As noted in another article in this issue, a Swiss childbirth clinic reported recently on their experiences since changing to a more "Natural Childbirth" environment.

One of the most profound changes noted was the tremendous popularity of waterbirths, whose artes have risen to 40-50% of all spontaneous births. Interestingly, they report the following advantages for waterbirths:

• An episiotomy was performed in only 12.8% of the births in water, in 27.7% of the births on the Maia-birthing stool and in 35.4% of the bedbirths.

• The authors note that "In spite of the highest episiotomy rates, the bedbirths also show the highest 3rd-and 4th-degree laceration rates (4.1%)."

• The mothers' blood loss is the lowest in waterbirths.

• Fewer painkillers are used in waterbirths.

• Women feel that the experience of birth itself is more satisfying after a birth in water.

• The average arterial blood pH of the umbilical cord are significantly higher.

• Apgar scores at 5 and 10 min were significantly higher after waterbirths.

• Infections of the neonate do not occur more often after with waterbirths.

• The authors also note that "No case of water aspiration or any other perinatal complication of the mother or child which might be water-related was reported."

The authors conclude by noting that although no increased risks to mother or child were noted, this may be due to the fact that the same medical criteria was used in the monitoring as well as in the management of these "Natural" births, as with previous practices.

Fetal Diagn Ther. Sept-Oct, 2000;15:291-300.