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Relaxation for the mother
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Pain Management- less or no need for medical intervention
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Water creates support and equal pressure on all parts of a woman's body
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Less energy used when birthing in water, less pain, less anxiety for mother and baby
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Water birth seems to result in lower adrenalin (fight or flight response) levels resulting in better oxytocin and oxygen flow to the mother, increased blood supply to the uterus. As a result contractions are more efficient
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An improved blood supply to the placenta during water birth also improves the unborn baby's oxygen levels
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Water results in a small decrease in the mothers blood pressure
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The mother can find a comfortable position more efficiently and ease the descent of the baby through the birth canal
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Water provides flexibility
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Birth from water into water is a gentle transition for the baby
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There is less risk of tearing and skin tissue trauma to mother and less risk of tissue trauma to baby
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Water birth is an extremely gentle birth method for mother and baby
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Water can make pushing easier
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The buoyancy of water means the baby does not have to be turned or twisted to deliver the shoulders in most cases
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Birthing in the water provides the baby with almost the exact replica of the womb environment- wet, warm, weightless and gentle
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Cleanup of a water birth can be very easy with little mess
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The mother can easily move positions to find one most comfortable for herself with each contraction
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The mother feels less pressure on the abdomen and uterus with contractions
