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The Tribune

Elkin Obstetrician leads the way offering women alternative birthing method

Leighanne Martin Wright

Lindsey Claire Shinkle did not breathe immediately when she was delivered at 7:38 P.m., July 20. But newborn Lindsey was in perfect health. She took her first breath seconds later upon being lifted out of the soothing warm water in which her mother had labored for three hours.

Under the care of Dr. John Turrentine, Sheri and Chris Shinkle chose to experience a waterbirth for their third child.

Turrentine has spearheaded the waterbirth experience in the Tri-County Area. He is certified by the Global Maternal/Child Health Association to perform waterbirths and has taught classes to the staff at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital. Recently a special waterbirth tub was installed in one of the hospital’s labor and delivery rooms. According to Turrentine, the benefits from a waterbirth are numerous for the laboring mother. The warm water helps the woman relax. There is a lowering of blood pressure.

Feeling less anxious allows the woman’s oxytocin (the hormone that causes the uterus to contract) and the level of endorphins (the natural pain relieving substance produces by the brain) to increase. For many women, this lessening of pain from contractions eliminates the need for anesthetics.

Labors have been documented to be shorter and dilation more efficient. There are reportedly fewer episiotomies needed also. The buoyant effect of being in water allows a woman to move about and find a comfortable position easier.

A newborn will not attempt to breathe until it is lifted into the air. While submersed, the infant is still receiving oxygen from the umbilical cord. Turrentine usually lifts the newborn above water within 20 seconds.

In Europe, babies many times float under water for several minutes. There has never been a report of any infant drowning from a waterbirth.

"Waterbirths are not new," explains Turrentine. "Women have delivered babies in water for over a thousand years in the South Pacific and Black Sea area of Russia. In Britain, over 10,000 waterbirths have taken place."

The TV documentary "20/20" aired a program on the safety of waterbirths a few years ago.

In North Carolina there are seven centers, including Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital, for waterbirth.

The Shinkles were slated to be the first to use the new birthing tub, but installation problems prevented its availability. Sheri had Lindsey in the Jacuzzi of her labor and delivery room.

The Shinkles have two other children " Beau, 7, and Drew, almost 2. Beau was present for the birth of his sister, as was Chris’ mother, Lois Shinkle.

One of the goals of Turrentine and the physicians of Piedmont Women’s Center is "for the patient to take charge of her experience so it will be an enjoyable one."

The Birthplace at Hugh Chatham memorial Hospital offers many methods of alternative childbirth.

Chris, an occupational therapist, actually delivered their son Drew, under the doctor’s supervision. With this pregnancy, Turrentine gave the Shinkles educational information and tapes about waterbirth to see if it would interest them.

"I’m a tub person anyway." Sheri said, "so I know it would be for me."

In researching waterbirths, the Shinkles became convinced when they read that 12 of 15 top countries with the lowest birth mortality rate routinely use waterbirth methods.

"It is much more family oriented." Said Chris, who placed himself behind his wife in the tub for the final moments of labor. Leaning against her husband for both mental and physical support, Sheri delivered their new daughter, weighing in at 7lbs 2 oz., and exclaimed, "Oh that was easy; that was wonderful!"