Water Birth Benefits & Birth Tub Rentals

“If we hope to create a non-violent world where respect and kindness replace fear and hatred, we must begin with how we treat each other at the beginning of life. For that is where our deepest patterns are set. From these roots grow fear and alienation, - or love and trust.”
— Suzanne Armes

Benefits of Water Birth and Water Labor

  • Speeds up labor
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Gives mother more feelings of control
  • Provides significant pain relief
  • Promotes relaxation
  • Enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labor and birth
  • Conserves her energy
  • Reduces the need for drugs and interventions
  • Gives mother a private protected space
  • Reduces perineal trauma and eliminates episiotomies
  • Reduces cesarean section rates
  • Is highly rated by mothers - typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again
  • Is highly rated by experienced providers
  • Encourages an easier childbirth for mother and a gentler welcome for baby

Please check with your care provider about how they feel about water births and water immersion for labor before renting a tub.

"Birth may be the most powerful creative experience in a woman's life. It can either be a disruption in the flow of human existence, having little or nothing to do with the passionate longing that created the baby, or it can be lived with beauty and dignity, and labor itself can be a celebration of joy." ~ Sheila Kitzenger, author of The Experience of Childbirth

Testimonials

"I felt immediate relief from the intensity of my contractions. The moment I slipped into the water I was able to relax and my labor quickly progressed." ~ Cynthia
"I entered the birth pool at 7cm and it made my labor so much more manageable! Less than two hours later, my daughter was born. Her 14" head didn't mold at all, and I didn't tear either! It was such a peaceful experience and a gentle way to bring a child into the world." ~ Traci
"A water birth at home had been my dream for years, it was the perfect place to be. My 9 pound boy was born after 6 hour of lovely (though tough at time) labor and support. Our birth experience was as perfect as I had envisioned." ~ Laurie

Birth Tub Rentals

Tubs can be rented for a 4 week period either along with or independent of my midwifery care. You usually pick the tub up 2 weeks before your due date and plan on returning the tub two weeks after your due date. The price is $250 with a $500 refundable deposit. You can pick up/drop off the birth tubs at my home or, for an additional $25 to $50, I can deliver/pickup the tub for you. The delivery/pickup fee is waived for my midwifery clients. Water birthing tubs can be rented for either home or hospital use in Marin and Sonoma Counties and San Francisco.

Each Water Birth Tub Rental Includes:

  • Easy to assemble tub
  • Cover
  • Faucet-hose Adaptor for easy filling from a warm water tap
  • Submersible Pump for easy draining in about 20 to 30 minutes
  • Floating thermometer
  • One Form-fit Disposable Liner (latex free) makes for easy cleaning
  • Detailed instruction booklet provides easy, one person setup in minutes (no tools required)

AquaDoula Birth Tub

Features of the AquaDoula Birth Tub:

  • Elegant design
  • Soft padded floor and side walls offer superb comfort and strength for both mother and helpmate
  • Deluxe Heating System featuring unique solid-state thermostat maintains a constant water temperature with no heat loss
  • Fully grounded heater and temperature controls provide critical electrical protection and safety for mother and baby
  • GFCI Plug/cord maximizes electrical safety and user protection
  • Cover helps ensure cleanliness and heat efficiency between uses
  • Spacious size: 4'6" diameter and 2' deep comfortably accommodates two adults with easy access
  • Premium vinyl AquaLiner promotes easy cleaning
  • Compact size: 20" wide and 25" high