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Maternity Care
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Waterbirth
Often called a "gentle birth," waterbirth is a safe option for both mothers and babies. It has steadily gained in popularity in recent years as many women have found they prefer the calming effects of warm water to a traditional, or "land," birth.
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) from HealthEast Clinics offer waterbirth as an option at Woodwinds Health Campus. CNMs concentrate on the unique physical, emotional and social well-being of the expectant mother and her family. Offering individualized care, certified nurse midwives encourage women to make birthing choices - including waterbirth - based on their personal needs.
During a waterbirth, the mother gives birth under water in a birthing tub. She may also spend part of her labor in the tub. This special tub is larger and deeper than a regular bathtub and it allows the mother to try a variety of different positions during labor and delivery. The baby emerges into the warm water before being brought out to take its first breath.
Will the baby inhale water?
One common question is "doesn't the baby try to breathe under water?" Actually, babies start breathing when they feel the cool, dry air. The baby goes from the fluid in the womb, into the warm water of the tub. The baby is then gently brought out of the water. The mother can hold the baby immediately. He or she then takes a first breath of air. The umbilical cord is still attached and the baby continues to get oxygen through the cord.
Waterbirth benefits
Research shows the safety and advantages of laboring and birthing in water. A study published in Fetal Diagnosis & Therapy (5(5): 291-300) in 2000 reviewed three birthing options: waterbirth, birthing stool and bed. Births in water had the lowest rates of episiotomy, medication use and blood loss. Waterbirth babies had much higher oxygen blood levels. They also had higher Apgar scores. The study found that there was very low risk for infection. There were also no reported cases of babies breathing the water or other complications f the mother or child, related to the water.
Many women who've chosen waterbirth have experienced the following benefits:
- A birth that's as safe as a "land" birth
- Reduced pain and increased support to tense muscles
- Increased comfort and relaxation
- Decreased adrenaline production, allowing for a shorter labor
- Easier to move during labor and delivery
- Reduced pressure on the abdomen, better blood circulation and more oxygen to the mother and baby due to the buoyancy of the water
- Increased sense of independence, power and autonomy during labor and delivery
- Reduced need for medical intervention and pain medication
- Reduced rate of Cesarean section
- Reduced rate of episiotomy, as water relaxes the pelvic floor muscles
- Father/partner may take a more active role in the birth experience
Advantages for baby:
- An easier, more gentle transition from mother's womb to an external "womb" of water that is weightless, warm, wet and soft
- Decreased trauma at birth
- More blood flow to the baby due to better circulation of the mother
- Baby isn't stimulated to induce breathing, which results in less crying after birth and a calmer, more alert state
- Bacteria is dissipated in the water, reducing the risk of infection to the baby
- Cord cutting after birth is delayed until it stops pulsating, allowing a continuous oxygen flow to baby
- Moms have reported better initial breastfeeding
During a waterbirth
The water temperature is kept between 95 and 100 degrees F. Staying in the water for too long (more than two hours at a time) or getting in the tub too early may slow labor down. Therefore, we recommend that you not get into the tub until you have reached about five centimeters in cervical dilatation.
You may be asked to leave the tub under the following circumstances:
- You become light-headed, dizzy or extremely fatigued
- The baby is experiencing distress
- There is a need to monitor the baby with the electronic fetal monitor (if telemetry is not available)
- Your temperature is above 100.4 degrees F.
- The amniotic fluid is meconium stained
- For the birth of the placenta
- For suturing, if needed
- To evaluate blood loss
Considering a waterbirth?
When choosing a waterbirth, it's important to discuss your decision with your midwife and meet the criteria listed below. If you plan to have a waterbirth, you will have some additional lab work done, including testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. You will also be asked to read the waterbirth information sheet and sign a consent form.
When considering a waterbirth, an expectant mother must:
- Not have medical conditions such as hypertension or a maternal infection
- Not have had a previous Cesarean section
- Not be pregnant with multiples
- Be at least 37 to 42 weeks gestation
- Have a low risk pregnancy
- Have a fetal heart rate that is reassuring
- Not have a baby that is in a breech position
- Not have placental abnormalities
- Not have a baby that is expected to be above normal size, creating the likelihood of a difficult birth
Make an appointment
To schedule an appointment with a HealthEast certified nurse midwife, contact one of the following clinics:
HealthEast Woodbury Clinic
HealthEast Macalester/Groveland Clinic
HealthEast Roselawn Clinic
HealthEast Salud Integral
Resources for more information:
www.waterbirthinfo.com
Espanol
www.withwomanweb.com/links.asp#esp
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See the Woodwinds waterbirth tub
Click images to enlarge
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Maternity Care
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Breastfeeding Support
Woodwinds Maternity Care is an advocate for breastfeeding and is committed to providing support and education. However, we also understand that breastfeeding is not for everyone. Whether or not you choose to breastfeed, your decision will be supported and respected by our staff.
Before your baby is born
We offer a prenatal class called Breastfeeding Basics to help expectant parents learn about breastfeeding. The class provides the basic, essential information needed for success and includes:
- Benefits of breastfeeding
- Preparing for breastfeeding
- Role of the support person
- Avoiding and solving problems
In the hospital
All Maternity Care nurses have specialized training to support lactation (breastfeeding). We also offer a breastfeeding class on the Maternity Care floor daily. All Maternity Care patients are invited to attend. A certified lactation consultant is available to help if a concern arises.
After you go home
After discharge, you can get breastfeeding support by telephone or by scheduling an appointment with a certified lactation consultant.
Call 651/232-3147 to schedule an appointment. Please note that you will need a doctor's order for insurance to cover the visit.
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 Breastfeeding support
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Certified Nurse Midwives
Today, women have many choices when it comes to giving birth, and a growing number are opting to use a certified nurse midwife. Many enjoy the ability to build a strong relationship with their caregiver, in addition to appreciating the natural approach to prenatal care, labor and birth.
A certified nurse midwife is a registered nurse who has received advanced education in midwifery and a national certification from the American College of Nurse Midwives. In the United States , the profession dates back to the 1920s, and today there are more than 7,000 certified nurse midwives practicing in all 50 states. According to the American College of Nurse Midwives, these health care professionals attend nearly 9% of all births in the United States , or more than 270,000 each year. At HealthEast, certified nurse midwives attended the births of 400 babies last year, and that number continues to grow.
A natural choice for many
Certified nurse midwives focus on birth as a natural event, providing support to women throughout the normal process of labor and delivery. Stressing the importance of the non-medical, as well as the medical, aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and breast feeding, they concentrate on the physical, emotional and social well-being of the mother and her extended family.
During pregnancy, midwives guide parents-to-be through a maze of questions, including those about proper nutrition, exercise, sleep and travel. Offering individualized care, certified nurse midwives encourage women to make birthing choices unique to their personal needs. Women can choose from a variety of labor options, including the freedom to move around, massage, a rocking chair, a deep tub or shower, a birthing ball, moist heat, pain medication and waterbirth . Once the baby is born, certified nurse midwives play an important role in a couple's transition to a family, offering individual patient education and support.
Believing that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes, midwives tailor their care to the individual needs of each patient. In addition to being with a woman from active labor through birth, certified nurse midwives are qualified to administer medications, order labor epidurals and perform some medical procedures, if necessary. Preferring to minimize technological interventions, they stress education, counseling and continuous hands-on care during labor, birth and postpartum.
When additional support is needed
Sometimes births become complicated, and additional support is needed. Certified nurse midwives are trained to recognize and manage complications early and collaborate with physicians to ensure optimum care for all patients.
Beyond delivering babies
Midwives provide a wide range of services for well women from puberty to menopause. The word "midwife" actually means "with woman," yet most people still think of midwives only in connection with the birth of a baby. At Woodwinds, they do much more.
Yearly gynecological exams
While many adult women choose midwives for their yearly gynecological exams, midwives make an excellent choice for young women transitioning from pediatric care to adult medical care.
Family planning and pre-conception counseling
Midwives are trained to provide personalized attention to the needs of couples as they begin their family planning.
Nutrition counseling
Proper nutrition for pregnant women is crucial to the healthy development of their babies, as well as to their own health and comfort during pregnancy.
Health maintenance and disease prevention counseling
From caring for a woman's general medical needs to treating vaginal infections and counseling about sexually transmitted diseases, certified nurse midwives often become primary care providers for many women.
Peri-menopause counseling
Women today have more options for managing menopause symptoms than ever before. Certified nurse midwives can help them unravel the choices, from hormone replacement therapy to alternative medicine.
Clinic options
Certified nurse midwives see patients throughout their pregnancies at the following HealthEast Clinics locations:
HealthEast Certified Nurse Midwives are members of the American College of Nurse-Midwives , and are adjunct faculty of the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.
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CNMs
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Maternity Care
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Doula Program
Welcome to one of the most amazing experiences of your life: pregnancy and childbirth. During this time, much care and attention will be placed on the baby inside you, but it's also an opportunity to focus on your needs. That's why Woodwinds' doula program was created.
A doula is a woman who provides continuous labor support during childbirth, working together with the mother and her partner to assist with emotional and physical support, as well as relaxation techniques such as positioning and massage.
The term doula is a Greek word meaning, "to mother the mother." Doulas are women who are passionate about birth and are dedicated to making the experience as comfortable and memorable as possible. Doulas have statistically been proven to reduce the use of epidural anesthesia and the Cesarean section rate.
Volunteer Doulas
Woodwinds has several doulas who are either fully certified or are working towards certification. Because they volunteer their services at Woodwinds, we may be able to provide you with a doula at no cost. To find out more about using a doula at Woodwinds, call the doula referral line at 651/232-0194.
What a patient had to say about the Doula experience
"I was amazed at how physical labor was for both myself and the doula. We could not have done this alone. With our first child I felt helpless. It was difficult to watch my wife in labor and feel like I couldn't do anything but watch or hold her hand. With our second child we contracted with an experienced doula. The doula taught me how to massage and apply counter pressure relief for my wife. I felt relieved that I could actually help. It was a remarkable experience to fully participate and be so connected to my wife at this momentous time."
Frequently Asked Questions about Doulas
Q: What techniques are most commonly used by doulas?
A: Doulas are trained in massage, pressure point relief and positioning. Doulas provide physical and emotional support using music, aromatherapy, relaxation and visualization. The use of the birthing ball is also an important component, as movement is essential in labor.
Q: Does the doula replace my husband or support people?
A: No. The doula enhances the couple's experience by providing support as it is needed. Doulas can model these techniques for the father or partner, allowing them to support you when you're in labor.
Q: Does having a doula mean only natural childbirth?
A: No. It is your birth experience and you and your support person decides on the best choices for you. Doulas can assist with Cesarean births and in births where epidurals are used. If you wish to have a medication-free birth experience, a doula can assist you with alternative pain relief measures. They will also provide breastfeeding support, if needed.
Q: How does a doula partner with the medical staff?
A: The doula is part of the team providing physical and emotional support. The doula provides non-clinical care for you and your partner. Doulas do not perform cervical exams or fetal monitoring. Doulas use safe and gentle measures to comfort you while you are in labor. The nurse midwife, nurse and doctor monitor the clinical aspects of labor. Doulas do not make decisions for the mother or partner, but can assist in creating a birth plan.
Q: How can I get more information on the Doulas at Woodwinds?
A: Call the doula referral line at 651/232-0194.
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Doulas
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Maternity Care
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Medical Staff
The following HealthEast physicians and certified nurse midwives deliver babies at Woodwinds.
To find out about providers from other clinics who deliver at Woodwinds, call HealthEast Care Connection at 651-326-CARE (2273).
HealthEast Woodbury Clinic
Woodwinds Birch Center
1875 Woodwinds Drive, Suite #WL20
Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone: 651-232-6700
- Family Medicine doctors
Sonia Chadha Agarwal, MD
Jennifer Belik, MD
Lynne Lillie, MD
Mathew Rolando, MD
Thomas Scheider, MD
- Certified Nurse Midwives
Carrie Frantzich, CNM
Linda Gellerman, CNM
Melissa Hasler, CNM
Anne Johnson, CNM
Mary Kempf, CNM
Margaret Plumbo, CNM
Joni Ruland, CNM
Julie Ann Vingers, CNM
HealthEast Cottage Grove Clinic
7460 80 th St. S.
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Phone: 651-326-5800
- Family Medicine doctors
Carol A Entwistle, MD
Jennifer Lessard, MD
Lisa R. Livingston, MD
Betsy Williams, MD
HealthEast Macalester/Groveland Clinic
45 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-326-5650
- Certified Nurse Midwives
Jennifer Eissfeldt, CNM
Linda Gellerman, CNM
Melissa Hasler, CNM
Lisa Mattke, CNM
Elizabeth Reinhart, CNM
HealthEast Oakdale Clinic
1099 Helmo Ave. N.
Oakdale, MN 55128
Phone: 651-326-5300
- Family Medicine doctors
Debra E. Caspers, MD
Rosemarie Delorey, MD
Christopher Fallert, MD
Michael Finch, MD
Andrew J. Hanson, MD
Shannon Klingsporn, MD
Kristin Lockhart, MD
Kevin Peterson, MD
James W. Steinmueller, MD
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Maternity Care |
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Newborn photos and online nursery
Woodwinds offers the opportunity to capture images of your little one through the services of Lisa Bosman Photography. Photos are optional and packages start at $45.
If purchasing a photo package, you can choose to have your baby's photo posted on our online nursery, where friends and family can see your new baby. For your security, we require online nursery visitors to enter a password to see your newborn.
When you are admitted to the hospital, you will get a brochure on newborn photography.
Click here to go to our online nursery.
If I want photos taken of my baby, what do I need to do?
Newborn photos are generally taken the morning after your baby is born.
If you would like your baby's photo taken, please call Lisa Bosman Photography at 612/245-2843. It's important to call the day your baby is born so you can get on the photo schedule for the following day.
Images of your baby are captured while he or she rests in your arms. Please bring an outfit for your baby to wear and a blanket to use as a "backdrop" in the photo.
How do I access the online nursery?
To access the online nursery, go to www.healtheast.org/nursery
- Choose the hospital from the drop-down menu.
- Next, choose your baby's birthdate.
- Click on the Search button.
- Click on your baby's name.
- Enter the password that you chose in the hospital. (Passwords must be eight (8) characters and include letters AND numbers.)
Please note: it is your responsibility to share this password with your family and friends.
If you have trouble accessing your baby's information, please contact HealthEast at WebInfo@healtheast.org .
When are photos posted on the online nursery?
Generally, photos will be posted within three (3) business days after being taken. For security purposes, your baby's photo will not be posted on the web site before he or she is discharged from the hospital. Newborn photos will stay up on the web site for about two months.
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Photos/online nursery
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Maternity Care
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Parenting Skills Classes
TotSaver
This course was developed by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is helpful for anyone who cares for children. Topics include infant and child safety, and the causes of cardiac and pulmonary arrest. You will learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) management.
For additional information, call HealthEast Care Connection at 651-326-CARE (2273) or click here for dates and times.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
The ECFE program in your community offers classes, home visits and drop-in opportunities for parents and their newborns. Along with your baby, you will play and learn together. ECFE is part of the Community Education Program in your School District. To find an ECFE program in your area call 651/582-8402 or visit their web site www.ecfe.info .
Welcome Baby
We have partnered with ECFE to bring this exciting class into our hospitals' Maternity Care Centers. During your hospital stay the ECFE educators will help you discover new and exciting information about your newborn. This class is offered weekdays at St. John's and Woodwinds hospitals. Ask your nurse for details. For more information call 651/748-7282.
New Parents' Connection
This is a fun and light-hearted opportunity for parents of newborns age birth to four months to get parenting ideas and learn about infant growth and development. Attend with your baby - grandparents and extended family are welcome, too! This group meets weekly at St. John's Hospital and Woodwinds Health Campus. There is no fee and registration is not required. For class information call 651/748-7282.
Infant Massage Classes
Massage offers babies and parents a special way to interact that enhances bonding, communicates love, reduces tension and supports baby's physical development. The Natural Care Center at Woodwinds offers infant massage classes. For information call 651/232-6830.
Minnesota Department of Health
Visit the Minnesota Parents Know website for information on a variety of pregnancy, birth and parenting topics. Brought to you by the Minnesota Department of Health.
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Parenting skills classes
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Maternity Care
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What our patients are saying...
"The birth of our daughter was such a wonderful experience at Woodwinds. All of the staff members are so caring, helpful and professional."
"I think all of your Special Care nursery nurses are the TOPS! I chose Woodwinds because of all the compliments I'd heard from friends and because of the compassionate care philosophy. I sure was not disappointed."
"This is my second child born at Woodwinds. Why would anyone want to go anywhere else when they could come here? I'm looking forward to being pregnant again so I can return."
"Great service, great facilities - so quiet and clean. We've had a very positive experience with the birth of our baby. I can't tell you enough how we appreciated your great service."
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Patient comments
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Maternity Care
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Postpartum Depression
In the days just after giving birth, many women experience "baby blues," with symptoms that can include:
- Mood swings
- Sadness
- Crying spells
- Loss of appetite
- Sleeping problems
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Loneliness
These symptoms - caused by wildly fluctuating hormones - are completely
normal, not severe and generally go away within a few days to a couple of
weeks after birth.
For some women, however, these symptoms are far more intense and persist longer than a few weeks. In this case, the woman may be suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). The difference between PPD and baby blues is that PPD can occur anytime in the year following birth, it affects a woman’s well-being and long-term ability to function, and it’s a serious disorder that requires medical attention.
Other signs of PPD may include:
- A lack of interest in your new baby
- Thoughts of hurting yourself
- Fear of hurting your baby
If you experience any of the above feelings or have concerns that you may be suffering from PPD, please contact your doctor or midwife immediately. Many options are available to treat PPD such as medication, therapy and support groups.
Help is available
To learn more about PPD or find resources in your area visit:
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Postpartum depression
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Maternity Care
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Prenatal Classes
Our prenatal classes are for anyone who wants to brush up on childcare or parenting skills. Each class is designed to make sure you get the information you need in a format that makes learning interesting and fun.
Prenatal classes fill quickly, so please register in advance to have the best chance at getting into the class of your choice.
We offer a variety of childbirth preparation classes:
We also offer:
Click here for a complete list of prenatal classes at Woodwinds Health Campus.
Can't find a convenient class time at Woodwinds?
Most prenatal classes are also offered at St. Joseph's Hospital in downtown St. Paul and St. John's Hospital in Maplewood.
You're invited to take classes at any of our three locations, regardless of where you plan to give birth.
Click here to search for a class by name or location.
Registration information
- Mail or fax back the registration form
- Call HealthEast Care Connection at 651-326-CARE (2273) to register by phone, with a credit card
Class sizes are limited and registrations are prioritized by date received. Early registration (at least 12 weeks before a class date) is encouraged.
For more information, call HealthEast Care Connection at
651-326-CARE (2273).
General information
- If you'd like, you may bring two pillows and a blanket to each Preparing for Birth class.
- You may bring a support person to all prenatal classes. Please note that childcare is not available.
- Classes may be canelled due to bad weather. For class cancellation info, call HealthEast Care Connection at 651/326-CARE (2273) after 4 pm.
- We reserve the right to cancel any class due to insufficient registration. If this occurs, you will be notified by phone or mail. Alternative classes will be offered whenever possible.
- Contact your insurance carrier for possible reimbursement of class fees.
- If you are hearing impaired, please call 651/232-5733 at least two weeks prior to class start date to arrange for interpreter services.
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Prenatal classes
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Maternity Care
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Preparing for your hospital stay
Pre-register for your hospital stay
Before your hospital stay, please complete a pre-registration form.
You can choose one of the three options below:
If you have questions about the form, call admitting at 651-232-0168.
We suggest that you consult your insurance company to determine your benefits and if you need pre-authorization.
Write a birth plan
A birth plan is a listing of the choices and preferences you and your partner have about labor, birth and your hospital stay.
Give a copy of your birth plan to your doctor or midwife and bring a copy to the hospital. The staff will work to follow your plan. However it's important to remember that your safety and your baby’s safety is their priority. Depending on the course of your labor, some of your requests may not be possible.
Get a sample birth plan
Where to go and what to bring
To help you prepare for your trip to the Maternity Care Center, we've put together a checklist of items (pdf) to bring to the hospital.
When the time comes for you to go to the hospital, please use the Emergency Care Center entrance and a member of the Woodwinds staff will escort you to your room in the Maternity Care Center.
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Preparing for your stay
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Maternity Care
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Waterbirth
Often called a "gentle birth," waterbirth is a safe option for both mothers and babies. It has steadily gained in popularity in recent years as many women have found they prefer the calming effects of warm water to a traditional, or "land," birth.
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) from HealthEast Clinics offer waterbirth as an option at Woodwinds Health Campus. CNMs concentrate on the unique physical, emotional and social well-being of the expectant mother and her family. Offering individualized care, certified nurse midwives encourage women to make birthing choices - including waterbirth - based on their personal needs.
During a waterbirth, the mother gives birth under water in a birthing tub. She may also spend part of her labor in the tub. This special tub is larger and deeper than a regular bathtub and it allows the mother to try a variety of different positions during labor and delivery. The baby emerges into the warm water before being brought out to take its first breath.
Will the baby inhale water?
One common question is "doesn't the baby try to breathe under water?" Actually, babies start breathing when they feel the cool, dry air. The baby goes from the fluid in the womb, into the warm water of the tub. The baby is then gently brought out of the water. The mother can hold the baby immediately. He or she then takes a first breath of air. The umbilical cord is still attached and the baby continues to get oxygen through the cord.
Waterbirth benefits
Research shows the safety and advantages of laboring and birthing in water. A study published in Fetal Diagnosis & Therapy (5(5): 291-300) in 2000 reviewed three birthing options: waterbirth, birthing stool and bed. Births in water had the lowest rates of episiotomy, medication use and blood loss. Waterbirth babies had much higher oxygen blood levels. They also had higher Apgar scores. The study found that there was very low risk for infection. There were also no reported cases of babies breathing the water or other complications f the mother or child, related to the water.
Many women who've chosen waterbirth have experienced the following benefits:
- A birth that's as safe as a "land" birth
- Reduced pain and increased support to tense muscles
- Increased comfort and relaxation
- Decreased adrenaline production, allowing for a shorter labor
- Easier to move during labor and delivery
- Reduced pressure on the abdomen, better blood circulation and more oxygen to the mother and baby due to the buoyancy of the water
- Increased sense of independence, power and autonomy during labor and delivery
- Reduced need for medical intervention and pain medication
- Reduced rate of Cesarean section
- Reduced rate of episiotomy, as water relaxes the pelvic floor muscles
- Father/partner may take a more active role in the birth experience
Advantages for baby:
- An easier, more gentle transition from mother's womb to an external "womb" of water that is weightless, warm, wet and soft
- Decreased trauma at birth
- More blood flow to the baby due to better circulation of the mother
- Baby isn't stimulated to induce breathing, which results in less crying after birth and a calmer, more alert state
- Bacteria is dissipated in the water, reducing the risk of infection to the baby
- Cord cutting after birth is delayed until it stops pulsating, allowing a continuous oxygen flow to baby
- Moms have reported better initial breastfeeding
During a waterbirth
The water temperature is kept between 95 and 100 degrees F. Staying in the water for too long (more than two hours at a time) or getting in the tub too early may slow labor down. Therefore, we recommend that you not get into the tub until you have reached about five centimeters in cervical dilatation.
You may be asked to leave the tub under the following circumstances:
- You become light-headed, dizzy or extremely fatigued
- The baby is experiencing distress
- There is a need to monitor the baby with the electronic fetal monitor (if telemetry is not available)
- Your temperature is above 100.4 degrees F.
- The amniotic fluid is meconium stained
- For the birth of the placenta
- For suturing, if needed
- To evaluate blood loss
Considering a waterbirth?
When choosing a waterbirth, it's important to discuss your decision with your midwife and meet the criteria listed below. If you plan to have a waterbirth, you will have some additional lab work done, including testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. You will also be asked to read the waterbirth information sheet and sign a consent form.
When considering a waterbirth, an expectant mother must:
- Not have medical conditions such as hypertension or a maternal infection
- Not have had a previous Cesarean section
- Not be pregnant with multiples
- Be at least 37 to 42 weeks gestation
- Have a low risk pregnancy
- Have a fetal heart rate that is reassuring
- Not have a baby that is in a breech position
- Not have placental abnormalities
- Not have a baby that is expected to be above normal size, creating the likelihood of a difficult birth
Make an appointment
To schedule an appointment with a HealthEast certified nurse midwife, contact one of the following clinics:
HealthEast Woodbury Clinic
HealthEast Macalester/Groveland Clinic
HealthEast Roselawn Clinic
HealthEast Salud Integral
Resources for more information:
www.waterbirthinfo.com
Espanol
www.withwomanweb.com/links.asp#esp
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See the Woodwinds waterbirth tub
Click images to enlarge
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Waterbirth
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Maternity Care
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Oh Baby, What an Honor!
In a past Picker Institute survey, 94.7% of past Maternity Care patients responded that they would definitely recommend Woodwinds to friends or family members.
The Picker Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organization that conducts customer satisfaction surveys in hospitals around the world.
There is not another hospital surveyed by Picker that scores higher than Woodwinds.
This outstanding achievement is proof of our commitment to high-quality medical care in a compassionate, supportive environment. You, your baby and your family are always the center of our attention.
Enhancing your experience
At Woodwinds, you'll be surrounded by experienced maternity nurses and support staff who understand the excitement, anticipation and nervousness you might be feeling prior to delivery. Know that they will offer comfort and reassurance before, during and after your baby's birth.
Some of the services and amenities that can enhance your experience at Woodwinds include:
Visit us for a tour
Our "Baby on the Way" program offers guided tours of our private birthing suites and information on the care and comfort amenities provided at Woodwinds.
Tours are given:
- Mondays at 6 pm
- Wednesdays at 1pm
To register, call 651-232-0228.
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What an honor!
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Maternity Care
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Waterbirth
Often called a "gentle birth," waterbirth is a safe option for both mothers and babies. It has steadily gained in popularity in recent years as many women have found they prefer the calming effects of warm water to a traditional, or "land," birth.
Certified nurse midwives (CNMs) from HealthEast Clinics offer waterbirth as an option at Woodwinds Health Campus. CNMs concentrate on the unique physical, emotional and social well-being of the expectant mother and her family. Offering individualized care, certified nurse midwives encourage women to make birthing choices - including waterbirth - based on their personal needs.
During a waterbirth, the mother gives birth under water in a birthing tub. She may also spend part of her labor in the tub. This special tub is larger and deeper than a regular bathtub and it allows the mother to try a variety of different positions during labor and delivery. The baby emerges into the warm water before being brought out to take its first breath.
Will the baby inhale water?
One common question is "doesn't the baby try to breathe under water?" Actually, babies start breathing when they feel the cool, dry air. The baby goes from the fluid in the womb, into the warm water of the tub. The baby is then gently brought out of the water. The mother can hold the baby immediately. He or she then takes a first breath of air. The umbilical cord is still attached and the baby continues to get oxygen through the cord.
Waterbirth benefits
Research shows the safety and advantages of laboring and birthing in water. A study published in Fetal Diagnosis & Therapy (5(5): 291-300) in 2000 reviewed three birthing options: waterbirth, birthing stool and bed. Births in water had the lowest rates of episiotomy, medication use and blood loss. Waterbirth babies had much higher oxygen blood levels. They also had higher Apgar scores. The study found that there was very low risk for infection. There were also no reported cases of babies breathing the water or other complications f the mother or child, related to the water.
Many women who've chosen waterbirth have experienced the following benefits:
- A birth that's as safe as a "land" birth
- Reduced pain and increased support to tense muscles
- Increased comfort and relaxation
- Decreased adrenaline production, allowing for a shorter labor
- Easier to move during labor and delivery
- Reduced pressure on the abdomen, better blood circulation and more oxygen to the mother and baby due to the buoyancy of the water
- Increased sense of independence, power and autonomy during labor and delivery
- Reduced need for medical intervention and pain medication
- Reduced rate of Cesarean section
- Reduced rate of episiotomy, as water relaxes the pelvic floor muscles
- Father/partner may take a more active role in the birth experience
Advantages for baby:
- An easier, more gentle transition from mother's womb to an external "womb" of water that is weightless, warm, wet and soft
- Decreased trauma at birth
- More blood flow to the baby due to better circulation of the mother
- Baby isn't stimulated to induce breathing, which results in less crying after birth and a calmer, more alert state
- Bacteria is dissipated in the water, reducing the risk of infection to the baby
- Cord cutting after birth is delayed until it stops pulsating, allowing a continuous oxygen flow to baby
- Moms have reported better initial breastfeeding
During a waterbirth
The water temperature is kept between 95 and 100 degrees F. Staying in the water for too long (more than two hours at a time) or getting in the tub too early may slow labor down. Therefore, we recommend that you not get into the tub until you have reached about five centimeters in cervical dilatation.
You may be asked to leave the tub under the following circumstances:
- You become light-headed, dizzy or extremely fatigued
- The baby is experiencing distress
- There is a need to monitor the baby with the electronic fetal monitor (if telemetry is not available)
- Your temperature is above 100.4 degrees F.
- The amniotic fluid is meconium stained
- For the birth of the placenta
- For suturing, if needed
- To evaluate blood loss
Considering a waterbirth?
When choosing a waterbirth, it's important to discuss your decision with your midwife and meet the criteria listed below. If you plan to have a waterbirth, you will have some additional lab work done, including testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. You will also be asked to read the waterbirth information sheet and sign a consent form.
When considering a waterbirth, an expectant mother must:
- Not have medical conditions such as hypertension or a maternal infection
- Not have had a previous Cesarean section
- Not be pregnant with multiples
- Be at least 37 to 42 weeks gestation
- Have a low risk pregnancy
- Have a fetal heart rate that is reassuring
- Not have a baby that is in a breech position
- Not have placental abnormalities
- Not have a baby that is expected to be above normal size, creating the likelihood of a difficult birth
Make an appointment
To schedule an appointment with a HealthEast certified nurse midwife, contact one of the following clinics:
HealthEast Woodbury Clinic
HealthEast Macalester/Groveland Clinic
HealthEast Roselawn Clinic
HealthEast Salud Integral
Resources for more information:
www.waterbirthinfo.com
Espanol
www.withwomanweb.com/links.asp#esp
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See the Woodwinds waterbirth tub
Click images to enlarge
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