Having a water birth - your questions answered

Wondering what a water birth is all about? Want to know the pros and cons?

Giving birth in water is a wonderful option, but before you pop it in your birth plan, check out the benefits, risks and choices you have when planning a water birth.

To help you make an informed decision, I'm going to answer all the common questions I receive from my clients about giving birth in water. Here goes...

What is a water birth?

Well, it's pretty simple really. A water birth is a birth that takes place in a pool of water. It involves spending part of the labour and birth in the water, usually jumping in when the surges/contractions become stronger and more intense. But really, you can choose to get in or out of the water at any time. You might plan to have a water birth, but decide not to jump in when the time comes, it's totally up to you.

Can I have a water birth at home? What about in the hospital?

Really, you can birth in any pool of water, but there are birth pools especially designed for birth. These can be used at home, in a birth centre or hospital.

Homebirth - You can rent or buy a birth pool if you're planning to have a homebirth. These are inflatable pools that are especially designed for birth. They come in different sizes and usually include things like air pumps, hoses and water pumps to dispose of the water. Make sure you have some old towels and maybe a tarpaulin to protect your floor, and do make sure you practice inflating it and filling it before the big day, so that you know how long it all takes and it's all familiar to you Check out the birth pool I have for rent

Hospital - Many birthing centres and hospitals have the option to birth in water. They have rooms with either a birth pool already fixed in the bathroom, like a big bathtub, or they might bring in an inflatable birth pool to set up for you. Not all hospitals offer this so do check out the facilities in your hospital of choice. Also, they don't usually have pools and tubs in every room, so you might find that a pool isn't available on the day.

Is a water birth safe for my baby?

Absolutely!

It's a question I get asked a lot, and the answer is yes.

One of the amazing things about newborns is something called the diving reflex. This is a natural instinct that prevents your baby from inhaling water when they’re born. This reflex exists until they're around 1 year old!

While in the womb, your baby is submerged in amniotic fluid, and is receiving their oxygen through the umbilical cord. This continues after birth, and your baby will only take their first breath when they're lifted out of the water and the air hits their face.

When babies are born into water, their bodies automatically know not to breathe until they’re lifted into the air. The diving reflex temporarily closes off the airway, protecting them from inhaling water.

This smooth transition from the amniotic fluid filled uterus, into the warm water of the birth pool, can be an easy journey for your baby. The warm water also helps create a calm environment for them, which can reduce the likelihood of them being startled or distressed.

It's important for the temperature of the pool water to be the same temperature as your body temperature, to make this journey more smooth for your baby (your midwife, nurse, doula or partner can keep checking the water temperature).

Wondering if it's safe to lift your baby out of the water?

They're slippery little things aren't they?

You can choose who lifts your baby out of the water when they're born. You might like to do it yourself, or maybe your partner might prefer to do it. Or you might like your midwife to lift your baby up for you, or have their hands under yours if that feels more reassuring for you. It's totally up to you. Remember, you can change your mind in the moment too.

You can always have a little practice next time you're in the bath, or maybe when you're practising setting up the birth pool at home. Practice being in the water in a position to birth, and try lifting up a wet, slippery bath toy, or something similar, and see how it feels.

My birth pool for rent

What are the risks & benefits of birthing in water?

Ok, this is good for you to know, so you can make an informed decision:

Risks:

There is no evidence right now of any major risks of having a water birth. One risk (which is a low risk), is the risk of infection. To keep this risk low, you'll need to make sure you're using a clean pool (using a liner if it's a rented pool or it might be used again), filling it and topping it up with clean water, and using clean hoses to fill the pool.

There is also a very low risk of pulling on the umbilical cord when lifting baby out. This can easily be prevented by lifting your baby up out of the water slowly and gently, feeling for any tug on the cord. Your midwife can guide you if you like.

Benefits:

There are so many benefits for you and your baby!

• Natural pain relief One of the best things about water birth is how much it helps with natural pain relief. The water supports your body, easing any pressure from your legs, belly and back. It’s like having a big warm hug while you’re in labor! The warmth of the water can really help you to relax and it makes it easier to move around into different positions that feel good for you.

  
  

• Less stress, more calm The warmth of the water is very soothing and can really help you release oxytocin and endorphins, shutting out stress hormones (just like a hug). Also the water mimics the feeling and sensation of the amniotic fluid in your uterus, which means a smoother transition for your baby. Babies born in water tend to be more relaxed, and many parents notice their little ones are calm and peaceful as they come into the world.

  
  

• Freedom of movement You can float, squat, lean, or shift into whatever position feels comfortable. This can make a big difference when you’re giving birth because your body is fully supported, the buoyancy of the water is taking your weight, and you have the flexibility to find what works best for you. Some people find that the water helps them to hold squat positions for a lot longer!

  
  

• Might help speed things up Some people find that their birth progresses faster during a water birth. When you’re in the water, your muscles are more relaxed, and your oxytocin is flowing, which helps your body birth more easily. So, being calm and supported by the water can actually help move things along, making the entire process a bit smoother.

  
  

So let’s have a look at how you can use the ball during pregnancy and birth:

Can I be monitored in the water?

Yes! Your midwife will still be able to monitor your baby just like they would if you were giving birth out of the water. They can use a waterproof heart rate monitor.

If your baby needs continuous monitoring (maybe if you've been induced or your baby is showing some signs of distress), you can ask for wireless monitoring. Some hospitals have waterproof CTG monitoring. Ask your hospital or birth centre what options are available for you, and make sure you write your preferences in your birth plan.

If your midwife or doctor needs to examine your cervix, there’s a chance they might ask you to step out of the pool. It’s totally ok to say no, and you can always ask your midwife if the exam is necessary and why they feel it’s needed, especially if you’re feeling relaxed and comfortable in the water. You might decide to not have the exam. If you do, then you'll need to step out of the water, dry off and lay down somewhere while they do the check.

Can I still have a water birth if I've been induced?

Absolutely! It depends on your individual situation and the type of induction you've had, but in most cases, if you’re induced, you can still have a water birth.

If you've had a sweep to induce birth, you should still be ok to birth in water. If you’re induced with syntocinon (hormone IV drip), it will mean your baby will need closer monitoring (see monitoring above), but it’s still possible to birth in the water. Ask your midwife or doctor what's possible in your local hospital.

What do I need to prepare for a water birth?

Here are some things to think about:

Space in your home - If you're having a homebirth, and you have hired or bought your own birth pool, test it out in your room, whether that's your bedroom or living room. I had mine in my conservatory so I could be closer to nature and our garden! Practice inflating it and positioning it so that your partner and your midwife can easily move around it during birth.

Jugs & things - It's a good idea to have a jug to hand, so that your partner or doula can pour warm water over your back or your belly during birth. Face cloths are super helpful as well, and water can be pouring over them. You'll need a net too! To catch those pesky poops. And don't forget to have a water thermometer close by to check on the water temperature. Your hospital will have one if you're birthing there.

Positions - Try practising some positions. UFO (forward, upright and open) positions are really helpful for your baby and for a smoother birth. Try these out, leaning over the side of the pool. Try some kneeling and squatting positions.

Partner support - Will your birth partner be supporting you from the side of the pool, or will they jump in the water with you? You can decide. Make sure they have their swimsuit with them!

What to wear - You can wear whatever you like, a bikini, or a vest top, or you might want to be naked. It's totally your choice. Think about what's comfortable for ease of movement. Also when your baby is born and lifted up onto your chest, make sure you have easy access to your chest, so your baby can have skin-to-skin straight away.

Positions - Try practising some positions. UFO (forward, upright and open) positions are really helpful for your baby and for a smoother birth. Try these out, leaning over the side of the pool. Try some kneeling and squatting positions.

Preparing your home - As mentioned above, practice inflating and filling the pool and check where you'll put it. Also think about having some old towels, blankets and tarpaulin to protect the floor and furniture. Having a bed or sofa close by will be nice once your baby is born, and you get out of the pool and lay back and relax. You can make the space cosy with candles (battery operated in the hospital), and music. Oh and think about the distance from the pool to the nearest sink or toilet, to remove the water from the pool after birth.

Kneeling pad & bath pillow - Garden kneeling pads are awesome for birth. Have one to hand, not just for you, but for your partner to use when kneeling next to the birth pool. A bath pillow or folded towel can be helpful for your comfort when leaning over the side of the pool, or lounging back.

Birth plan - Don't forget to pop all your preferences in your birth plan! And remember that it isn't set in stone. You can also make decisions on the day. Some people love the idea of a water birth and make a plan, but when the time comes, they just don't like being in the water. It's ok. Your body, your baby, your birth, your choice.

So, is a water birth for you? Take time to decide and prepare and speak with your care provider. If you want any further information, I'm here if you fancy a chat, or just pop a question in the comment section below.

Looking to rent a birth pool? There will be some in your local area. If you're in The Netherlands, I have one for hire. You can find more info here

Are you looking for more support? You can book me as your birth doula, arrange a birth coaching call, or book a HypnoBirthing course with me (online or in person)

Don’t forget to follow me on social media!

Feel free to send this to a pregnant friend 🌸

Happy birthing!  

Love, Miranda 💗