News and Events

August 5, 2007

Hudson Hospital Gives Moms Another Birthing Option

In August, Hudson Hospital’s Maternity Care began offering waterbirth as an option for delivery.

Waterbirth is a natural birthing process that potentially reduces pain during birthing for the mother, and provides for a gentler entry for the newborn. The lower portion of the laboring mother's body is immersed in a specially-designed tub filled with body temperature water during the delivery.

More mothers today are seeking waterbirth options to labor. Additional benefits can include:

• Faster labor and delivery
• Promotes relaxation with reduced blood pressure
• Reduces the need for drugs and interventions 
• Reduces cesarean section rates and the possibility of tearing

“One common question is ‘doesn't the baby try to breathe under water?,” according to Stephanie Johnson, CNM, certified nurse midwife with St. Croix Obstetrics and Women's Health and on staff at Hudson Hospital. “ Actually, babies start breathing when they feel the cool, dry air, so there is virtually no possibility of the baby breathing water.”

“The baby goes from the fluid in the womb, into the warm water of the tub and is then gently brought out of the water,” Johnson continued. “The mother can then hold the baby immediately and he or she then takes a first breath of air. The umbilical cord is still attached and the baby continues to get oxygen through the cord.”

Although waterbirth may not be an option for every expectant woman, a significant majority of low risk mothers could make use of labor and delivery in a watertub.

At Hudson Hospital, there are currently two physicians and a nurse midwife on staff who now regularly provide the option for waterbith delivery in the hospital’s Maternity Care Center. Expectant mothers or women anticipating becoming pregnant who are interested can talk with their health care provider, or call (715) 531-6574 for referral options.

“Since reopening in the new facility in 2003, our contemporary environment with arts, gardens and amenities has been extremely popular in delivering the area’s premier experience for families,” said Joanne Donhowe, manager of Hudson Hospital’s Maternity Care. “The addition of a waterbirth delivery option for our patients is a natural next step as we continue to grow to meet increasing community wishes and needs.”

In addition to comprehensive prenatal education and an exceptional team of caregivers to guide expectant moms through delivery, families choosing Hudson Hospital for their delivery will experience:

• Private bath with Jacuzzi tub
• Garden view
• Guest overnight accommodation
• Fine dining menu room service for patients, partners and guest
• Flat screen TV with cable programming
• Wireless Internet access
• CD player
• A special gift surprise awaiting upon return from delivery

Hudson Hospital is an independent, non-profit community hospital since 1953, and is located just off Interstate I-94 in Hudson, WI. The hospital campus is designed with the latest technology and amenities to support whole health and healing for patients and their families. Twenty-five private hospital rooms feature private bath, garden views, guest accommodations, room service for patients and guests, and spacious room to relax or visit with family, friends and even the family pet. Hudson Hospital recognizes the important role that family and friends can play in health and recovery, and personalizes a plan of care that works best for the patient and their family. Specialty services include inpatient and outpatient care in rehabilitation, emergency care, orthopaedic care, maternity and birth, surgery, cardiology, and treatment, rehabilitation and medical imaging. Hudson Hospital , Hudson Physicians Clinic, Hudson Specialty Clinics and numerous other health care providers are conveniently located in the warm and comfortable environment of Hudson Health Campus.