HOLLAND, Mich., April 24, 2025 — Holland Hospital announces the installation of a hydrotherapy tub, offering expectant mothers a new and comforting option for pain management and relaxation during labor. The deep-soaking tub provides a natural and supportive environment, promoting a positive birthing experience.
According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, studies indicate that water immersion during labor is associated with significantly reduced pain in the first stage and higher levels of maternal satisfaction with the birthing experience.
Hydrotherapy during labor offers numerous benefits, including:
- Pain Relief: The warm water provides soothing relief from labor contractions.
- Relaxation: Water immersion promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
- Shortened Labor Time: Studies suggest hydrotherapy may shorten the duration of labor.
- Decreased Need for Pharmacologic Pain Control: Many mothers find that hydrotherapy significantly reduces their reliance on medication.
As a first-time mother navigating the unknowns of labor with baby Wesley, Karinda Maat appreciated the supportive nurses and the warm environment at Holland Hospital’s Boven Birth Center. While unfamiliar with the labor process, she was interested in trying the hydrotherapy tub, hoping it would offer relief during contractions.
“This was my first baby, so I had no idea what to expect or feel, and I was open to trying all of the pain management options,” shared Maat. “I had a tough time sitting still through the contractions; however, in the tub, I was able to relax and move through them. While it didn’t take away the pain, it did create a relaxing environment.”
The new hydrotherapy tub at Holland Hospital’s Boven Birth Center are specifically designed for labor, allowing full body immersion and providing buoyancy that enables mothers to adopt active labor positions, enhancing mobility and reducing pain.
“At Holland Hospital, we are committed to providing mothers diverse and effective options for managing labor pain,” said Nicole Huisman, director at Boven Birth Center. “These new hydrotherapy tubs align with our philosophy of supporting all birth experiences while ensuring the comfort and safety of our patients.”
To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, the labor tub is available to mothers experiencing low-risk pregnancies, as determined by their health care provider. Discussions about the length of time spent in the tub will continue with the patient’s provider throughout labor. Eligibility will be determined by the patient’s OB or Certified Nurse Midwife provider. It is important to note that Holland Hospital does not offer water births; the tub is specifically for labor support.
“The buoyancy of the water allows for greater freedom of movement, which can be incredibly beneficial during labor. We are thrilled to offer this option to our patients,” said Huisman.
Holland Hospital boasts an experienced and supportive OB team and comprehensive midwife services, dedicated to providing personalized care to each mother. Our team works closely with expectant mothers to create a birth plan that aligns with their individual needs and preferences.
“We believe in empowering mothers to make informed choices about their birthing experience,” said Huisman. “The hydrotherapy tub is another option we provide to support that belief.”
To learn more about the labor hydrotherapy tub and Boven Birth Center’s comprehensive birthing services, expectant families are encouraged to schedule a tour. For more information or to schedule a tour of Boven Birth Center, visit hollandhospital.org/birthcenter.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
April 24, 2025