Why is water birth not available in more hospitals?
Water birth profoundly demonstrates that a woman is empowered by “giving birth”, not “being delivered”. Women have historically given away their power to medical authorities, and doctors have become used to being in control of the birth process. Many health care providers are beginning to see the great number of women that are not satisfied with this type of birth experience, but others are still “locked into” the medical technological model of birth. As couples become more informed of their options, they are assuming more responsibility for their own birth process. Water birth is more a philosophy of non-intervention than a method of giving birth. GMCHA works diligently with couples who want to use warm water during their births in a hospital environment. We have successfully had approvals for our portable tubs in over 100 hospitals in the last four years. Hospitals are more cooperative today than ever before as doctors and midwives begin to see the benefits of allowing women to make
