Why Pediatricians Fear Waterbirth – Barbara Harper Reviews the Research on Waterbirth Safety
On March 20th, 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborn and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice released a joint clinical report entitled Immersion in Water During Labor and Delivery in the journalPediatrics. While not substantially different than previous statements released by the AAP, quite a stir was created. Today, Barbara Harper, RN, CLD, CCE, DEM, CKC, CCCE, of Waterbirth International provides a research summary that supports waterbirth as a safe and reasonable option for mothers and babies. Barbara Harper has been researching and teaching about safe waterbirth protocols for several decades and is considered an expert on the practice. I am glad Barbara was able to share her knowledge with Science & Sensibility readers all the way from China, where she just finished another waterbirth workshop for Chinese hospital programs. – Sharon Muza, Community Manager, Science & Sensibility.