The History of Water Birth in the U.S.

Origin

• The efficacy of water birthing was studied during the 1960s by several leading researchers of obstetrics. Igor Tjarkovsky, a Russian researcher, performed several studies on the safety and benefits of water births. His data indicated that this method served to lessen birth-related trauma. During the same decade, French obstetrician Frederick Leboyer performed studies in which infants were immediately immersed in water after birth. His findings supported those of Charkovsky.

Introduction

• Water birthing was introduced into the United States during the early 1980s, when Erik Sidenbladh's book "Water Babies" gained worldwide attention. Published in 1982, "Water Babies" chronicles the life and work of Igor Tjarkovsky. Sidenbladh's book pioneered the practice of water birth in the U.S. Although no longer in publication, used copies of "Water Babies" are available from book dealers. The book is a comprehensive source of information for anyone interested in the history of water birth.

Progression

• By the 1990s, many people in the United States were exploring the practice of water births as a gentler alternative to traditional methods. Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, New Hampshire, began offering water births in 1991 and became the first U.S. hospital to develop a protocol for water birthing. By 2005, more than 300 U.S. hospitals had adopted Monadnock's protocol or developed their own protocols.

Controversy

• Water birth still remains a controversial birthing method due in large part to the lack of studies performed in the U.S. Critics argue that because water aspiration is always a possibility and can lead to many serious complications, the benefits are not outweighed by the inherent risks. As of 2009, only 10 percent of U.S. hospitals offered water birth as an option.

Advocates

• Advocates for water birth, including midwifes, nurse practitioners, and physicians, claim that the risk to newborns is minimal and easily outweighed by the benefits. U.S. supporters of water birth cite studies performed in Europe, such as in the March 2000 issue of Switzerland's "Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy," whose findings suggest several key advantages to water birth when compared to other methods. For example, mothers laboring in water required less pain medication, fewer episiotomies and experienced less discomfort overall while newborns appeared more calm, healthy and alert.