Sushma was very keen to have a waterbirth. At 38 weeks, with long, irregular waves coming on and off Sushma spent her prelabour time at the hospital listening to some chants and enjoying a list of comfort measures – back massages, acupressure, hot water showers. While she remained upright and mobile she also managed to take short naps.
As the long regular waves finally hit shore, Sushma opted to get into the pool. The whole birthing environment was made just the way she had wanted it- dim lighting, soft music in the background and the room filled with the sweet aroma of lavender. She kept swaying to her own rhythm while the pool was being prepared. Once Sushma got into the pool, she relaxed with tranquility written on her face. Sushma invited her husband, Teja into the pool. The active supportive presence of Teja helped Sushma relax and feel safe. All through, Sushma and her baby were constantly being monitored by our efficient midwives.
The quiet and peaceful birthing room was filled with oxytocin, unlike the typical hostile “labour rooms” in hospitals today. Observing this mother so beautifully listening to her body, responding with occasional short mourns, constantly changing positions in the pool, both partners locking eyes in between and gently talking to their baby was a sacred space to be enjoyed, respected and cherished. Together Sushma and Teja would drift off to sleep between waves. The midwives ensured that Sushma was well hydrated and also fed her with light snacks.
Sushma finally started feeling an urge to push. Teja gently helped her in changing positions in the pool. Sushma felt more pressure and kept following her body till finally the little one just slid out of her, born “en-caul”. A beautiful water birth indeed. Sushma and Teja could not stop shedding tears of happiness as they heard their baby’s first cry and Sushma gently hugged her baby boy close to her heart. After waiting for the cord pulsations to stop, Teja cut the umbilical cord. The midwives stood silently at one end of the pool and let this ‘just completed family’ enjoy their special moment. Sushma gave skin-to-skin to her baby while Teja embraced them both in a protective hug. A lot more oxytocin in the room. Indeed a moment to cherish!!