As well as regular home birth supplies, a few items are particularly useful for water births.
A Pillow for the Birthing Pool
If the birthing pool has a thin plastic bottom, put a regular pillow or two on the floor underneath the pool. This gives the laboring mother a more comfortable surface to kneel or sit on. Another option is to buy a blowup or waterproof pillow and put it directly in the pool itself. Make sure the blowup pillow has suction cups, or it may keep bobbing up to the surface! If you can't find a pillow with suction cups, fill the pillow three-quarters full with water. In a pinch, hot water bottles can be used for this purpose.
Birthing Clothes
Some women are happy to labor naked; for those who aren’t, clothing needs to be comfortable, easily removable and nobody’s Sunday best! Make sure there are board shorts, swimsuits or shorts and T-shirts available for anyone else who plans to hop into the birth pool.
A Tarpaulin or Waterproof Drop Cloths
If the birthing pool is inside and free-standing, the floor should be protected. A tarp, drop cloths used for painting or even old thermal-backed curtains can be placed between the pool and the floor and around the edge.
Lots of Towels
Plenty of towels are a must for a water birth. Some women like to hop in and out of the pool during labor; partners and birth assistants may also find themselves getting in and out of the birth pool. Keep a few towels warm in the hot water cupboard or even the warming drawer of the oven; receiving blankets for the baby can also be warmed in this fashion.
A Sieve or Fish Net
Laboring in water can be messy; a sieve or fish net will help to remove any debris from the pool.
A Water Heater
Nothing’s worse than running out of hot water during labor! A water heater eliminates the need to keep partially emptying the birth pool and topping it up with hot water. Heaters can usually be hired, and most homebirth midwives should be able to source one.
Pool Liner
Some birth pool hiring companies require that the pool be lined with plastic for reasons of hygiene. If the pool is dark-coloured, it is wise to put a light-coloured sheet or towel between the pool and the liner. This allows the midwife to accurately determine how much blood, if any, is in the water, so as to be aware of haemmorhaging.
A Waterproof Flashlight
Another useful tool for seeing underwater if required.
A Thermometer
While the water for laboring and birth does not have to be at a precise temperature, a thermometer can allow helpers to notice if the water is cooling down. Floating thermometers are available as well as hand-held.
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