Water Birth
Water birth is often considered to be one of the gentlest ways to give birth, and many mothers find the virtues of water highly beneficial in dealing with the discomfort of labour.
In Belgium, water birth is possible:
in some hospitals
at homebirths
The criteria for having a water birth (whether in hospital or at home) is similar to that for a regular homebirth i.e. only expecting one baby, low-risk pregnancy and healthy mum and baby, and your baby is in the ‘head down’ position.
Which hospitals offer water birth?
While most hospitals have baths that can be used during labour, it is not always possible to give birth in these baths.
In Brussels, the only hospital currently offering waterbirth is Clinique Ste-Elisabeth in Uccle.
In Walloon Brabant, Braine l’Alleud Waterloo hospital offers waterbirth.
In Flemish Brabant, Sint Maarten hospital in Mechelen offers waterbirth.
Access to hospital birthing pools may be subject to availability.
Can I have a water birth at home?
Provided you meet the usual criteria for having a homebirth (i.e. living within 30 minutes drive of a hospital, only expecting one baby, normal pregnancy and healthy mum and baby, labour begins 37 – 42 weeks, baby is in the ‘head down’ position), then a water birth should be possible.
You can either buy or rent a pool. It is possible to buy birthing pools via the internet. Ask your independent midwife for advice on what to look for when buying one.
Read more about water birth
www.babycentre.co.uk/a542005/what-the-research-says-about-waterbirth
Read more about different types of birth click below: