Autumn marks the peak childbirth season in our city, and water birth—a stark departure from traditional delivery methods—is gaining widespread attention. According to the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital, since pioneering water births in our province in May 2006, 20 newborns have been delivered in water. The joyful smiles on new mothers and their babies suggest that this "back-to-nature" approach transforms childbirth into a beautiful experience.
Water Birth: Not Mysterious
Recently, our reporter met Ms. Xiaolin at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital, who had just undergone a water birth. Though still showing signs of fatigue, Xiaolin excitedly shared: "It was amazing! Much easier than I imagined, and not too painful!"
Curiosity about water births runs high among citizens. Guo Yuping, head nurse of the maternity ward at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital, explains that the process holds little mystery. It generally unfolds as follows: In a specialized delivery room, the expectant mother soaks in a birthing pool resembling a massage bathtub, submerged up to her waist in circulating water maintained at 36°C to 37°C (97°F to 99°F).Under the guidance of a midwife, the mother breathes properly and relaxes. Gradually, a new life arrives safely into the world.
Water Birth Offers Many Benefits
Water birth has earned praise from mothers and their families for its advantages: shorter labor, less pain, smaller incisions, and lower overall costs compared to cesarean sections. Yang Hua, Deputy Director of the Obstetrics Department at the Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital, told reporters that water birth benefits both mother and baby.The optimal water temperature calms the mother, promotes cervical dilation, and helps activate the body's natural rhythms. Simultaneously, water's buoyancy counteracts gravity, allowing muscles to relax. This enables the mother to channel more energy into uterine contractions, shortening labor duration. Consequently, physical exertion is reduced, and postpartum recovery is significantly improved compared to other delivery methods. Additionally, buoyancy facilitates turning and resting positions.Mothers move more freely in water than on a delivery bed. Medical staff can guide them into various positions to help relax the pelvis and pelvic floor muscles, promote cervical dilation, and facilitate the baby's passage through the birth canal. For the baby, water birth offers a gentle transition. The aquatic environment mimics the amniotic fluid, creating a sensory continuity that allows the infant to emerge calmly, relaxed, and naturally into the outside world.
Some mothers may worry about the baby inhaling water. Director Yang Hua reassures that there is no need for concern—the baby's instincts will cause them to hold their breath before emerging, preventing water inhalation. Data indicates that infants born underwater are less likely to suffer injuries than those delivered through conventional methods.
Doctor's Note
Not All Mothers Are Eligible
While water birth offers benefits, it is not suitable for every mother.Director Yang Hua pointed out that based on typical conditions for Xiamen mothers, the fetus should ideally weigh around 3 kilograms—not too large—and be in the correct position to qualify for water birth. Additionally, mothers with heart disease, premature rupture of membranes during pregnancy, signs of difficult labor, or internal organ complications cannot undergo water birth.
Water Birth Has Existed Since Ancient Times
The practice of water birth has been known for many years.In fact, water birth is one of humanity's oldest birthing methods. Records indicate that "water birth" first emerged in early 19th-century France. Due to its shorter labor duration, reduced pain, and minimal trauma, it is regarded by the international medical community as a "return to nature" approach to childbirth. Countries such as the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe began researching this birthing method early on.
In 1965, Igor Charkovsky of the former Soviet Union assisted the first water birth; half a month later, another newborn arrived in the waters of the Bahamas, 250 nautical miles south of Miami, USA. Most early "water babies" were born in seawater. According to incomplete statistics, hundreds of mothers worldwide have successfully delivered infants in seawater to date.
Gaining Acceptance in China
In recent years, Chinese attitudes toward childbirth have evolved significantly, with scientific and alternative birthing methods gradually gaining public acceptance. In March 2003, mainland China's first water-born infant was delivered at Shanghai Changning Maternity and Child Health Hospital, introducing the concept of water birth to the Chinese public.Currently, half of the expectant mothers seeking water births in Shanghai come from major cities across mainland China, while the other half are international visitors. On average, one baby is born in water every five days.
Ma Nan, a pregnant woman from Beijing, was the first mainland Chinese woman to give birth in water. Recalling her experience, she repeatedly emphasized how incredibly comfortable it was.
A new approach called "couple-assisted water birth" is reportedly being piloted. Doctors believe that when husbands provide emotional support to their wives in the water, the delivery process becomes smoother. Many citizens also suggest that if the entire family sits in the pool during childbirth, with all relatives and friends gathered around the mother, the birth could become a celebration for women and a gathering of familial affection.
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