Friday, October 30, 2009

The Value of Water

Water is such an important component of labor support. This will not be a statistical/medical discussion, just my observations.  Hydration is extremely important  during labor, so coaches need to be vigilant about encouraging the laboring mom to consume lots of liquids.  Unfortunately, labor also brings on nausea so there are definitely times only ice chips or IV fluids are invaluable.

Water is an important component to getting an epidural.  By flooding the system with fluids, it can benefit blood pressure level.  And it is really amazing how much hydration is needed during labor - the body is working so hard!

But what I love about water in labor is the use of a tub or shower.  Imagine the sense of warmth and privacy a shower can provide. I really like to keep lights low in the bathroom and with dad supporting through either physically holding the shower head, pressure on the back, verbal coaching, moms can let go in a shower.  As the steam builds a mom can feel warm and fuzzy and relaxed and contractions feel less intense. Gravity, if she is standing, can help move babies down while moms are more relaxed. If there is back labor, having the warm water on her back can provide relief through the water temperature or just the feel of the water on her lower back.  And if a mom's water bag is ruptured or she is bleeding a little, hopping in the shower can give her a sense of cleanness.  When a mom has worked through the night of labor, getting a shower at the beginning of morning just gives her a sense of renewed commitment.

If a family is home, using a shower to relax a mom for sleep or to help her regroup from feeling overwhelmed is a wonderful support tool. Many moms have had several showers during labor because they loved the result.

I have always felt that a shower is a great exchange for a narcotic - same effect of relief but no side effects. There have been so many times a mom has used the shower only to see amazing results in dialation or progress.

But many times it is still a struggle to get a laboring mom is be open to the idea of a shower in labor. She is not sure her ability to cope with labor will continue if she is getting up, undressed, etc.  I can only say in 99% of the cases, moms have said it was wonderful, and we have a harder time getting them out of the shower, than we did getting them into the shower.  So next time a doula suggests a shower, don't be afraid to try it.  You'll be so glad you did.

Stay tuned for a blog on waterbirths - another great use of water.

1 comment:

  1. I totally agree, here! First labor and delivery was awesome...used warm shower quite a bit, but second labor and delivery was a water birth. It was SO different! Not only was the weighlessness and warmth of the water soothing, but it gave me something else to focus on. I remember sitting on hands and knees with my chin resting on a water noodle and focusing on blowing the water away from me. AND, it was SO peaceful. Everything was dark and quiet and when baby arrived, it was such a smooth transition. He was so relaxed and I remember the midwife saying "watch this..." and she laid him on his back at the top of the water and he just unfurled his little arms amd legs...soooo relaxed. :o)

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