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Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. What information and experience have you had with water birth?

A. Water birth is becoming more and more popular. However, there are still few hospitals who will allow water births, although the numbers are growing. So my experience has been through homebirths.

Water, even if used only during labor, is a wonderful source of pain relief. Not only do you feel lighter in the water, but you can relax more easily. Most of the women I've talked to who have experienced water during labor or birth have said that it was an amazing experience. The use of water can even reduce the rates of tearing on the perineum!

Water birth is a safe, wonderful option for most women. If your are interested, start talking to your practitioner as soon as possible about water birth. There are plenty of resources for information. My favorite would be Gentle Birth Choices By Barb Harper, RN.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.