Water Labour, Water Birth: A Guide to the Use of Water During

Midwife Annie Sprague has been attending births in water for more than 20 years and noticed that women who used a birth pool or deep bath appeared to have easier, shorter labours and births with more intact perineum's, zero episiotomies and no babies drowned or were sick due to being born in water. Women spoke of the pain relief that water provided. Yet, using a birthing pool or spa bath for labour is not commonly offered to women for pain and stress relief. Rules about water use have been made. These effectively deny women opportunities to use non-drug methods of pain relief, restrict midwifery practice, and women's choices. This stimulated Annie to research why this was so. Water Labour, Water Birth summarises the evidence from Annie's research and incorporates clinical guidelines for maternity units, midwives, women and health professionals who wish to facilitate normal birth. This comprehensive, evidence-based and visually beautiful book can dispel myths, inform protocol and enable those involved in maternity care gain confidence to give water a go whilst offering the best care to women who choose to labour and give birth in water. The numerous birth stories and children's comments will inspire all who read it.