What are the accessories needed for a water birth?

There are a few important accessories needed to make your water birth easier – especially for clean-up. If you hire a doula she may come with all these accessories.

Here is a list:

• Thermometer
• Fish net
• Towels (at least 10)
• Tarps or plastic sheeting (one for under the pool and some for carpets if needed)
• New, clean hose that will reach the pool from a bathroom or kitchen sink
• Hose adapter for faucet (you may need to take off the aerator)
• Submersible pump to empty the pool (keep it fully submerged when it is turned on)
• Air pump
• Disposable pool liner for the pool

These are pretty straightforward and you may have most of them lying around your house. The submersible pump would be the most unusual item but it does make emptying the pool much easier. Alternatively, you can use the hose to siphon the water from the pool into a toilet or bath that is lower than the water level in the pool, but that process is slower and the last bit will need to be emptied using a bucket. The pool liner can be purchased from the same place that you got the pool from. Remember to take some pictures of your water birth and even some videos. It can be very interesting and special to see your birth afterwards.