3 myths about waterbirth

1. Babies may drown during waterbirths

So long as the baby is brought to the surface after birth, they do not drown during water births.  They live in amniotic fluid in the uterus before birth, so being born into water is thought to be a gentler birth for the baby.

2. The midwife has to get in the tub to deliver the baby

The idea here is that the midwife gets in the tub and "pulls" the baby out, wearing gumboots and long-sleeved gloves.  However, midwives don't "pull" babies out; women either push their babies out, or breathe their babies out.  So we don't actually get in the bath tub / birth pool and pull.  Rather, we guide and catch, or the mother guides and catches, or the partner guides and catches.  And the baby is brought to the surface.  The only part of the midwife that goes in the pool is her hands and arms which are gloved.

3. Waterbirth causes infection

Research has shown this not to be the case.

All in all, waterbirth is a great way to give birth and has many benefits for mother and baby.