Why I chose to do water birth during a pandemic

Water birth during a pandemic?

Let me tell you about my personal journey in the eventful year of 2020.

It all began when we found out we were expecting our firstborn. After reading up on pregnancy facts, gentle birth, hypnobirthing, and Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, I was convinced that Lamaze birthing isn’t the only way I could give birth (Btw, I really wanted an unmedicated a.k.a. no anesthesia birth just like my mom). Especially at a time like this. Covid-19 made all the hospital protocols stricter and the situation was not ideal. At all.

The notion that birth is painful and scary has to be demystified. In this day and age, thanks to technology, people think “I’ll choose the easy way and just leave it to the doctors and medical drugs so I won’t feel anything”. Where’s the beauty in that? I personally wanted to make my birth a beautiful and memorable one. Not saying that moms who have caesarean births are less of a mother; that’s their story to tell. How I see “beautiful birth” is one that is natural. Going back to how mammals and our ancestors did it — how God perfectly designed women’s bodies to nurture and give birth the natural way.

Good thing my childbirth class covered stages of labor, birthing methods, tips on dealing with healthcare providers, and words of advice on the pandemic sitch. Eventually our class instructor also became our birth doula. She was the one who referred Ate Aileen, the renowned Marikina-based midwife who is a gentle birth advocate. To my surprise there are actually trusted midwives doing this in the Philippines, just like in the UK and USA!

If you’re not aware yet, gentle birth sheds light on the rights of the mother (and her baby), and the kind of support they both receive. Mom’s birth preferences are met by birth attendants and she chooses who will be part of her birth team.

Two most important components for a gentle birth:

1. A baby should not be separated from the mother
2. The mother’s wishes should be respected. It should be the least traumatic as possible for both mother and child.

We all have our own definition of ‘traumatic’ and ‘beautiful’, right? And being the analytical thinker + yogi that I am, I researched on my birth options and listed down different scenarios.

Options	Pros	Cons
Hospital	1. Physicians present 2. Lamaze private room 3. Swab test required 4. COVID-positive patients separated from COVID-negative	1. Mom wears mask while pushing 2. Mom’s head will be in an aerosol box (?) 3. No food and drinks allowed in the delivery room 4. More expensive – have to pay for PPEs and tools (+20-30k) 5. Husband not allowed even if I use Lamaze suite 6. Not 100% gentle birth 7. Lithiotomy position while pushing 8. Routine episiotomy
Lying-In Clinic	1. 100% gentle birth 2. Pushing position any way I want (all fours, squat, can bring exercise ball) 3. Option to do water birth 4. Positive affirmation 5. Positive and cozy environment 6. Can eat and drink during labor 7. No time pressure 8. Husband and doula are part of birth team 9. Cheaper package 10. Photos and videos are allowed	1. No COVID test required 2. Small tight space 3. In case of emergency, need to rush to the hospital 4. Free ambulance only within Marikina 5. No Philhealth discount Php 6500

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I had a low-risk first pregnancy (praise the Lord #blessed) and the pros for giving birth at the lying-in far outweighed the cons and supported my emotional needs. I wanted my birth experience to be perfect. I wanted to feel every sensation and be in the moment with my trusted birth team. Overall, it made sense for me to go with the 2nd option.

Weeks passed, and I knew in my heart that norm would not and should not dictate my decision. So I gathered all my courage and went for it.

When I made up my mind and told my OB, I felt a huge relief. She was supportive! We continued our ultrasound and biweekly check ups with her at Cardinal Santos. My husband and I also went to Marikina Maternity Clinic for monthly checkups with Midwife Aileen. Two different styles and two different perspectives, but it made us more confident that we made the right decision. There’s no turning back.

What you have to consider and talk about with your OB/midwife:

• Onset of labor – Do you want it spontaneous or do you want to be induced?
• Labor clothes
• The environment – dim lights, bring your own birth posters, music? How do you want to set the mood?
• Companion – Who do you want to be there with you?
• Monitoring – frequency and device used; use of handheld doppler (intermittent) or electronic monitor (strapped)?
• Pain relief – breathing, meditation, hot water, massage
• Nourishment – food and drinks
• Pushing and Labor – directed pushing? What position would you like to be in?
• Perineal care – how will you avoid vaginal tear?
• Cord cutting
• Baby care – examinations, skin to skin, and bath
• Any non-negotiables?

Realistically as a first-time mom you are clueless what these things are and lean towards ‘trusting your provider’. But in this digital age, everything is easily Google-able. Do your research and always check your B.R.A.I.N. (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Do Nothing). After all, this is your life and your journey. So take charge; don’t just leave the decision-making to someone else. Then talk to your doctor / midwife about it and trust your gut.

My initial interest to do Lamaze (no epidural) led me to gentle birth which then led me to do water birth. In fact, after experiencing it for myself, I can say that birth is indeed a spiritual and mental experience unlike any other. My advice? Know your limits and do not let fear get in the way. Stick to positive, loving thoughts ONLY. Do meditation, gardening, or prenatal yoga– whichever gets you through.

These are all new to me too, but it really felt like my body knew exactly how to give birth. Amazing, right!? As I entered each stage of labor (early, active, and transition phase) last Sept 3, my husband and I were prepared with breathing exercises and pushing positions, be it on the exercise ball or in the inflatable pool. God gave us this wonderful birthing experience and baby girl as 2020’s best gifts. I wouldn’t ask for anything else.

More about my birthing story here

P.S. There are lots of resources out there: pregnancy apps, books, audiobooks, birth class, webinars — use them to your advantage. It’s never too early or late to prepare yourself.