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Waterbirth FAQ — Your Most Asked Questions Answered
After more than a decade supplying birth pools to families, midwives, birth centers and hospitals across the United States, we've heard every question there is to ask about waterbirth. Every single one.
So we put them all in one place. Whether you're completely new to the idea of waterbirth or deep in your planning and looking for specific answers — this is the most comprehensive waterbirth FAQ you'll find anywhere.
Let's get into it.
THE BASICS
Waterbirth is the practice of laboring and giving birth in a warm pool of water. The laboring person spends part or all of their labor immersed in a birth pool maintained at body temperature — around 95-100°F — and the baby is born underwater, gently rising to the surface into the arms of the midwife or parent.
Because babies have spent nine months in fluid, the transition from womb to warm water is gentle, gradual, and remarkably peaceful for both mother and baby.
How long has waterbirth been practiced?
Waterbirth has been practiced for decades internationally and has been growing steadily in the United States for many years. It is well established in the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and is increasingly common in US hospitals, birth centers, and home births. The movement has accelerated significantly in recent years as more hospitals add waterbirth programs and more families seek natural birth options.
Is waterbirth a mainstream option now?
More than ever. Hospitals across the United States — from community hospitals to major health systems — are actively adding waterbirth programs. Birth centers have offered waterbirth for many years. And home waterbirth with a licensed midwife is a well established and growing choice. Water birth has moved from the fringes of birth culture firmly into the mainstream.
SAFETY
Is water birth safe?
Yes — waterbirth is considered safe for low-risk pregnancies when attended by a trained birth professional. Major midwifery and obstetric organizations including the American College of Nurse-Midwives support waterbirth as a safe option for appropriate candidates. Thousands of waterbirths take place in the United States every year with excellent outcomes.
The key factors for a safe waterbirth are a low-risk pregnancy, a trained and experienced provider, a properly maintained pool at the correct temperature, and careful monitoring throughout labor.
Is waterbirth safe for the baby?
Yes. Babies are born with a dive reflex — a natural physiological response that prevents them from inhaling water when born in an aquatic environment. As long as the water temperature is properly maintained and the baby is brought to the surface promptly after birth, waterbirth is safe for baby.
What makes someone a good candidate for waterbirth?
Generally waterbirth is recommended for low-risk pregnancies — a single baby in a head-down position, a full-term pregnancy, and no significant complications. Your care provider will assess your individual situation and help you determine whether waterbirth is appropriate for you.
What would rule someone out for waterbirth?
Conditions that may make waterbirth inadvisable include certain fetal heart rate abnormalities, preterm labor, breech presentation, significant meconium in the amniotic fluid, certain infections, and other complications that require closer monitoring or intervention. Your midwife or provider will guide you based on your specific circumstances.
Can you have an epidural with a waterbirth?
No — epidurals require you to remain in bed with continuous monitoring and are not compatible with being in a birth pool. Waterbirth is typically chosen as part of a natural birth approach. However many women find that the warm water provides sufficient pain relief that they no longer feel the need for an epidural once they're in the pool.
PAIN AND EXPERIENCE
Does waterbirth hurt less?
Most women who labor in water report significantly reduced pain compared to laboring on land. Warm water immersion is a powerful natural analgesic — the buoyancy reduces the feeling of pressure and weight, the warmth relaxes muscles and reduces tension, and the overall calming effect of the water helps the body manage contractions more effectively.
Many women describe getting into the birth pool as an immediate and dramatic reduction in pain. It's one of the most effective non-pharmacological pain relief tools available in birth.
What does being in a birth pool feel like during labor?
Most women describe it as an immediate sense of relief and calm. The buoyancy of the water takes weight off your body, making movement and position changes much easier. Many describe the pool as their sanctuary — a warm, private, peaceful space that belongs entirely to them during labor.
Can you move around in the pool?
Yes — and this is one of the great advantages of waterbirth. The buoyancy of the water makes it much easier to change positions, move freely, and find what feels right for your body during labor. You can be upright, on all fours, leaning against the side, or in any position that works for you.
What if I get into the pool and don't like it?
You can get out at any time. The pool is a tool — not a commitment. Some women love it immediately and stay in throughout labor and birth. Others find it helpful for part of labor and then prefer to birth on land. Some get in and decide it's not for them. All of these are completely valid and your midwife will support whatever feels right.
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
When should I order my birth pool?
We recommend ordering by 34-36 weeks at the latest — and many families and midwives prefer ordering by 28-32 weeks. The goal is to have your pool in hand early enough to do a practice setup, identify any questions, and be completely prepared before labor begins. Babies don't always arrive on schedule and you don't want to be scrambling at the last minute.
Do I need to do a practice setup?
Yes — strongly recommended. At around 34-36 weeks inflate your pool, fit the liner, fill it with water, time how long it takes, check your hose connections, and then empty it again. This single practice run will reveal any issues while you still have time to solve them. It takes about two hours and is absolutely worth doing.
How long does it take to fill a birth pool?
This depends on your water heater and water pressure but typically 45-90 minutes for most homes. This is one of the key reasons to do a practice run — so you know exactly how long your setup takes and can plan accordingly when labor begins.
When during labor should I get into the pool?
Most midwives recommend waiting until active labor — generally around 5-6cm dilation — before getting into the pool. Getting in too early can sometimes slow labor down by triggering too much relaxation before the body is ready. Your midwife will advise you on the right timing for your individual labor.
Can I eat and drink while in the birth pool?
Yes — staying hydrated during labor is important and you can absolutely drink water, juice, or other fluids while in the pool. Light snacks are generally fine too. Follow your midwife's guidance on this.
THE BIRTH POOL
What size birth pool do I need?
You want a pool that is large enough to move freely and change positions comfortably. Look for a pool that is at least 5 feet in diameter and deep enough that your bump is submerged when you're seated. Our Birth Pool in a Box pools are specifically designed with the dimensions that work best for labor and birth.
What is a birth pool liner and do I really need one?
A liner is a single-use hygienic insert that fits inside your birth pool. It is absolutely essential — it creates a completely clean environment for birth and makes cleanup afterward safe and simple. You should never use a birth pool without a liner and you should always use a fresh liner. We recommend ordering at least two.
Can I use a regular inflatable pool or bathtub?
No — and this is important. Regular inflatable paddling pools are not designed to hold the weight of a laboring person, are not the right depth, and are not structurally safe for birth. Regular bathtubs are generally too small to allow free movement and too shallow to keep your bump submerged. A proper birth pool designed specifically for labor and birth is essential.
Can the birth pool be used indoors?
Yes — birth pools are designed for indoor use. The most important considerations are floor strength (a filled pool can exceed 1,000 pounds — ground floor rooms are strongly recommended), access to a hot water tap via fill hose, and enough space around the pool for your midwife to move freely.
How do I empty the pool after birth?
With a submersible pump. This is an essential piece of equipment — you cannot empty a birth pool any other way given the volume of water involved. A good submersible pump will empty a full birth pool in around 30-45 minutes. Make sure you have one and that someone knows how to use it before labor begins.
What temperature should the water be?
95-100°F (35-37°C). This mimics body temperature and creates a safe, comfortable environment for both you and baby. Never exceed 100°F — water that is too hot can affect your baby's heart rate and is considered unsafe. Check temperature with a reliable thermometer before getting in and monitor it throughout labor.
How do I keep the water warm during labor?
Have a kettle of boiling water on hand to add warmth as needed, or access to more hot water from your tap. Some families use a pool cover or large towels draped over the sides when they're not in the water. Monitor temperature every 30 minutes or so throughout labor.
BIRTH SETTINGS
Can I have a waterbirth at a hospital?
Increasingly yes. More hospitals across the United States are adding waterbirth programs every year. We supply birth pools to hospitals across the country. If you want a hospital waterbirth, ask your provider or contact your hospital's labor and delivery unit to find out whether they offer it.
Can I have a waterbirth at a birth center?
Yes — many birth centers have permanent birth pools installed and are very experienced in supporting waterbirths. This is one of the most popular settings for waterbirth in the United States.
Can I have a waterbirth at home?
Yes — home waterbirth with a licensed midwife is a beautiful and well-established option. You set up a birth pool in your own home and labor and birth in your own space with your midwife present. This is the setting where you have the most control over your environment and the most freedom to create the experience you want.
Do I need a special midwife for waterbirth?
You need a midwife who is experienced and comfortable with waterbirth. Most licensed midwives who attend home births have waterbirth experience. If you're planning a birth center or hospital waterbirth the facility will have protocols and trained staff. When interviewing potential midwives ask specifically about their waterbirth experience.
AFTER THE BIRTH
Does the placenta need to be delivered in the water?
Not necessarily — this is a personal and clinical decision made with your midwife. Some women deliver the placenta while still in the pool. Others get out first. Your midwife will guide you based on how your labor and birth unfold.
Can I do delayed cord clamping with a waterbirth?
Yes — delayed cord clamping is completely compatible with waterbirth. Many waterbirth families choose to delay cord clamping until after the placenta is born. Discuss your preferences with your midwife when creating your birth plan.
What happens to the birth pool after the birth?
Once you and baby are settled and safe the pool is emptied using a submersible pump. The liner is removed and disposed of safely. The pool is rinsed, dried, and can be deflated and stored. The whole process is straightforward — and having the right equipment on hand makes it even more so.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
We've been answering waterbirth questions for over a decade and there is genuinely nothing we haven't heard. If your question isn't on this list — reach out to us directly. We're real people who know these products and this world inside and out, and we're always happy to help.
And when you're ready to order — we have everything you need. Birth pools, liners, hoses, pumps, thermometers and all the supplies for a perfect waterbirth — all in one place, from America's exclusive waterbirth specialists.
Browse our full range of birth pools and waterbirth supplies →