Preparing for Waterbirth
Many clients choose waterbirth for its calming, gentle support during labor and birth. Warm water can help ease the intensity of contractions, promote relaxation, and provide a sense of privacy and buoyancy that supports instinctive movement.
Whether you’re planning to labor in the water, birth in it, or simply want the option available, having the right supplies ready ahead of time will help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for you and your birth team. Below is a list of recommended items to gather as you prepare your space for a waterbirth at home.
The birth pool rental is included in your homebirth fee, so there’s no need to worry about sourcing one yourself. My assistant and I will take care of the full setup and takedown—we’ll prepare the space, fill the pool, and ensure it’s ready when you need it. After the birth, we’ll handle draining, cleaning, and packing it all away, so you can stay focused on resting and bonding with your baby.
To read more about the safety and benefits of waterbirth, click below for an informative article detailing the research we have on laboring and birthing in water.
Note: I recommend increasing the temperature on your water heater in early labor, to ensure we have plenty of hot water to fill the pool.
Waterbirth Supplies
Birth Pool-In-a-Box Mini pool liner
A new, sterile liner is required for each birth to ensure the pool is clean and safe. Although a generic liner is available, I don’t recommend it because it’s very crinkly and bulky and often leaks.
The liner is best purchased with your birth kit at In His Hands.
Birth Pool In a Box MINI Pool Liner
New Drinking Water-Safe Hose
A brand-new hose ensures the water entering the pool is safe and uncontaminated. Be sure it’s long enough to reach from your intended water source (usually a shower or bathroom faucet) to the birth pool location.
The hose can be purchased with your birth kit, but it’s cheaper on Amazon if you prefer to buy there!
In His Hands Link
Amazon Link
Showerpipe or Faucet to Hose Adapter
Most faucets require a simple adapter to connect to the hose. You will need to measure the diameter of the showerpipe or faucet you are planning to use as your warm water source and purchase an adapter which fits your plumbing.
Below you will find the link to a showerpipe adapter which work for most homes (add to your birth kit):
In His Hands Link
Submersible Drain Pump
A small electric pump used to quickly drain the birth pool after use. I used to carry a sump pump to save clients the extra expense, but it’s difficult to fully clean a used sump pump, and I hate the idea of introducing extra pathogens to your home.
If you already have a sump pump at home (or have friends or relatives who are willing to let you borrow one) this is one item which does not need to be new since it’s only used after we are completely done with the pool and ready to pack it away.
You can also purchase a sump pump with your birth kit or at a local hardware store.
In His Hands Link (you do not need to add a drain hose)
Debris Net
Poop happens (and it’s actually a good sign that you’re pushing correctly!) This little net is used to remove any particles or debris that may enter the water during labor. You can add it on to your birth kit or purchase one at a local pet store if you prefer (must be new).
Click here to purchase waterbirth net
Shower Curtain or Tarp (for under the pool)
Protects your floors or carpet from moisture and makes cleanup easier after the birth.
Below you will find links to a couple of different floor covering, depending on your preferences. You’re welcome to use a tarp you already have on hand, as long as it’s clean.
Large Plastic Floor Covering: 9×12′
Earthside Flower-Shaped Floor Covering
Extra Towels
You’ll want at least a 4-6 extra towels for drying off as you get in and out of the pool, cleaning up splashes, and keeping baby warm and dry after birth.