How do I prepare for a water birth?

Check first with your hospital or midwife. They may already be equipped for water birth with a special tub, or know the simplest route to take in your area for setting up a water birth. If you plan to give birth at a hospital make sure their policies are water-birth friendly. More and more hospitals are welcoming parents who want to try water birth.

You may rent a birthing tub for about $350. Check online or in the phone book. Be sure to ask if fees include shipping both ways and any other extras to make your birth experience more enjoyable. Check with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse the expense of the rental.

1. Gilber RE, Tookey PA. Perinatal mortality and morbidity among babies delivered in water: national surveillance study. BMJ 1999; 319:483-7
2. LMM Duley MRCOG, Oxford. “Birth In water: RCOG Statement No. 1.” Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist. January 2001.
3. “Perinatal mortality and morbidity among babies delivered in water: surveillance study and postal survey.” British Medical Journal. August 21, 1999.

Reprinted with permission from American Pregnancy Association