The power of water is magnificent: it forges landscapes, it nourishes and hydrates our bodies, it cleanses our spirits. Around the world water symbolizes fertility, purification, and transformation. Water is all around us, and in us. Adult bodies are 45-65% water and baby bodies are 75-78% water. Being immersed in water mimics the environment in the womb and water can be a powerful element and tool to incorporate during your pregnancy and birth.

photo credit: Cassie Pali | @casafrass_h20

Ways to incorporate the healing power of water into your everyday life and pregnancy:

Bless the water that you are drinking. Dr. Masaru Emoto was a Japanese scientist who revolutionized the idea that thoughts and intentions can create an impact on physical reality. He studied the ways that the molecular structure in water transforms when it is exposed to human words, thoughts, sounds and intention. His findings demonstrated that water exposed to loving and compassionate human intentions resulted in beautiful physical molecular formations while water exposed to fearful intentions resulted in disconnected and unpleasant formations. You can use this knowledge and direct gratitude, love, and healing thoughts for yourself (and baby) to your water before drinking it.

Luxuriate in a bath. Fill the bathtub with water that is the perfect, relaxing temperature for you and add any items that feel nourishing. A can of coconut milk and fragrant flower petals are opulent additions that make your skin silky smooth and smell delicious. A cup or two of apple cider vinegar is great for detoxifying the skin and restoring pH. Lavender, chamomile, and bergamot are great calming essential oils while peppermint and clove reduce soreness (remember to mix essential oils in a carrier oil or use another method of dispersion). Dim the overhead lights, light some candles, and turn on your favorite relaxing playlist.
Cleanse in an ocean/river/lake. If you are close to a natural body of water, take full advantage of it! Get thee to the water and wash off anything that is no longer serving you. Set an intention before entering the water and then allow the water to support you with your intention. Water is especially helpful in facilitating releases. Let it go.

Receive aquatic bodywork. There are numerous forms on offer: Watsu, Aquassage, Waterdance, Dolphin dance, Jahara and more! These therapies can relieve pain, increase relaxation, and provide a beautiful space for you to connect with your baby. They can also promote opening the pelvis and getting baby into an optimal position. While receiving bodywork in warm water it is as though both Mama and Baby are in a womb space together.
Explore the option of a water birth. Many hospitals and birthing centers are now offering water births where women can labor and/or deliver their babies in birthing tubs. This can be a soothing option that offers additional pain relief and increased relaxation during labor.

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” – Lao Tzu
How do you celebrate and incorporate the healing power of water in your life/pregnancy?

Love,

Sara aka The Doula With Aloha