Twin water birth is the process of choosing to give birth to your twins in a tub of warm water rather than a hospital bed.
Some women choose to labor in the water and get out for delivery of their twin babies. Other women decide to stay in the water for the delivery as well. The theory behind water birth is that the babies have been floating happily in the amniotic sac for nine months and birthing into a similar environment is gentler for the arrival of the babies and less stressful for the mother.
It is the belief of midwives, many birthing centers and a growing number of obstetricians, that reducing the stress during labor and delivery also reduces fetal complications. Water birth should always occur under the supervision of an experienced and competent midwife.
Watch this amazing video of home water birth!
What are the potential benefits of twin water birth?
Benefits for Mommy:
-laboring in water is soothing, comforting, relaxing.
– In the later stages of labor, the water seems to help increase the woman’s energy to continue on.
– The buoyancy ( floating) lessens her body weight, allows more free movement and creative new positioning based on what they mother needs.
– Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, lessens the pain for the mother, and helps to provide more oxygen for the babies.
-Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety, and can lessen anxiety in general.
– Water seems to alleviate stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins, which are pain-inhibitors.
– Water causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, which reduces the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for an episiotomy and stitches.
– As the mother in labor relaxes physically she is able to relax mentally, concentrating her efforts inward on the birth process.
– The water provides a sense of privacy, which releases inhibitions, anxiety, and fears again causing the mother to relax.
Benefits for Your Babies:
– Provides a similar environment as the amniotic sac.
– Eases the stresses of the birthing process, providing reassurance and security.
Over the last 30 years as water birth has grown in popularity, there has been very little research done to determine the risks of water birth or twin water birth. Some studies have been done in Europe demonstrating similar perinatal mortality rates between water births and conventional births. As more women request and have successful home or hospital water births more data will emerge.
Some situations are not ideal for birthing in the water..
– Herpes: Herpes transfers easily in water, so you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
– Breech babies: Though water birth has been done with bottom or feet first presentations you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your health care provider.
– If you have been diagnosed with one of the following: excessive bleeding or maternal infection.
– If you are having twins or other multiples: Though water births have been successful with twins around the world, you will want to discuss this thoroughly with your midwife.
– If preterm labor is expected: If the babies are premature, two weeks or more prior to due date, water birth is not recommended.
– Severe meconium: Mild to moderate meconium is fairly normal. Since meconium floats to the surface in a tub, your health care provider will watch for it and remove it immediately, or help you out of the tub. Meconium usually washes off the face of the baby and even comes out of the nose and mouth while the baby is still under water. If the water is stained and birth is imminent, the woman can lift her pelvis out of the water to birth the babies.
– Toxemia or preeclampsia: You will want to thoroughly discuss this with your health care provider.
Aren’t hot tubs and whirlpools dangerous during pregnancy?
It depends on the temperature. If water is too hot, dehydration and overheating become risks to you and the baby. You will want to be sure to stay well hydrated and make sure the temperature of water stays at 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Birthing pools are specifically made with this precaution in mind.
You can prepare to have a twin water birth by:
Checking first with your doctor or midwife. They may already be equipped for water birth with a special tub, or know where to refer you in your area.
If you plan to give birth at a hospital, make sure their policies are water birth friendly. More and more hospitals are welcoming parents who want to try water birth.
You can actually rent a birthing tub for about $350. Check online or in the phone book. Be sure to ask if fees include shipping both ways and any other extras to make your birth experience more enjoyable. Check with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse the expense of the rental.
Contact a local birth center to see if they provide water birth options.While twin water birth is not suitable for every situation – if you are confident in your birthing abilities and have supportive care from your midwife or health care practitioner, it can be a beautiful way to bring your babies into this world.