Setting up the birth pool

Setting up the birth pool is straightforward and only requires a few simple steps. Below you'll find a clear guide to preparing the pool quickly and safely. If your patient prepares the pool herself, you can share these instructions beforehand.

1. Preparation and temperature
   Ensure the birth pool reaches room temperature at least 48 hours before setup. This prevents material damage and extends the pool's lifespan.
2. Choosing a location and unfolding
   Select an area with sufficient space around the pool. In hospitals, ensure the birthing bed can always be wheeled out of the delivery room without obstruction. Unfold the pool on a flat, clean surface.
3. Inflating the air chambers
   Use the electric pump to inflate the pool, starting from the bottom and integrated seat, then proceed upwards through the three chambers. Initially inflate the top ring halfway.
4. Placing the disposable liner
   Carefully place the hygienic disposable liner into the pool, ensuring it fits tightly against all sides. Tip: Locate the cup-holder marking first on the liner—this ensures proper placement. Once the liner is placed, fully inflate the top ring for a secure fit.

Many hospitals keep the pool inflated when not in use, storing it upright or moving it to a storage room, eliminating steps 1 to 3 for subsequent births.

Filling the birth pool

When filling the birth pool, maintaining a comfortable water temperature is essential:

• Fill the pool with water between 36.5°C and 37.5°C, reaching at least the minimum fill level indicated on the liner.
• Although the water temperature typically remains stable, check again at around 9 centimeters dilation. If needed, additional warm water can be easily added via the hose to ensure optimal conditions for a possible underwater birth.

Using the birth pool

Once prepared, clients can safely and comfortably enjoy a hospital water birth. Ensure the following:

Safe entry and exit

Assist your patient carefully into and out of the pool. The broad edges of the birth pool offer excellent support for sitting during transitions.

Comfortable positions

Mothers can easily change positions during labor. Common positions include:

• Sitting in front of the integrated seat for back pressure relief.
• Kneeling and leaning on the wide edges of the pool.
• Squatting, using the seat for additional support.

Regular position changes can positively impact labor progression.

After the birth

Following a water birth in hospital, carefully monitor the mother and baby’s condition, particularly vital signs and blood loss:

• The baby can safely remain skin-to-skin on the mother’s chest while still in the water.
• Occasionally, depending on maternal preferences and clinical assessment, the placenta may also be delivered in the water.
• Assist your patient gently and safely from the pool when she is ready and medically stable.

Cleaning the birth pool

Hygiene is crucial following each hospital water birth. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Draining the water
   Use a submersible pump and hose to quickly drain the water into a toilet or appropriate drain. Secure the hose under the toilet seat to minimize supervision.
2. Removing the disposable liner
   Carefully remove the liner, optionally using it as a disposal bag for other birth waste. Liners are single-use only.
3. Cleaning the pool
   After removing the liner, the pool should remain clean, but always perform additional cleaning with warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals to preserve the pool's material. Alcohol-based disinfectants may be used for sanitization.
4. Drying the pool
   Dry the pool thoroughly and allow it to air-dry for several hours.If your hospital stores the pool inflated, this concludes your cleaning routine.

Storing the birth pool

After cleaning and drying thoroughly, store the birth pool easily and safely:

• Fully deflate all air chambers using the pump, particularly the bottom and integrated seat, to simplify folding.
• Fold the pool carefully without creating sharp creases to prevent damage.
• Store the pool at room temperature in the provided storage bag.
  
  

Offering water births in your hospital?

Hospitals have various ways to offer patients the opportunity for a water birth. Birthpools provides comprehensive support and customized solutions for your hospital. We offer complete packages, which makes it possible to start offering water births without financial investment from the hospital, and even inventory management services. Interested in offering water births or have further questions? Please contact us directly.