Water Birth: Shorter Labor, Less Pain, Better Experience!

Water Birth: Shorter Labor, Less Pain, Better Experience!

MEDİCENTERTV.COM / TÜRKİYE

“Pregnancy and childbirth should be seen as natural functions of the female body, with medical interventions avoided unless absolutely necessary,” says Dr. Tuğba Yılmaz Esencan, Assistant Professor and Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University. Highlighting the growing popularity of water births, Dr. Esencan notes their potential to shorten labor, reduce pain, and create a more comfortable birthing experience for mothers.

However, she cautions that water birth is only suitable when the mother’s health and pregnancy are risk-free. Close monitoring of both the mother and baby during the procedure is essential for safety.

Water Birth: What You Need to Know

Water birth involves delivering a baby in a pool of warm water. Dr. Esencan emphasizes its benefits:

• Shorter labor duration
• Reduced pain
• Enhanced comfort and relaxation for the mother

Despite its advantages, water birth requires careful preparation and monitoring to ensure a safe outcome for both mother and baby.

The Role of Midwives in Natural Birth

Midwives play a critical role in guiding mothers through pregnancy and childbirth. Dr. Esencan explains, “Midwives help prepare expectant mothers for natural birth by providing information, monitoring the process, and intervening only in case of complications.” She stresses the importance of continuing education for midwives to maintain high standards of care and to detect early signs of abnormalities.

Midwife-supported births are linked to:

• A more natural and positive birthing experience.
• Reduced stress and faster postpartum recovery.
• Improved mother-baby bonding.

Interventional and Cesarean Births: When Are They Necessary?

Dr. Esencan explains that interventional vaginal births involve medical procedures to protect the health of the mother and baby. These may include:

• Electronic fetal monitoring.
• Oxytocin administration.
• Episiotomy or vacuum-assisted delivery.

While necessary in some cases, unnecessary interventions can negatively impact the health of both mother and baby.

Regarding cesarean births, Dr. Esencan advocates for their use only in medically required situations. “Cesarean sections can be life-saving, but normal delivery offers long-term benefits for both mother and baby,” she explains.

Epidural Anesthesia: Pros and Cons

Epidural anesthesia is a common method to alleviate pain during normal delivery. While it can make labor more manageable, Dr. Esencan warns that it may also:

• Prolong labor.
• Reduce maternal control during the second stage of labor.

When used appropriately, however, it can help mothers have a more comfortable experience.

VBAC: A Viable Option?

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) offers women who previously delivered via cesarean the opportunity for a vaginal birth. “VBAC reduces cesarean rates and can be a safe option when carefully evaluated by an experienced team,” says Dr. Esencan. Factors such as the type of prior cesarean incision and the risk of uterine rupture are crucial considerations.

A Personal and Safe Birthing Journey

Dr. Esencan concludes with an essential reminder: every birth is unique. With proper education and support, mothers can approach childbirth with confidence, ensuring the healthiest outcome for themselves and their babies. “Providing a secure environment, respectful care, and continuous support during childbirth contributes significantly to a positive birthing experience,” she adds.

Keywords: Water birth, natural childbirth, midwifery, VBAC, cesarean section, pregnancy health, epidural anesthesia, interventional delivery, safe birthing practices, maternal care.

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