Water births are now offered at South Fulton Medical Center as part of the comprehensive birthing options already available.

“Water births have been around for a long time and is safe option for women,” says Marsha Ford, a midwife who delivers at South Fulton Medical Center. “It may give the mother more feeling of control and also may reduce the need for medications.”

A recent study published in Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy looked at the results of more than 2,000 water births. According to the authors of the study, water births resulted in fewer episiotomies and less maternal blood loss. Women choosing water birth also used fewer pain medications.

 “Some women find water helps them relax during labor and being relaxed may help decrease stress hormones and allow a more functional progression of labor and, perhaps, less pain,” says Ford. “Some women find that the relative weightlessness caused by water buoyancy helps with repositioning, comfort and muscle support and the buoyant effect of water may lessen muscle tension and promote relaxation.”

Other options for birth at South Fulton Medical Center include:

• Natural birth
• Traditional birth
• Lamaze
• Vaginal birth after Caesarean section
• Caesarean section

For a referral to an Obstetrics physician or midwife, please call 404-466-WELL (9355) or visit southfultonmedicalcenter.com under “Find a Physician” and “Obstetrics” or “Midwife.”