 'close' enough to each other during a water birth. In fact, even dads can get in the water if they want. However, sometimes it will be the woman who does not want her partner by her side, considering the tub a sort of intimate den. The now almost father will therefore be able to accompany his better half in this magical moment by supporting him from the outside.
Curiosity
Water birth at home? It is also possible to give birth in water at home: obviously it will be necessary
to rent a special tub , usually inflatable (do you have a room large enough to contain it? How will you empty it?), and have the assistance of a specialized doctor at home.
Alternatively, some
Maternity Homes offer this support service: for example La Via Lattea in Milan, La Prima Luce in Turin, Il Nido in Bologna, Montallegro di Induno Olona and Maishamani in Perugia.
By
Carlotta Cordieri
