Labor Pools
Water can be an extremely effective tool in labor. There are many benefits including effective pain management, deepened relaxation, enhanced cervical dilation, an increased sense of privacy and security and a reduction in the possible need for intervention. Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother and more oxygen for the baby. It reduces strain on the joints, muscles and ligaments that must stretch during the process of birth. Water also seems to alleviate stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins, which are naturally occurring pain-inhibitors.
In addition to the physiological effects of using water in labor, water helps a laboring mother enter the instinctive, deeply relaxed, centered state of mind that enables her to pay attention to and follow the signals she is receiving from her body and her baby.
A number of factors should be taken into account when you are considering the use of a labor pool. You should discuss with your provider (OB or Midwife) your desires to use hydrotherapy during labor before renting a pool. I would consider having them wirite a brief, dated letter which includes your name, estimated due date and planned place of delivery, stating their consent.You also must have chosen an birth location that supports your use of hydrotherapy.
If you want to use a labor pool, please download and print the Labor Pool Rental Contract and Labor Pool Set Up. Fill out the Contract fully and return with payment for the tub. Read the Labor Pool Set Up at least once carefully before labor. Ideally you will have someone with you who can set up the pool as well as someone to exclusively focus on supporting you in labor. Best Wishes for your birth!
Click here to sell us your gently used labor pool.
Use of Hydrotherapy in Labor
In addition to the physiological effects of using hydrotherapy in labor, deep submersion in water helps a laboring mother enter the instinctive, deeply relaxed, centered state of mind that enables her to pay attention to and follow the signals she is receiving from her body and her baby.
