Basic Checklist for a Water Birth

More and more women are opting for a water birth these days, a process where they deliver their baby while they are in a tub of warm water. This is thought to be beneficial both for the mother and the baby. Since most hospitals do not offer this type of birthing method, it is usually done at home. If you are planning to have a water birth, there are some things you will need to have. The following is a basic checklist for a water birth. With each item listed, I will explain the need for that item.

Large Comfortable Tub

This is a no brainer, but I still wanted to throw that one in. Since this is a process of water birth, naturally water is involved. And for you to contain the right amount of water as well as allow the mother to fit in, a large tub should be provided. If you do not have one, you can make use of inflatable pools or you might want to rent one from companies that supply water birth needs. If this is an option, you may want to ask your doctor if they know someone you can contact for water birth supplies.

Wide Tablecloth

This can be placed under the tub before filling it with water so as to protect the floor from spilling if you are renting one. If you are using a small pool, you will also want to place the cloth under the pool.

Terrycloth Towels

In order to avoid accidents, terrycloth towels are used as a walkway for the mother and the baby so that they can leave the tub in a safe manner, avoiding slipping and also leaking on the floor. This will also do good for drying the area.

Flashlight

Sometimes, the woman will want the lights dimmed or cut off altogether. This helps her feel more relaxed. A flashlight will come in handy to get around such low-light instances.

Lead-Free Hose

Because you need to fill a large tub with a considerably large amount of water, you need to make use of a hose to a faucet. Avoiding materials that contain lead will help in preventing poisoning accidents. This will also be used if you are using a pool.

Warm Water

For effective pain relief, warm water is very important. Warm a pot of water and keep another pot boiling. Warm water might be a constant need and not only during labor, and therefore it is best to keep some extra available right away. Labor can last a while, so you may need warm water for a while.

Kit For the Baby

The kit needs to contain the following: sterilized scissors, umbilical cord care pads and a cord clamp, diapers, hat, mittens, and swaddling blankets to keep the baby warm. This kit should be well prepared ahead of time and should be easily accessible.

Kit For the Mother

This kit will need maternal pads, comfortable clothing, socks, gown and heating pads.

It is also important to include in your basic checklist for a water birth the essential materials such as cotton balls, gauze, swabs and antibiotic ointment.