The temperature must be comfortable for mom, and the water level should cover her abdomen. Take the baby gently out of water soon after the birth. Keep baby warm, using warm wet blankets. Keep room temperature warm, and have plenty of dry towels available. Even though the literature on the use of water during the maternity cycle and early infancy is limited to only several articles and books, the information provides a basis for safety and general benefits of the waterbirth method.
Water serves to relax the laboring woman.
Water immersion provides comfort and a lowering of stress hormones that facilitates labor. Water serves to increase the elasticity of tissue and promote tissue integrity. Episiotomies can be performed in water but are not generally recommended. It is recommended to help the woman out of the water during complicated deliveries in order to use the force of gravity. The breathing mechanism of the newborn is stimulated by a change in temperature and by the contact of the skin with air.