I’m mobile in the water and holding on to the railings as my husband soaks my forehead in ice cold water.

The hurt in my back starts to ease off now that I am in the bath and my muscles begin to relax. For a split second I visualize myself in a day health spa until the following contraction announces itself.

I studied so much about water births and I love water so the idea seemed sound to me. Plus, I read that the pain is less because the water takes the pressure off your body, it’s true.

It is simple to move around in the water whilst in labor too. You are able to rock your pelvis or turn on your back or front. Just move slowly through the water, it is almost effortless. In this way you can maintain your energy for the instants you need it the most, like when having to deal with contractions. The more you can relax your muscles the easier it is for your baby to move through the birth canal.

Having passed 9 months inside you we should make the baby’s first seconds finer. The water eases him into the world. No cold, no bright lights.

The midwife will help the baby float to the surface and then guide him onto the mother. There the baby takes his first breath.

Make sure the room is warmed, the lights are dull and there is a relaxing ambience with soft music, candles and aromatherapy. A tranquil as possible start to life in this noisy and bright world gives the baby less distress.

The whole experience is not only beneficial for your baby but for you too. Once your baby is born, you can relax in the pool for a while whilst clutching your baby to your chest. In my case my daughter actually started to look for my breast and latched on!

The calm babies who sleep well are those that have had water births. The water has a major influence on them and in turn on you, as a parent.

Martine Baanvinger is one of the creators of Raising-Angels.com. For further information about Waterbirth and other Natural Childbirth methods see her website at www.raising-angels.com.