How does a water birth at a birthing center work?

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you can expect when planning your birthing center water birth:

1. Discuss your wishes with your midwife
   Each region and water birth center has different procedures. Most centers have their own built-in pools or use our inflatable birthing pools. Curious which water birthing center near me uses our pools? Check our partner locator to find out!
   
   
2. Arrival at the birthing center
   When labor begins, inform your midwife that you'd like a water birth at the birthing center. Upon arrival, they’ll check if a room with a birth pool is available. Some centers prepare the pool before you arrive; others set it up when you get there. Your midwife can explain this clearly during pregnancy.
   
   
3. During labor
   When contractions become stronger and you feel the need for pain relief, you can step into the warm water. It helps you relax deeply, eases pain naturally, and allows you to comfortably change positions.
   
   
4. Birth of your baby
   Your midwife regularly checks on you and your baby during the birth. Often, you can remain in the pool during delivery itself. Babies born in water typically enter the world calmly, gently transitioning into their new environment through warm water.
   
   
5. After the birth
   After delivery, you’ll have time to relax with your baby in the warm water. When you're ready, or your midwife recommends, you'll be helped gently out of the pool to rest comfortably and enjoy your first precious moments together.

Benefits of water birth at a birthing center

Why choose a natural water birthing center? Here are some key advantages:

Relaxed and home-like environment
Birthing centers offer a cozy atmosphere that feels like home, promoting relaxation and a positive birth experience.

Support from your own midwife
At a birthing center with water birth, you’ll be guided by your trusted midwife rather than unfamiliar hospital staff.

Immediate access to medical support
Most birthing centers are located close to or within a hospital. If medical assistance is required, help is just minutes away.

Water birth with medical guidance

Choosing a water birth center means your birth experience is both safe and comfortable. Experienced midwives closely monitor your health and your baby's condition, ensuring you get the best of both worlds: a natural, relaxed environment with professional medical supervision always nearby.

Birthing centers offering water births

Looking for a water birth center near me? More and more birthing centers in the Netherlands offer safe and hygienic water birth facilities. Birthpools collaborates closely with various centers, providing high-quality birthing pools that meet strict safety and hygiene standards.

A few birthing centers that offer our pools, include:

• Geboortehuis Utrecht - Netherlands
• Geburtshaus Elbhebammen - Germany
• Geboortecentrum Sophia - Netherlands
• Geburtshaus Tübingen - Germany

Contact your local birthing center to inquire about their options for a water birth.

Will you choose a water birth at a birthing center?

Excited about a birthing center water birth near you and want to explore this option further? We're here to support you with practical advice, helpful tips, and information on choosing the best birthing pool for your needs. Learn more about the advantages, how it works, and what to expect on our comprehensive page about water birth.