We are so excited to have been a part of this historic event. Melissa did an outstanding job birthing her baby and we were so thrilled that our tub was able to assist her in this miraculous endeavor. Here is the press release we sent out following the arrival of baby Yarrow.
Las Vegas, NV – April 6, 2006 -- Parents Melissa & Andrew Griffore
have become the first parents in a Henderson hospital to birth a
baby underwater. Baby Yarrow Griffore arrived at 2:44 am on April
6, 2006 in the birth center of St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Rose De
Lima campus, with no complications despite weighing in at 9 lbs 6 oz
and measuring 22 inches long. Both Mom and baby are doing well
according to certified nurse-midwife, April Kermani.
Waterbirth is a method of giving birth while immersed in a tub or
pool of warm water. This method eases labor by decreasing the
gravitational pressure on the mom, resulting in a shorter and less
painful birth. The warm water is not only soothing and relaxing, it
helps increase the elasticity of the perineum so there are fewer
lacerations and tears.
Waterbirth has been shown to be a safe and effective way to deliver
a baby. The baby's first breath is triggered by the feeling of cool
air on the skin or a significant temperature difference, so babies
who are born in water take their first breath after being brought to
the surface.
Baby Yarrow was born into a specially designed pool which is large
enough to accommodate the mom as well as a labor support person.
The tub is equipped with a heater to maintain the optimum water
temperature.
Russian researcher Igor Charkovsky developed the waterbirth method
in the 1960s. Waterbirth spread to the United States in the 1980s.
The first hospital waterbirth in Las Vegas was at Sunrise Hospital
in 1997 to parents Byon & Lara Garrabrant. There have only been a
handful of waterbirths since then, and Baby Griffore is the first
Henderson hospital water baby.
###