Waterbirth Study day with Dianne Garland - BHT Maternity

Waterbirth is important for several reasons. Research over the past 30 years has highlighted its benefits, including enhanced maternal experiences, reduced need for unnecessary obstetric interventions, and even healing of birth trauma. The use of water can create a calm, controlled environment, helping women to feel more in control of their bodies and birth processes. Studies have shown that being in water can ease discomfort and promote physiological labor and birth.

Safety considerations are paramount, and numerous studies with observational data support the safety of waterbirth for low-risk women. A significant study in 2024, involving Cardiff University and 26 NHS maternity sites, found no increase in adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes for those using water during labor and birth. Additionally, waterbirth has been observed to result in shorter labor durations, particularly for first-time mothers.

For newborns, research indicates that waterbirth does not adversely affect neonatal outcomes. It also brings benefits such as optimal cord clamping and skin-to-skin contact, which are crucial for newborn health. Emerging research on the infant microbiome suggests the need for further studies on the impact of waterbirth, but the existing evidence points to significant benefits.

Midwives and practitioners supporting waterbirth must possess or reacquire traditional skills to observe labor progress effectively. Autonomy and advocacy are essential components of midwifery practice, with practitioners encouraged to prioritize and respond to the preferences and needs of those in their care. Waterbirth provides an opportunity for midwives to exercise greater autonomy, especially in midwifery-led birth settings.Dianne Garland

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Host or Publisher Buckinghamshire NHS Trust - Maternity