Water Birth

Benefits to water birth

Water reduces pain. Water encourages the release of endorphins, hormones that lessen pain
Water has buoyancy, taking pressure off the body and allowing women to move freely as their body encourages them into positions to help baby navigate the pelvis
Warm water is relaxing, reducing the fear-tension-pain cycle and aiding in the progress of labor
Women naturally support their tissue allowing stretching and decreased trauma to their vulva resulting in less tearing
Baby is born into a gentle environment and received immediately by their loving family
Baby is more likely to breastfeed instinctively

The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have endorsing waterbirth as a safe, evidence-based option.
The AABC has released data from nearly 4,000 water births from birth centers in the United States, supporting water birth as safe for mothers and their babies.
According to a study done by Oregon State University, water births are associated with lower risks for several other maternal outcomes, including fewer hemorrhages.
Midwifery Today cites study that shows evidence that low-risk women who give birth in water may have a far lower rate of newborn GBS than women who have a dry birth.