It is being reported today that, 8 months pregnant singer, Charlotte Church is going to deliver her first child via water birth.
The 21-year-old – pregnant with her and rugby star boyfriend Gavin Henson’s first child – has purchased a birthing pool after a friend convinced her it was the best way to deliver.
Charlotte’s mother Maria revealed: “Her friend had a water birth and told her how great it was, so she’s going for it.
“They are all the rage at the moment and there are a lot of benefits with them too.”
Maria also revealed the Welsh singer and 25-year-old Gavin – who have been dating for two years – have decided not to find out the sex of their unborn baby until the big day.
She added: “She can’t sleep and is tired all the time. But she and Gavin are both so excited now and can’t wait to find out if they have a boy or a girl.”
Meanwhile, Charlotte has splashed out £30,000 to increase security at her country mansion before the baby’s arrival.
The Voice of an Angel star is said to be erecting a massive fence to guarantee privacy at her £800,000 estate in the Welsh village of St.
Brides Major, near Cardiff, which is located close to a busy public footpath.
One friend said: “She bought the house to get away from the attention so won’t feel happy until it is 100 per cent secure.”
This is a very ambitious step to take with your first birth.
In England, a water birth has become so common, it is considered an option for childbirth and not an alternative. Most English hospitals are now equipped to accommodate the request.
In North America, attitudes are not quite so forward thinking, but an increasing number of hospitals are recognizing the growing demand by women to give birth in water. Some hospitals do have birthing pools or, at the very least, Jacuzzis and hot tubs that are designed for elderly or disabled people but can easily be used by pregnant women. However, be aware that in many hospitals, while it is fine to remain in water during labor, actually giving birth in water is discouraged. If the hospital you plan to attend does not have a birthing pool, they may still have the facilities available for you to bring in your own pool.
Here are some benefits of delivering in water:
- Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and better blood circulation, resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby.
- Helps mother to conserve her energy. Immersion reduces opposition to gravity; supports the mother’s weight so that her energy can be used to cope with the contractions.
- Promotes deeper relaxation. As a woman relaxes deeply in water, her hormones kick in and she starts progressing faster and with more rhythm; labor becomes more efficient.
- Water minimizes pain so effectively that for most women other pain control methods are no longer needed.
