News and Media Research Centre
University of Canberra
Building 9, Level C, Room 10
14/07/2024 |
Faculty of Health
Birthing with Confidence
Birthing in water is an age-old practice. In recent medicalised times, it has become controversial as there was little research to support its safety for newborns. A review and analysis were undertaken which supported the safety of waterbirths for newborns which gives medical teams and mothers confidence to make informed decisions.
Research that gathers participants experiences, perceptions and behaviour have highlighted the benefits of waterbirth on the labouring woman. Due to the nature of the birth experience, it is not surprising there was very little research to inform waterbirth practice and its safety. This created criticism of the potential impact on the newborn.
UC researchers undertook a review and analysis of existing data to provide the best available evidence of the effect of waterbirth compared to landbirth of babies born to low-risk women. Low risk pregnancies are defined as pregnancies with an absence of complications such as gestational diabetes, previous caesarean section, high blood pressure or other illnesses as well as no known complications with the unborn baby.
The research showed that waterbirths do not appear to be connected to adverse outcomes for babies born to low risk women. With no evidence to suggest that the practice of waterbirth in low-risk pregnancies is harmful to the newborn, both clinicians and women are able to make informed choices.
The research has been cited in several policy documents including Normal Birth Guideline by Queensland Health and the Policy for First Stage Labour and Birth in Water in South Australian Health Services.
Research team
Researchers from the Brighter Beginnings team in the Faculty of Health
- Deborah Davis
- Rowena Davies (Midwifery honours student)
- Nola Wong (Canberra Health Services)
- Melissa Pearce (Canberra Health Services)
