Tips for a Wonderful Waterbirth

  1. When buying a hose for filling and draining the tub look for a “lead free” RV or drinking safe hose to avoid exposure to lead and other heavy chemicals.


  2. Give someone the job of keeping towels warm in the dryer. If you get in and out of the tub or when you get out after the birth or for the birth, you can have warm towels ready for you and the baby.


  3. DO NOT fill the tub with hot water first (especially boiling hot water). Fill the tub about ¼ of the way with lukewarm water and then continue with hot water. This will prevent damage to the tub liners.


  4. Check the water temperature coming from the hose as the tub fills to make sure the water hasn’t gone cold. You can always stop for a while and continue filling later if it is early in labor or continue filling with water heated on the stove.


  5. Some mothers add a small amount of sea salt or colloidal silver to the water to prevent bacterial growth. Discuss with your midwife the benefits/risks of this addition.


  6. Water temperature should never be ABOVE 98 degrees (normal human body temperature). However, some women are too hot at or around body temperature due to the hard work of labor. The water temperature should be cool enough for mother AND warm enough for baby. Ask someone in your birth team to be on thermometer duty. Ice cold washcloths, changed frequently are an excellent way to keep mom from getting too hot in the tub.


  7. If mom would like to try aromatherapy during labor, try adding a few drops of essential oil to a wet washcloth or cotton square or to water in a spray bottle instead of the tub water. That way, if she decides she hates the smell, it can quickly be taken away.