A baby spends nine months doing water ballet in a warm pool of
amniotic fluid, and then makes a sudden, harsh entrance into the
cold, bright (and dry) world. Advocates of water birth say that
letting the baby arrive in conditions that mimic those of the
womb — warm and wet — can make that entry more peaceful and
reduce a baby's stress. If you're opting for a water birth,
you'll labor in a warm tub or pool, kept at approximate body
temperature (95 to about 100 degrees, but no more than 101,
because your body temperature could rise, causing the baby's
heart rate to increase). Cold cloths and spray bottles and
plenty of water will keep you refreshed (as much as possible —
you're having a baby, after all), while the baby's condition is
monitored by your certified nurse-midwife or other medical
personnel with an underwater Doppler device. As childbirth
culminates, the baby will be pulled gently into the soothing
water and then slowly lifted into your arms. Your partner can be
in the water with you — to support you