What we can learn from water

Water is an essential source in our lives. There are so many benefits that water provides during pregnancy, birth and in the postnatal period. During pregnancy it is essential that pregnant women remain hydrated. Hydration helps to maintain balance within our bodies, it helps with the flow of nutrients to the baby and the elimination of by-products produced from our diets and what the baby excretes. It is especially important during the warmer months to ensure you are well hydrated. A great indicator for you to assess your hydration is the colour of your urine. It needs to clear and pale yellow in colour.

Water is know to have many benefits during child birth such as reducing the length of labour, a more relaxing experience and a sense of control. The buoyancy water provides, promotes more efficient uterine contractions, improves blood circulation resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, providing more oxygen to the baby and less pain for the mother. Water immersion can lower blood pressure caused by anxiety.

Postnatally water can be a great way to settle your baby. Traditionally, bathing a baby has been something that parents do at the end of the day as part of a bedtime routine. This is an excellent practice but consider having your baby in the bath with one of you….it is such a great experience for you all. Be sensible about water temperature, body temperature is ideal.