The Ways Water Holds Us
Water is usually thought of as survival. We need it to live. But I think many of us also experience water emotionally and spiritually, without realizing it. Water cleanses and carries. The Bible speaks about water in this way too, as something physical and symbolic of healing, as renewal, and life itself.
Hebrews 10:22 says:
“...having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
In John 4:14, Jesus says:
“...the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
And Isaiah 12:3 says:
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation”
One of my favourite books is Alicia Keys’ collection of poetry and lyrics, Tears for Water. In it, she writes:
“I use my tears as water to nourish me…”
That line has stayed with me for years. Growing up, whenever life felt overwhelming, my mom would tell me, “go wash your face.” Somehow, the cold water always felt like a pause and a reset before returning to myself.
A moment of Bibliotherapy for you: Can you think of a time water brought you comfort? Could it be a shower after a long day? Listening to rain sounds to help you fall asleep? Washing your face after crying?
Water shows up in our lives in so many ways.
In the Transition into Parenthood
Babies begin their lives surrounded by water. For months, they grow, move, and rest within it before ever taking their first breath. Maybe that is part of why water comforts us throughout pregnancy and beyond.
During pregnancy, our bodies demand more of us. Something as simple as staying hydrated supports circulation, digestion, temperature regulation, and amniotic fluid levels. As your body changes and discomfort grows, warm baths and showers can become more than routine, but also bring relief.
During labour, many parents return to water for the same reasons. Water has a way of helping your body relax, your mind slow down, and make each moment feel a little more manageable.
Then babies arrive, and water continues to hold us.
When parents ask me what newborn item I recommend most, they expect an impressive product (I mean, there are some must haves for your registry). But honestly, one of the most important things I recommend is not a thing at all. It’s water!
White noise, the sound of rain, or running water mirrors the sounds newborns hear in the womb. So, a bath can be more than just washing your baby. It soothes them in a way that brings calm almost immediately! Especially when paired with infant massage, bath time can be a moment of closeness for both you and your baby.
One of the first things that becomes challenging after having a baby is time for ourselves. Eating becomes rushed. Rest becomes interrupted or delayed, and taking a shower can feel like a task.
As a postpartum doula, one of the most meaningful forms of support I can offer parents is simply watching the baby while they shower, unrushed and in peace. A shower can make you feel awake again. Human, again.
Breastmilk itself is made up mostly of water (87%), which is one of the reasons hydration matters so much while feeding your baby. Water rejuvenates cells and aids in your recovery. It truly supports healing.
And that is what water teaches us most about care, it can be simple! Healing can happen gradually and in small repeated moments;
A shower after (or with) tears.
The rain.
Sounds of ocean waves.
Going for a swim.
Holding your baby in a warm bath.
Drink it. Sit in it. Listen to it. Let it soothe your baby. Let it soothe you.
As much as I recommend water, I would place sunlight next to it. When you can, stand outside, let the sun (jua) touch your face and feel the warmth on your skin. There is something that is restoring about that as well.
* Inspired by reflections on water, life, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and guidance from:
The Holy Bible (NIV)
Alicia Keys, Tears for Water
Health Canada
La Leche League Canada
Canadian Paediatric Society
Public Health Agency of Canada
World Health Organization
National Institutes of Health