“Make a Splash” with water births at Veterans Memorial Hospital


Water birth at Veterans Memorial Hospital ... Amanda Reinhardt of Waukon recently chose water birth for her third delivery at Veterans Memorial Hospital and states, “It was the best birthing experience I have had.” Dave and Amanda Reinhardt of Waukon are pictured above with daughter Charlie, son Nolan, and newborn daughter Veda. Photo courtesy of Micah Lynn Photography.

Birthing tub room at Veterans Memorial Hospital ... In recent years, water births have gained popularity among hospitals and mothers looking for a natural birthing option in a controlled environment. Veterans Memorial Hospital has offered this popular service for over the past 17 years. Pictured above is the birthing tub room and a view of the birthing tub. Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water then move to a bed for the delivery, while other women will stay in the water for the delivery as well. Submitted photo.

by Brianne Leikvold, RN, Maternity Services Supervisor, VMH

At Veterans Memorial Hospital Birthing Center, we offer a variety of services that can provide our patients with a more natural and enjoyable experience throughout their labor. Our patients are given options for the type of labor and delivery they would like; and our staff attempt to carry out our patients’ wishes in the safest way possible.

In recent years, water births have gained popularity amongst hospitals and mothers looking for a natural birthing option in a controlled environment. With water birth popularity growing the past three years throughout other facilities, we take pride in ourselves for having offered this service for over the past 17 years. For low-risk women seeking a more natural experience throughout the birthing process, water birth is a great option.

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water. Some women choose to labor in the water then move to a bed for the delivery, while other women will stay in the water for the delivery as well.

When a patient is surrounded by warm water, it offers the following benefits:

· Ability to cope more easily with contractions
· Ability of buoyancy allowing for free movement and new positioning
· Reduced stress as stress-related hormones allow the mother’s body to produce endorphins which serve as pain blockers
· Relaxation between contractions
· Smoother transition into life for baby, as well as many other advantages.

Dr. David Schwartz has over 17 years of experience performing water births within our Birthing Center and Dr. Nicole Barbee can perform them as well.

Amanda Reinhardt of Waukon recently chose water birth for her third delivery at Veterans Memorial Hospital. She explains, “Our first two children were delivered at VMH by Dr. Nesseim, who has since moved away.  When it came time to decide where to have our third baby, I knew I wanted to deliver at Veterans Memorial Hospital.”

“Our third baby was delivered by Dr. Schwartz. After talking with Dr. Schwartz about my options, I decided to try a water birth. Laboring and delivering in the tub was the best birthing experience I have had!” Amanda adds.  “Dr. Schwartz and the nurses made the entire process very relaxed and calming. They went above and beyond to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. I felt they were very considerate and supportive of how I wanted my labor and delivery to go before, during and afterwards. They made sure we were able to enjoy the precious first moments of our daughter’s life with as little distraction as possible, while still making sure we were safe and well taken care of!”

“All three of our experiences delivering at VMH have been absolutely amazing,” concludes Amanda.  “Every staff member that we encountered during our stays has been very professional, compassionate and considerate. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful hospital in our community. I would recommend Veterans Memorial Hospital to anyone who is looking to deliver in a supportive, caring environment. We are so thankful for our wonderful experiences there.”

If water birth is something that you are interested in, ask your provider for more information. If you have more questions on our services or would like to set-up a prenatal appointment with Dr. Schwartz, contact Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.