Water in Birth: Calm, Comfort & Confidence
There’s something incredibly soothing about water — and during labour, it can be one of the most powerful natural comfort tools you have. Whether you’re in a birthing pool, your own bath, or even under the shower, water has an amazing ability to help you relax, ease discomfort, and feel more in control.
The Benefits of Water During Labour
Immersing yourself in warm water during labour has been shown to help:
💧 Reduce pain and tension – Studies show that labouring in water can reduce the need for stronger pain relief, such as epidurals.
💧 Promote freedom of movement – The buoyancy of water supports your body, helping you move and change positions more comfortably.
💧 Create a sense of calm – Many women describe feeling safe, private, and more in tune with their body and baby when surrounded by warm water.
💧 Support the natural flow of labour – Relaxation helps lower adrenaline and increase oxytocin — the hormone that drives your contractions forward.
“Being in the water made me feel weightless — I could move freely, breathe deeply, and focus on my baby instead of the pain.”
The Feeling of Freedom
Water also gives you the freedom of movement. You can float, kneel, lean forward, or rest on your side, all with less strain and pressure. The warmth soothes tired muscles and releases tension, helping you relax between contractions.
For many women, it’s not just physical — it’s emotional, too. Being surrounded by warm water often brings a deep sense of peace and control. Your birth partner can be close by, offering words of encouragement, keeping the water topped up, or even joining you (if permitted), making it a truly shared experience.
What if a birth pool isn’t available?
Don’t let that dishearten you, you can still use water to your advantage!
🛁 The bath: Even a regular bath can work wonders, especially in early labour! Warm water helps your muscles relax, supports gentle movement, and creates a feeling of calm at home or in a birth centre.
🚿 The shower: A steady stream of warm water on your back or bump can be incredibly soothing. Try leaning forward, resting your head and arms on the wall or birthing ball, and let the warmth ease your contractions.
Both options still offer that same sense of comfort, privacy, and relaxation, helping your body release tension and your mind stay focused.
“It doesn’t have to be a big birth pool to make a difference — the shower became my sanctuary.”
Birth Partners & Water Births
Your birth partner plays an important role too. They can:
- Offer physical support and reassurance
- Help adjust your position or water temperature
- Pour water gently over your lower back or shoulders
- Create a calm, dimly lit environment
Having them involved helps you feel safe, supported, and more in control — all of which encourage the body’s natural birthing hormones to work their magic.
Bringing Water Into Your Birth Plan
Here are a few phrases you might include in your birth preferences:
🕊️ “I would like the option to labour in warm water (pool, bath, or shower) to help me relax and move freely.”
🕊️ “If a birthing pool isn’t available, I would like access to the bath or shower for comfort.”
🕊️ “My birth partner will support me in the water, helping me stay calm and comfortable.”
In Summary
Water can be one of the most powerful, natural forms of comfort during labour — offering pain relief, freedom, and calm. It supports your body’s instincts, helps you stay centred, and allows your birth partner to play a meaningful role. If you are considered ‘high risk’ or are told you are ‘not allowed’ to use a pool, communicate with your midwife or health care team and ask for the absolute risk of this where they should give you up to date, evidence based information to help you make an informed decision.
So, whether it’s a beautiful birthing pool or simply your own bath or shower, the soothing power of water can make a real difference to how you experience your baby’s birth.
“You don’t have to be in a pool to feel the magic of water — it’s about creating calm wherever you are.”
