New hydrotherapy tub offers enhanced comfort during labor

Health

Apr 24

Holland Hospital is offering expectant mothers a new and comforting option for labor with the installation of a hydrotherapy tub. The deep-soaking tub provides a natural method of pain management and relaxation, creating a supportive environment that promotes a positive birthing experience.

Research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that water immersion during labor is associated with significantly reduced pain in the first stage and higher levels of maternal satisfaction with the birthing experience.

Hydrotherapy during labor offers numerous benefits, including pain relief, relaxation, shortened labor time, and decreased need for pharmacologic pain control medications.

As a first-time mother navigating the unknowns of labor with baby Wesley, Karinda Maat appreciated the supportive nurses and the warm environment at Holland Hospital’s Boven Birth Center. While unfamiliar with the labor process, she was interested in trying the hydrotherapy tub, hoping it would offer relief during contractions.

“This was my first baby, so I had no idea what to expect or feel, and I was open to trying all of the pain management options,” said Maat. “I had a tough time sitting still through the contractions; however, in the tub, I was able to relax and move through them. While it didn’t take away the pain, it did create a relaxing environment.”

The new hydrotherapy tub at Holland Hospital’s Boven Birth Center is designed for labor, allowing full body immersion and buoyancy, enabling mothers to adopt active labor positions, enhancing mobility, and reducing pain.

“At Holland Hospital, we are committed to providing mothers diverse and effective options for managing labor pain,” said Nicole Huisman, Director, Boven Birth Center. “These new hydrotherapy tubs align with our philosophy of supporting all birth experiences while ensuring the comfort and safety of our patients.”

To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, the labor tub is available to mothers experiencing low-risk pregnancies. Eligibility will be determined by the patient’s OB or Certified Nurse Midwife provider. Holland Hospital does not offer water births; the tub is specifically for labor support.

“The buoyancy of the water allows for greater freedom of movement, which can be incredibly beneficial during labor. We are thrilled to offer this option to our patients,” said Huisman. “We believe in empowering mothers to make informed choices about their birthing experience. The hydrotherapy tub is another option we provide to support that belief.”

For more information, visit hollandhospital.org/birthcenter.