Almost all women who give birth in water cannot imagine giving birth again any other way as they find the buoyancy of the water and the increased mobility it provides helps them to cope with the sensations of birth.  Being immersed in warm water is not only a soothing and pleasant experience but helps women to relax and give their bodies over to the natural processes involved in birthing their baby.

Many people think of water birth as a new fad but we know that it has been going on in different cultures for many years.  Despite wild claims in the past water birth has been proved to be a safe way to give birth.  Indeed water birth can help prevent some complications: women tend to have slightly shorter labours, they use less medical pain relief and they have less damage to their perineum.  Babies too seem to enjoy the experience gently opening their eyes without crying as they are lifted from the water.

Nicky and Mandy are very experienced in supporting women to use water during labour and birth.  We have an inflatable pool which women can borrow (each woman has their own personal, brand new pool liner) or we can advise on the purchase or hire of other types of pool.