A waterbirth is not only an effective way to relieve the pain of labor but an easier way for a baby to be born.
Sure, dolphins and whales can give birth in the water. But what about humans? It does sound a bit strange to some people, but it is quickly becoming the trend in many parts of the country. Even hospitals that seemed far from considering it are grabbing their checkbooks and purchasing birthing tubs to accommodate pregnant women's requests.
And those requests are coming from the knowledge that waterbirth is not only safe but an easier way to labor and a smoother transition for the baby. The warm water of a birthing tub is soothing to all the aches and pains of pregnancy and makes moving around much easier. Gone are the difficulties of switching positions in bed and trying to lug around the extra weight of a growing baby. Being able to float enables relaxation which helps labor to progress quicker and makes pushing the baby out less restrictive.
When the baby is born, the gradual change from amniotic fluid to birthing tub water to air is much gentler on the baby's first moments of life. Since the babies do not usually breathe when their heads emerge there is little risk they will inhale water. Also, water babies, as they are often called, typically cry less than babies born out of water and are able to remain with their mother in the water for some bonding time after birth.
If that is not convincing enough for waterbirth skeptics, consider what fears you may have underlying about giving birth in or out of water. If you are concerned you will need an epidural for the pain and shouldn't birth in water, consider the pain-relieving quality of warm water. Laboring in water is easier on the contracting uterus if you are more relaxed and able to position yourself more freely. This will help decrease your pain which will facilitate your baby's birth without an epidural which can inhibit your ability to push.
If you need IV medications for some reason while you labor, you can rest assured that won't stop a waterbirth either. Medication can be administered just the same in or out of water.
You may want your support person to be right beside you while you labor and deliver your baby and think that won't be possible in the water. Depending on the facility you deliver in, your birth partner is likely to be able to join you in the tub and help create the intimacy you want in your birth experience.
Maybe you just do not feel comfortable in water and would rather have your feet planted on the ground. You can still consider a birthing tub for labor only and decide at the moment of birth if it feels right for you and your baby.
