07/09/2025
The other day, as I labored with a strong momma working hard to bring her baby into her arms, I once again got to witness the therapeutic power of water that no doubt helped this momma avoid unwanted interventions and achieve her natural birth goals.
The warm showerhead beating down on her back was just the trick to give her maximum relief while allowing her to be upright, standing and squatting, to work with gravity to labor her baby down. The soothing rhythm kept her blood pressure in a safe enough range to stave off further medications and some proposed interventions. The enclosed space was like a sacred, primal nook that gave her privacy and security from distractions, bright lights, and questions (except for my prompt hydration reminders đ). Her sister and I took turns giving her back rubs, cool rags, and hip massages.
When you are planning your natural birth, do not forget the power of our most readily available pain management tool - WATER!!!! Itâs like natureâs epidural! This birth happened in a hospital. When you are choosing your birth location, make sure you are asking how they feel about showers in labor. Unfortunately some birthing suites have them just for show and have so much red tape around using them. Odd, I know. Thankfully this hospital and the OB were incredibly accommodating!
