The benefits of mobile birthing pools: insights from Veljko Zivanovic at St. Vinzenz Hospital in Dinslaken

When St. Vinzenz Hospital in Dinslaken planned renovations for its maternity ward, they aimed to continue offering water births, a popular option in Germany. Consequently, they reached out to us in late 2023. Approximately a year later, we spoke with Veljko Zivanovic, head of the delivery ward, about his experiences with mobile birthing pools.

Why offer water births

"We always recommend water births because they help babies enter the world more gently," Veljko explains. During the renovation, maintaining this option was a priority, leading to the exploration of alternatives like mobile birthing pools.

Advantages of water births

• Pain Management: Women report experiencing less pain in water.
• Reduced Birth Injuries: There's a lower risk of perineal tears.
• Fewer Medical Interventions: Water promotes relaxation and labor progression, reducing the need for interventions.

Additionally, women can use the pool for relaxation during early labor stages.

Transition to mobile birthing pools

The hospital previously used a fixed pool, but during renovations, this wasn't feasible. They opted for a mobile solution and appreciated the excellent communication and support, including demonstrations.

"Communication was excellent from the start. My initial email in December 2023 was promptly answered, and within two weeks, we had a demonstration, despite the holiday season," says Veljko.

Practical benefits of mobile birthing pools

Initially, staff were concerned about complexity, but those worries quickly dissipated. "No one worries about it anymore. It's simple and straightforward," they note. While setup takes slightly longer than a fixed pool, the flexibility allows multiple delivery rooms to accommodate water births.

Future plans: combining fixed and mobile solutions

With renovations nearing completion, the hospital plans to combine a fixed pool in one delivery room with two mobile pools available for other rooms. This hybrid approach ensures more women have access to water births.

Advice for other hospitals

The hospital wholeheartedly recommends mobile birthing pools. "That's a clear yes. Mobile pools are practical, versatile, and offer an excellent birthing experience," concludes Veljko.

We extend our gratitude to Veljko Zivanovic from St. Vinzenz Hospital in Dinslaken (GFO Kliniken Niederrhein) for sharing his valuable experiences and insights. The combination of fixed and mobile solutions demonstrates how innovation and flexibility in maternity care can offer more women a gentle and natural birth experience.