Frequently Asked Questions
 
Is Waterbirth safe?
 
How does the baby breathe?
 
How long does the baby stay underwater?
 
What should the temperature of the water be?
 
How does the water stay warm?
 
Will the water cover me?
 
When can I get into the tub?
 
Can I move around in the pool?
 
Can others be in the Tub with me?
 
Should I eat and drink water while in the tub?
 
How can I keep the water clean?
 
What if debris gets in the tub during Labor and Birth?
 
Is there a risk of infection?
 
Who can use a labor/birth tub?
 
Can you bill my insurance?
 
How big is the Tub?
 
Why can’t I just set it up myself and pay a lesser fee?
 
What do I need to provide?
 
What happens if I don’t use the tub?
 
How can I reserve a Tub?
 
When should I reserve my tub?
 
 
Is Waterbirth safe? There are many benefits to laboring and giving birth in a pool. There have been risks suggested; however the evidence has not been conclusive. How does the baby breathe? When a baby emerges from the birth canal into warm water there are physiological mechanisms that prevent the baby from breathing. Once the baby’s face or cord reaches the air s/he is stimulated to breathe. The baby is also still receiving oxygenated blood through the umbilical cord. How long does the baby stay underwater? Gently and slowly lifting your baby’s face out of the water within the first moments of birth will ensure that your baby can make the transition to breathing on it’s own, while still getting oxygen from the umbilical cord. Keeping the baby’s body in the water while still on mom’s chest or on her legs will help keep them warm. What should the temperature of the water be? The water should be kept between 97-100 degrees (f). You don’t want the water hotter then what the baby is use to in the womb. How does the water stay warm? The birth tub/pools are designed with heaters that maintain the temperature of the water. This allows you to labor without continually having to adding hot water. This is very important, because boiling water should be left to old movies. Will the water cover me? The water should be six inches from the top of the tub. This will fully cover the belly on the Laboring Mom as she sits in the pool. The water level will raise one inch for each person who sits in the tub. When can I get into the tub? Generally it is recommended that you have established regular strong contractions. Some suggest the 5 cm rule – 5 cm dilated in active labor. This will allow mom to maximize the therapeutic affects of the water for transition. Entering the tub too early can slow or stop your labor and diminish the power of the soothing effect when you need it most, during active labor and transition. On the other hand, being in the water can relax the mom just enough to allow her body to jump into full labor. Consult with your provider about your options. Can I move around in the pool? Ease of movement is one of the best reasons to labor in water. Changing positions is easy. You can lean on the side, squat, kneel, float or sit against your partner. Here are some of the options. Can others be in the Tub with me? Yes. Our tubs are designed to accommodate two adults (and sometime a toddler or two – with Mom and Dad – of course). Should I eat and drink water while in the tub? Yes. Staying well hydrated is very important. Your body needs fuel to do the work of birthing. You should drink water and eat easily digestible foods. Have your partner keep water near the tub and offer it to you often. How can I keep the water clean? Always start with fresh clean tap water. If it is safe to drink, it is safe to give birth in. However, if the tub has been full for 36 – 48 hours it will need to be treated to assure remains free of bacteria. The treatment is to add a ½ cup of bleach. However, we would prefer it if you allow us to come and drain and refill your tub and replace the liner. There is a small fee associated with this service, but exchanging the water and liner is the best option to maintain a clean pool. Warm standing water will breed bacteria, treating or exchanging the water, every other day, is necessary to prevent this problem. What if debris gets in the tub during Labor and Birth? We supply you with a fish net to remove any debris that you notice. Is there a risk of infection? We take great care to properly clean, disinfect and inspect our tubs and equipment after every birth. You will be also be given your own personal tub liner, which is only opened after we set up the tub. “Dilution is the Solution to Pollution”. Dr. Michael Rosenthal, a renowned Waterbirth advocate, reminds us that the amount of water (approx 150 gallons) dilutes the bacteria that we may bring into the tub with us or those introduced during the birthing process. You should remove any birth by-products (blood clots, feces, meconium etc…) with the fish net provided, but the infection risk is actual small due to the amount of “dilution”. Who can use a labor/birth tub? Any woman who has had a normal pregnancy can use a tub. It is important to always have a partner or support person with you while you are laboring in a tub. If you are using the tub in a Hospital you will need to check with them about their protocols and procedures. Waterbirth is usually not recommended for the following conditions: mothers with diabetes, heart disease, HIV, hepatitis, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe pre-eclampsia, active herpes outbreak, low/slow growth baby, multiples, breech babies, premature babies, baby in distress. You may also need to get out if you have an unusually long pushing stage, unusual bleeding, and if you feel faint or dizzy. You should always consult with you provider if you are considering using a Labor/Birth Tub. Every woman and every birth is a unique event. Midwives, Doctors and hospital will all have their own protocols to access your needs. Can you bill my insurance? No, but we can supply you with a “CPT Code” on an invoice if you would like to seek reimbursement from your Insurance carrier. Some families have had success if they ask for a prescription from their Doctor. How big is the Tub? The Tubs are approx 54 inches in Diameter, 24 inches deep and less then 900 lbs when filled. Remember you will be adding Mom, Dad and baby to that! Engineers have told us that the weight of the pool is a transient weight - one that is not going to be there very long, as opposed to a permanent weight. The load bearing weight has been calculated to be 78 lbs per square foot.  As per the current information on Waterbirth.org “There has never been an incident of the weight of the pool causing any damage to any hospital, home or birth center.” Why can’t I just set it up myself and pay a lesser fee? Though it is true that many families choose to rent the tub and not a service, it is our desire to offer a complete service that will make your experience less complicated. This will allow you to have the tub in your space only when you need it. Our service gives you the piece of mind that it will be set up correctly and quickly, the first time. After you have your baby, relax with your family, call us to clean and take down the tub. What do I need to provide? We need a location large enough to fit the pool with space to maneuver around it, approx 6 x 6 or larger. This area must be within 40 feet of your water source, and within 4 feet of a grounded electrical outlet. What happens if I don’t use the tub? We understand that birth can be unpredictable. However, no refunds will be given if the tub is not used during the labor. These situations include (but are not limited to) late call, no-call, fast labors, inadequate hot water supply, hospital delays, medical necessities or change of mind. Most set-ups can be completed within 2 1/2 hours of the request call; 90 minutes to be on site and 30 minutes to one hour to set and fill the tub. Fill times vary due to water supply. So, it is important that you call sooner rather then later! Please refer to the Rental Agreement for more details. How can I reserve a Tub? Call or email us for a Rental Agreement. You reserve your tub by sending a signed Rental Agreement and Payment. If you require a payment plan please let us know. We are happy to work with your family. All funds are due 30 days before your estimated due date. Please see Rental Agreement for more details. When should I reserve my tub? As soon as you can! Our slots fill up well in advance. If you wait until the end of your pregnancy there may not be one available. Click to reserve your tub now! Reserving%20a%20Tub.htmlshapeimage_2_link_0
 
photo by Lani McKay
 
courtesy of Waterbirth International
 
 
 
 
Photo by Lani McKay