Waterbirth is a method of delivering a baby in which the mother gives birth while sitting, kneeling, or laying in a warm tub of water. While many women are taking advantage of this natural childbirth plan, there are still several myths about the experience that scare or discourage expectant mothers. That’s why the midwives at Geneva Woods Birth Center in Anchorage, Alaska, are here to dispel these rumors.

5 Common Myths About Water Births

1. You Have to be Young to Have One

As long as both you and your baby are healthy, and your pregnancy is low-risk, you’re a candidate for a water birth. There can be certain factors in your pregnancy (like gestational diabetes or very large baby) or birth history (like history of hemorrhage or shoulder dystocia) that might make it less than ideal to actually birth in the water, but these moms can always labor in the tub.

2. The Baby Will Drown

Babies are already in a water environment in the womb, and the placenta acts as both a filtration and breathing system. As such, you don’t have to worry about your baby drowning during a water birth. Once they’re removed from the tub, their brain will signal to them to start breathing oxygen. The midwife also brings the baby quickly to the surface and right on to mom’s chest before they take their first breath.

3. You or Your Baby Will be Vulnerable to Infection

This is another common misconception. While you may release stool during birth — which is fairly common during labor — experts have found the water serves as a protective barrier from any bacteria.

4. The Birth Will be Very Painful

Most women who have had water births actually report just the opposite. They find that sitting in water ultimately reduces their pain, and some even claim they feel no pain at all, just pressure.

5. Water Temperature Doesn’t Matter

Fetal distress may occur if a mother is overheated. As such, it’s important the water temperature stays at or below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and the mother needs to stay hydrated throughout the process.

Also another important fact about waterbirth: Just because you see a tub in a birth room does not mean you can have a waterbirth. Both local hospitals in Anchorage have suites with tubs in the them, but they are strictly for laboring only. Birth Centers and home are the only places you can actually birth your baby in the tub!

To learn more, contact Geneva Woods Birth Center today. They’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have to determine if this is the right birthing plan for you. Contact them online for more information, or call (907) 561-2626. You can also read more on waterbirth safety from the American Association of Birth Centers: http://www.birthcenters.org/news/news.asp?id=229191.