Water Births

In early pregnancy, the baby experiences the womb as an ocean of warm amniotic fluid. The size of the watery womb is vast compared to the size of the baby. Gradually, as the baby grows, the amniotic ocean shrinks into mere pockets of insulation around the baby.

During labor, waves of uterine contractions mimic the waves of an ocean swell that arrive gently and infrequently at first, but build in frequency, size and power. The mother and baby ride the waves together to birth the baby.

One can imagine that being born into a pool of warm water may momentarily ease the baby’s transition from the warm, watery womb to the cooler air environment of the extra-uterine world.

Warm water can also be soothing for the mother during labor and birth. Water is shown to be as effective as morphine for pain relief during labor. Warm water may also help the mother’s skin to stretch when the baby’s head crowns.

There are many studies in the scientific literature to prove that waterbirth is safe. Air on skin is the stimulus to breathe. While underwater the baby is not stimulated yet by air and does not draw the first breath until he/she emerges from the water.

There are many birthing tubs available. You can birth in your own bathtub or rent, borrow or buy a tub. One popular tub for sale is the “La Bassine.” It’s constructed in the water and is made for waterbirthing. It costs about $100. Other items you’ll need for a waterbirth are a fishnet to scoop out labor debris from the water and a new garden hose to fill the tub. For more on waterbirth and tubs, visit Waterbirth International, www.waterbirth.org/.

San Diego hospitals do not permit birthing in water.

Let us place the infant, replace it rather, into water!
For the baby has emerged from water, the maternal waters that have carried it, caressed and cradled it. Made it light as a bird…

A bath has been prepared in a basin. At the temperature of the body or thereabouts-ninety-eight or ninety-nine degrees.

We place the child in it.
Once again, extremely slowly.
As the baby sinks down, it becomes weightless, and is set free of the body that is overwhelming it- the body with all its burden of harsh new sensation.

The infant floats. Disembodied. Light. As free as in the early, distant days of pregnancy, when it could play, could move about without restrictions in a limitless sea.

It’s surprise, its joy are boundless.
In its element once more, the infant forgets what it has just left behind: forgets its mother. It has returned inside her

~ Frederick Leboyer

Sey Pitton

The whole time I was under Brooke’s care, I felt so deeply taken care of. Physically, mentally, emotionally. This was my first homebirth, and I am so glad that I entrusted the birth of my baby in Brooke’s and Brigid’s hands. I got the sense that they truly care about what you want and making that happen while making sure everybody involved is safe. They went the extra mile to make sure they did the best they can do for me and my baby. I labored a lot longer than we expected, but they made sure that both my baby and I were safe, and it turned out to be the beautiful homebirth that I always wanted. I highly recommend Brooke Ray to any mom and family who want a homebirth. - 11/26/2024
read moreread less

×

Sey Pitton

- 11/26/2024

The whole time I was under Brooke’s care, I felt so deeply taken care of. Physically, mentally, emotionally. This was my first homebirth, and I am so glad that I entrusted the birth of my baby in Brooke’s and Brigid’s hands. I got the sense that they truly care about what you want and making that happen while making sure everybody involved is safe. They went the extra mile to make sure they did the best they can do for me and my baby. I labored a lot longer than we expected, but they made sure that both my baby and I were safe, and it turned out to be the beautiful homebirth that I always wanted. I highly recommend Brooke Ray to any mom and family who want a homebirth.
Jessica Hickey

We are so grateful to have had Brooke supporting us through our fourth pregnancy & first home birth. Brooke and her team were amazing— they are super friendly and professional, and made me feel very comfortable and cared for throughout my pregnancy, the birth, and postpartum. If you are looking for a midwife, I highly recommend Brooke! - 7/25/2024
read moreread less

×

Jessica Hickey

- 7/25/2024

We are so grateful to have had Brooke supporting us through our fourth pregnancy & first home birth. Brooke and her team were amazing— they are super friendly and professional, and made me feel very comfortable and cared for throughout my pregnancy, the birth, and postpartum. If you are looking for a midwife, I highly recommend Brooke!
Ariana Brookshier

Brooke was my midwife for my second pregnancy and I am beyond grateful for her thoughtful care throughout the whole process. She took the time at each prenatal appointment to go over any questions or concerns that I may have. She never rushed the appointments and addressed each concern with patience and care. It is extremely evident that Brooke has a huge heart for pregnant mamas and their babies. I have never experienced care like hers from another health care provider. Brooke’s calm spirit was extremely comforting at my home birth. I felt completely safe knowing her extensive experience. Feeling safe was a big concern for me, but I never doubted my safety or my baby’s while under Brooke’s care. Brigid, Brooke’s assistant, was also apart of every prenatal appointment and a big part of my birth. She is extremely patient and nurturing. They made an amazing team and I will miss seeing them both on a regular basis. One thing that really stood out to me was Brooke and Brigid’s desire to get to know me and my family on a personal level before our home birth. I found this to be so valuable and it made me feel extremely comfortable inviting them in to our home. I will shout Brooke’s praises from the rooftops forever. If I have another baby, there is no question that I will want Brooke as my midwife. - 7/06/2024
read moreread less

×

Ariana Brookshier

- 7/06/2024

Brooke was my midwife for my second pregnancy and I am beyond grateful for her thoughtful care throughout the whole process. She took the time at each prenatal appointment to go over any questions or concerns that I may have. She never rushed the appointments and addressed each concern with patience and care. It is extremely evident that Brooke has a huge heart for pregnant mamas and their babies. I have never experienced care like hers from another health care provider. Brooke’s calm spirit was extremely comforting at my home birth. I felt completely safe knowing her extensive experience. Feeling safe was a big concern for me, but I never doubted my safety or my baby’s while under Brooke’s care. Brigid, Brooke’s assistant, was also apart of every prenatal appointment and a big part of my birth. She is extremely patient and nurturing. They made an amazing team and I will miss seeing them both on a regular basis. One thing that really stood out to me was Brooke and Brigid’s desire to get to know me and my family on a personal level before our home birth. I found this to be so valuable and it made me feel extremely comfortable inviting them in to our home. I will shout Brooke’s praises from the rooftops forever. If I have another baby, there is no question that I will want Brooke as my midwife.