Pain Relief During Childbirth - Birthing Pool
Many hospitals now have birthing pools - which provide a good level of pain relief during childbirth - although by no means all. Often, however, they are only available on a first-come basis. However, if you are aiming for a home-birth they are freely available for hire.
During a birthing pool labor it is vital that the water temperature is carefully controlled.
Many women find that water has a soothing effect allowing them to relax for longer during labor and also allowing them to go drug-free entirely or for longer periods of time. You may choose to either spend all of your labor in the pool or you may want to use it for a shorter period of time and leave the pool before the baby is born.
Babies born in a birthing pool may experience a less traumatic birth experience as they are born straight into the warm water!
