Summit Maternity Care Center
Water Birth
In 1900 5% of families gave birth in a hospital.
-Wertz, Richard and Dorothy C. (1989, Sept.). Lying-In: A History of Childbirth in America. Yale University Press
Today, in our community 98% of families choose to give birth in a hospital and we see the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates as a developed country.
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We are in the business of changing our culture. Because we believe that how you are born, and how you are treated while you are giving birth impacts the world.
In 2023
51% of Summit babies were water born
Your midwives and midwife assistants have been trained in water birth and are proficient at overseeing and assisting in the labor and delivery of our water babies.
Benefits to water birth
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Water reduces pain. Water encourages the release of endorphins, hormones that lessen pain
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Water has buoyancy, taking pressure off the body and allowing women to move freely as their body encourages them into positions to help baby navigate the pelvis
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Warm water is relaxing, reducing the fear-tension-pain cycle and aiding in the progress of labor
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Women naturally support their tissue allowing stretching and decreased trauma to their vulva resulting in less tearing
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Baby is born into a gentle environment and received immediately by their loving family
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Baby is more likely to breastfeed instinctively
Is waterbirth safe?
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The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC), the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have endorsing waterbirth as a safe, evidence-based option.
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The AABC has released data from nearly 4,000 water births from birth centers in the United States, supporting water birth as safe for mothers and their babies.
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According to a study done by Oregon State University, water births are associated with lower risks for several other maternal outcomes, including fewer hemorrhages.
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Midwifery Today cites study that shows evidence that low-risk women who give birth in water may have a far lower rate of newborn GBS than women who have a dry birth.