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Bath birth
A unique and relaxing experience
A water birth offers a special and intimate way to bring your baby into the world. If you are considering a water birth, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of a water birth and how to prepare for it.
Benefits of a bath birth
If you are looking for a natural and relaxing birthing experience, a water birth can be a wonderful option. Here are some reasons why women often choose a water birth:
Less stress for the baby
The warm water in the birthing pool mimics the conditions of amniotic fluid, making the transition to the outside world less stressful for your baby.Less chance of tearing or episiotomy
The warm water makes the skin and muscles around your vagina and anus more supple, which can reduce the chance of tearing or an episiotomy during labor. In addition, a birthing pool offers more freedom of movement than a bed, which gives you a sense of control and autonomy during your labor.Natural pain relief
The warm water acts as a natural pain reliever, relaxing your muscles and can reduce the intensity of contractions. This makes labor more comfortable and reduces the need for medical pain relief. Water has a calming effect, helps you relax and reduces anxiety and stress, which can contribute to a faster and smoother labor.
Where you can give birth in a bath
Home water birth
If you are considering giving birth at home, it is important to know that this is usually not possible in your own bath for safety reasons. You can rent a special birthing pool that comes with a hygienic cover. After giving birth, you can throw away the cover and return the bath.
What should you prepare for a water birth?
A birthing pool offers a relaxing and comfortable option for women who want a more intimate and peaceful environment during labor. Whether you plan to give birth at home or in a birthing center, renting a birthing pool can be a valuable addition. Here’s a rundown of what to set up and what to expect when renting a birthing pool.
What you need to prepare:
Birthing pool:
- Make sure you rent a suitable birthing pool. These pools are designed for comfort during labor and often have a sturdy edge to lean on.
Tarpaulin or sheet:
- Place a cover or tarp under the birthing pool to catch any spills and protect your floor.
Towels and cloths:
- Have a pile of soft towels and cloths ready to dry yourself and the baby after birth.
Anti-slip mat:
- Consider using a non-slip mat on the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping.
Thermometer:
- With a birthing pool you will always receive a thermometer for the bath, so that you can continuously check whether the water is still the right temperature.
Comfortable clothes:
- Make sure you have comfortable clothing to wear when you get out of the bath. Think of a nightgown.
Candles/music:
- Create a relaxing atmosphere with candles, dimmable lights or soothing music.
Rent a birthing pool
When you rent a birthing pool, you often receive the following items:
Birthing pool with protective cover:
- When you rent a birthing pool, you usually receive a sturdy inflatable pool with a suitable protective cover for your own hygiene.
Water pump:
- A water pump is often included to make filling and emptying the bath easy.
Air pump:
- An air pump to quickly inflate the bath is usually included.
Drain hose:
- For easy drainage of water after delivery.
Instruction manual:
- A detailed manual is provided to guide you through setting up, filling and emptying the bath.
Filling the bath:
When setting up a birthing pool, you should take the following into account:
Water temperature:
- Fill the bath with warm water at a temperature between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius. This is the ideal temperature to keep the baby comfortable and reduce the risk of hypothermia.
Timing:
- Start filling the tub when you notice your contractions are regular. This will give you enough time to get the tub to the right temperature before labor starts.
Water quality:
- Make sure the water is clean and clear before entering the tub.
A water birth can be a beautiful experience and with the right preparation and use of a quality birthing pool, you can enjoy this unique birthing method to the fullest.
Water birth in the birth center
If you prefer not to rent a birthing pool, there is a possibility to give birth in a bath in the birthing centre of the St. Jansdal hospital. There is one birthing pool available here. In principle, this pool is not reserved. If you want to give birth in the birthing centre, we can ask whether the birthing pool is available. If this is the case, it will be reserved for you.
If the delivery proceeds differently
Although a water birth offers many advantages, from natural pain relief to a soothing environment, it can happen that the birth goes differently, for medical reasons or if you do not like the warm water or if you want medical pain relief. In such cases it is important to understand that the care for you and the baby will be transferred to the hospital. Unfortunately, we will not be able to assist you further with the birth.
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