Houston Water Birth Resources
For general information regarding water birth, this website has some great information that would be worthwhile reading. Some of the information covered ranges from aspiration concerns to, comfort for mom during labor, to how water birthing affects baby during and after delivery.
There are a ton of birthing centers, midwives, doulas, etc. in the state of Texas. That is why I am linking this list of all of the licensed professionals in this arena. This makes it easy to find their name, service area, phone number, and status of business when you are trying to figure out your Houston water birth plan.
The Greater Houston Midwives Organization provides a slew of resources on their website as well. This is a must read if you are considering a Houston water birth! The videos on their information page include what a midwife is, information about circumcision, how to calm a crying baby (with tips that actually work!), addressing the safety concerns of home births, and so much more. I have watched all of them, and I would go as far as to say that if you are on the fence, you can’t afford not to visit their site and watch each of the videos.
Risks versus Benefits of a water birth
Houston Water Birth costs
When looking into a Houston water birth, there are a few cost factors to consider. First, you need a birthing tub and supplies. Those can actually be found on amazon, or you can usually be directed on where to purchase from your midwife. Depending on the location of your birth, such as a birth center, home, or hospital, there are fees for those services as well.
(Most hospitals do not allow water delivery, however, Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women does allow women to labor in a tub. Here’s more information on a blog I wrote about their facility.)
Here is some information on some great midwives in Houston, if you’re on the hunt!
For birthing center locations, I’ve also written a blog highlighting some that will knock your socks off! If you have been researching birth options, you may have run into some information on Patty Ghaly, and if you’re looking for some additional info, here ya’ go!
Why water birth?
You’ll hear so many different labor & delivery stories from so many women. No one woman has exactly the same experience as another, which is why information can vary so much. However, with that being said, there is resounding evidence that laboring in water markedly reduces the level of pain for a laboring mama. People often ask why water helps during birth? The answer is quite simple. Think about it at the foundation. Warm water is soothing, right? Right. That leads to relaxation for your muscles and mind. It triggers the release of endorphins and improves blood flow to the uterine muscles, hence working with your body to dilate and relax in order to be able to push baby down the birth canal.
Things to consider when having a water birth
Of course, there are pros and cons to every birth, no matter what. I suggest writing out a list of the things that are very important to you and list every single thing you can think of. Then try to prioritize the list. Highlight the topics that are “non negotiable” to you. Your decision making then becomes easier when you have a concrete idea of what truly is important to you, and what you are willing to sacrifice. Ultimately, baby and moms safety is number one. After that, it usually boils down to comfort and what will make the experience what you are envisioning.
What supplies do you need for a water birth?
To sum it up, if you’re in Houston and considering a water birth, you have a lot of options and resources. I hope this blog answers some questions that may have popped into your head, or possibly even answered a question you didn’t know you had. I have given birth 4 times and I can honestly say that the moments I labored in the tub were hands down, the least painful moments of all. With that being said, there are some caveats to water births, so do your homework and see what fits your needs the best!
I am a Houston based wedding, family, maternity, and newborn photographer and would love to chat about documenting your Houston water birth.
Here are some additional blogs that I think you will find valuable and I’d love to share.
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