What Is Waterbirth? Everything You Need to Know

If you've ever seen a waterbirth video online and felt something stir in your heart — a sense of peace, of possibility, of this is how it could be — you're not alone. Waterbirth is one of the fastest growing birth choices in the United States, and for good reason. Hospitals are adding waterbirth programs. Birth centers are expanding their pools. And more and more families are choosing to welcome their babies into the world gently, warmly, and naturally.

But if you're new to the concept, you probably have questions. What exactly is waterbirth? Is it safe? Can you do it at home? What do you need? We've been the exclusive US distributors of birth pools for over a decade, supplying hospitals, birth centers, and families across the country — and we're here to answer every question you have.

What Is Waterbirth?

Waterbirth is exactly what it sounds like — giving birth in a warm pool of water. The laboring person spends part or all of their labor immersed in a birth pool, and the baby is born underwater, gently surfacing into the arms of the midwife or parent.

The water temperature is carefully maintained at body temperature — around 95-100°F — creating an environment that is warm, gentle, and calming for both mother and baby. Because babies have been living in fluid for nine months, the transition from womb to warm water is remarkably smooth and peaceful.

What Are the Benefits of Waterbirth?

Women who choose waterbirth consistently report a dramatically different birth experience. Here's what the research and decades of real-world experience tell us:

Pain Relief Without Medication Warm water is a powerful natural analgesic. Immersion in water during labor has been shown to significantly reduce the perception of pain, often reducing or eliminating the need for epidurals or other pain medications. The buoyancy of the water also reduces the feeling of pressure, making contractions more manageable.

Faster Labor Progression Many women find that getting into the birth pool accelerates labor. The relaxation response triggered by warm water immersion can help the body release oxytocin — the hormone that drives contractions — more effectively.

Reduced Tearing The warm water softens perineal tissues, which research suggests may reduce the likelihood and severity of tearing during birth. Many midwives report significantly better outcomes in the perineum for their waterbirth clients.

Lower Stress and Anxiety The calming effect of warm water helps reduce cortisol and creates a sense of safety and control. Many laboring people describe the pool as their sanctuary — a private, peaceful space that belongs entirely to them.

A Gentle Welcome for Baby Babies born in water are often described as remarkably calm. The transition from the warm, fluid environment of the womb to the similar environment of the birth pool is gentle and gradual. Babies born this way frequently emerge with eyes wide open, alert and peaceful rather than startled.

Is Waterbirth Safe?

This is the question we hear most often — and it's a great one to ask. The short answer is yes, waterbirth is considered safe for low-risk pregnancies when managed by a trained birth professional.

Major medical organizations including the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) support waterbirth as a safe option for appropriate candidates. Thousands of waterbirths take place in the United States every year — in hospitals, birth centers, and homes.

The key factors for a safe waterbirth include:

• A low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy
• A trained and experienced midwife or provider
• A properly maintained birth pool at the correct temperature
• Careful monitoring throughout labor

Your care provider will help you determine whether waterbirth is the right choice for your specific pregnancy and birth circumstances.

Where Can You Have a Waterbirth?

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is how many options now exist for families who want a waterbirth.

At Home Home waterbirth with a licensed midwife is a beautiful and increasingly popular option. You set up a birth pool in the comfort of your own home and labor and birth in your own space. This requires a qualified home birth midwife and a proper birth pool with all the necessary accessories.

At a Birth Center Many birth centers across the country have permanent birth pools installed and are experienced in supporting waterbirths. This gives you the benefits of a home-like environment with professional support readily available.

At a Hospital More hospitals than ever are adding waterbirth programs. We supply birth pools to hospitals across the United States, from large health systems to community hospitals. If you're planning a hospital birth, ask your provider whether their facility offers waterbirth.

What Do You Need for a Waterbirth?

If you're planning a home waterbirth or your birth center requires you to bring your own pool, here's what you'll need:

• A birth pool — inflatable pools are the most popular choice for home births, being portable, affordable, and easy to set up
• A liner — a single-use pool liner keeps the water hygienic and makes cleanup simple
• A hose and pump — to fill and empty the pool
• A thermometer — to monitor water temperature throughout labor
• Access to hot water — to maintain temperature

How Do You Choose the Right Birth Pool?

Not all birth pools are created equal. Here's what to look for:

Size — You want to be able to move freely and change positions in the pool. Look for a pool that is at least 5 feet in diameter and deep enough to keep your bump submerged when seated.

Durability — Birth pools need to withstand hours of use and significant weight. Quality matters enormously. Our Birth Pool in a Box pools are made from medical-grade materials and are trusted by hospitals and midwives worldwide.

Ease of Setup — You don't want to be fussing with a complicated setup when labor begins. Our pools inflate quickly and come with everything you need to get started.

How Far in Advance Should You Order?

We recommend ordering your birth pool by 36-37 weeks at the latest — earlier if possible. This gives you time to do a practice setup, ensure you have everything you need, and be completely prepared without any last-minute stress. Many families order as early as 28-30 weeks.

Final Thoughts

Waterbirth is not just a birth method — it's a philosophy. It's about creating the conditions for a calm, empowered, and gentle birth experience for both parent and baby. It's about trusting the body's wisdom and giving labor the space it needs to unfold naturally.

Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or you've known for years that waterbirth is right for you — we're here to help. We've been part of thousands of birth journeys across the country, and we'd be honored to be part of yours.

Ready to start your waterbirth journey? Shop our full range of birth pools and supplies →