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Waterbirth Information

Please click on the questions below to expand and view more information.

Can I have a waterbirth?

You could choose to have a waterbirth at home or in the hospital. You would need to be 37 weeks pregnant or more. Your baby would need to be in the head down (cephalic) position. Preferably a trouble free pregnancy and a labour that progesses well

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When can't I have a waterbirth?

- If your baby is in the breech position (feet first)
- If you or your baby have a temperature
- Your waters have been broken for more than 24 hours
- Drugs such as pethidine can prevent you entering the pool

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Do all hospitals have birth pools?

Unfortunately not, although most have at least one. To guarantee yourself a pool you would need to arrange a homebirth with a pool. Speak to your local maternity unit about their policies on using thir birth pool.

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Does water help in labour?

Studies have suggested that entering the water in the 1st stage of labour can:

- Help shorten the length of your labour
- Help you relax and cope better with your contractions
- Help you feel more in control
- Reduce need for pain relieving drugs
- Reduce adrenalin levels and increase endorphin levels
- Provide you the freedom of movement via the weightlessness

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What pain relief is available to me in the pool?

The only pain relief method available while in the pool is entonox (gas and air). Pethidine and epidural are not used while in the water.

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What happens if I change my mind and want to get out?

You can of course get out of the pool whenever you want. Some women choose just to use the birth pool as a form of pain relief and deliver on dry land!

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What do I wear in the pool?

Its completely up to you, although most women choose to wear a bikini top.

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Can my partner get in the pool with me?

If your labour is progressing well and your partner wants to offer additional support then this is usually completely acceptable.

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What should I consider if I want a waterbirth at home?

- Think about where you are going to put the pool (downstairs) ensuring that there is sufficient room around the pool for you to get out safely and for the midwife to set up a delivery area.
- Ensure there are no electrical sockets nearby.
- Is there a tap reasonably close?
- Try to keep the immediate area free of clutter

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What equipment do I need at home?

- Pool!
- Hosepipe
- Tap adapter
- Thermometer for the pool
- Hand held mirror for the midwife
- Torch
- Lots of towels
- Cheap shower curtains or something similar to cover the floor
- Old sheets to prevent any slipping
- Plenty of warm water

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How much hot water will I need?

You need to make sure you have plenty of hot water readily available as the pool will often need topping up throughout the labour. Initially filling the pool is the equivalent to filling four standard baths (depending on the pool in use).

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Where can I get a pool?

Baby Dolly hires birth pools for a 6 week period with collection in your 36 week. We hire the community pools and the price is £52, this includes: pool, pump, liner, mirror and thermometer. If you want to know more or wish to hire a pool then please just give us a call or send us an email

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At Baby Dolly we have been specialising in hiring birth pools for many years now. We know it can be an expensive business so wanted to ensure it was accessible for more women as a choice for labour. We currently hire and sell birth pools for use at home. The hire package includes the following items:

• Pool
• Pool pump
• Thermometer
• Mirror
• Pool liner

The hire of the pool is for 6 weeks. It is best if you collect the pool at the start of your 37th week of pregnancy and return it as soon as possible after the birth. The price of the pool includes a £20 refundable deposit, this is to help cover us if there is any damage to the pool. If you think you would like to hire a pool then we recommend you let us know as soon as you get the all clear from your midwife. We can then book you in. Payment is on collection.

We also sell the Birth pool in a box Eco pool, please visit our shop.

We have a birth pool inflated in our HQ in Hinckley so if you want to pop in and take a look you are very welcome.

We can offer you lots of help and advice around waterbirth so please do not hesitate to ask.