Labor Pains

Is there any downside to this?

As long as it's done in a reasonable environment, the safety record is tremendous. Most women labor in water and then get out for delivery. It's less common, but some women give birth under water. The babies don't take their first breath until they come out of the water. That's becoming more common in birthing centers. It's much less common in hospitals.

What about acupuncture, hypnosis and massage?

All are becoming more common and some people do a combination of things. A technique we're seeing more of is hypno-birthing. You need to take classes in advance. Some women bring their instructors with them or hire a doula ( an ancient word for a birthing assistant) to do it with them. It can be extremely effective, and it's compatible with having an epidural. The same is true of acupuncture or massage, but I don't think acupuncture is all that effective during labor and massage is more of a distraction. Women use these techniques during early labor and get as much efficacy out of them as they can, and then, if they decide that they want to get an epidural later, they can. Some women also request that the lights be turned down and that music be playing. That can be very soothing and it creates a nice situation.

Are most hospitals open to these things?

Change comes very slowly in medicine. Many people in labor and delivery look at any alternative providers as a threat to their territory. But I am seeing attitudes changing and I think more hospitals are more willing to allow women to bring in a midwife or doula or alternative provider. The majority of these providers are wonderful and fit in beautifully and know their role.