By providing hydrotherapy we are offering our patients with a great alternative for use in labor. Hydrotherapy is the application of water externally for therapeutic effects. Immersing the body in water is an effective method of relieving pain, promoting muscular relaxation and reducing psychological tension. The water will feel comfortably warm and covers the body completely and the mother to be can remain in the tub as long as she wishes during labor. Hydrotherapy does not compromise the fetus and thus appears to be an ideal analgesic for use during labor. The purpose of the tub is to provide the laboring mother with a flexible, low risk alternative to laboring in the bed or shower. It enhances the normal physologial process of birth and also enhances the motherís relaxation and minimizes the need for medical intervention. Women in the buoyancy of the heated water experience support for tense muscles and therefore less pain. When relaxation occurs, less adrenaline is produced, while endorphin and oxytocin production is increased. Labor is therefore stimulated and more rapid dilation can occur. Blood pressure can also be decreased and diureses is increased while in the water. Woman are eligible to use the tub once active labor is established. It is advised not to use the tub until you are 4-5 cms, because if you are still in the early stages of labor, contractions may slow down. The tub is large enough so that the mother can still remain somewhat mobile. If she is experiencing back labor, she can kneel in the tub, draping over the birth ball and resting her head on the edge of the tub. The use of hydrotherapy has been proven to relax the mother in such a way and allow labor to progress without the need for medication.

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Family Nurse Midwife Associates and the Jeannette Hospital Family Birth Place are pleased to announce that our hydrotherapy tub has arrived and that it is available for viewing during regular Family Birth Place Tours.

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