RE: [ozmidwifery] Waterbirths

[Megan & Larry]

Not sure for how long but at the moment this story is on the main page of www.NEWS.com.au , has a picture of a baby under water and then the article has a picture of Elle. Anyway, its a good promotion for water birth.   cheers Megan From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Helen and Graham Sent: Sunday, 8 January 2006 10:45 PM To: ozmidwifery Subject: [ozmidwifery] Waterbirths A rising tide of water births From: By Ellen Connolly January 08, 2006 UNDERWATER births have risen by nearly 40 per cent in the past five years as women aim for more natural delivery, Homebirth Australia has found. "More and more women are using water as a pain reliever, either at home or in birthing centres," said Homebirth Australia secretary Justine Caines, who recently gave birth to twins in a blow-up pool at her home. The Royal Hospital for Women reported 126 of its births, or 38 per cent, were under water last year compared to 25 per cent in 1997. Celebrities including Elle Macpherson, Kate Winslet and Pamela Anderson have embraced the growing trend. And most recently, MacLeod's Daughters star Bridie Carter had a water birth. At least seven NSW hospitals have water birth facilities. In 2004, research published in the British Medical Journal showed women who spent at least part of their labour in water had less pain and were less likely to require intervention than those cared for in the conventional way. However, the Australian Medical Association opposes water births because of "potential risks for the baby", including water in the lungs".