How to Sign Up for a Water Birth

Water births are growing in popularity. Warm water is helpful in comforting yet re-energizing a woman during hard stages of labor. Just as in swimming, the water allows the woman̵7;s body to feel lighter and more apt to changing positions. Tears during the actual birthing process are decreased and the mother̵7;s blood pressure tends to stay lower than during typical in-bed hospital births. Moms who choose water births frequently give testimonies citing that the water, being so similar to the amniotic fluid, allows the baby a less stressful birth as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Birthing pool
  • Lead-free hose

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a care provider, whether a doctor or midwife, who is qualified to monitor water births and discuss your birthing plan.

    • 2

      Decide whether you want a water birth at home or in the hospital. For home births, you will need to purchase a birthing pool and accessories such as faucet adapters in advance.

    • 3

      Call the birthing center or hospital in your area and ask if they have permanent birthing pools or if portable pools are allowed. Ask for as many specific details as possible so you can adhere to the hospital̵7;s policies.

    • 4

      Contact your medical insurance carrier. Some insurance companies cover the cost of renting a birthing pool while others do not.

    • 5

      Involve Waterbirth International in the event the hospital isn̵7;t agreeable to a water birth. Waterbirth International claims a 95 percent success rate in changing their policies and will work on the case in exchange for a donation.

    • 6

      Consider renting a birthing pool for hospital births that don̵7;t own permanent pools.

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