Published April 29, 2025

Certified Doula, Tayler Morrison, shares knowledge about using water to ease labor and delivery.

Tubs and Showers

When creating your birth plan, consider the use of water; it may be something you want to include. While yes, drinking water is a great idea, however, the use of birth tubs or showers can provide not only you with many benefits but also your baby. The use of birth tubs and showers will vary based on your birthing location, but it is a great idea to discuss with your provider beforehand so you know your options. Many hospitals now have birth tubs in their labor and delivery rooms, they may just have rules around when you can use them, such as only being able to use it before your water has broken or if they allow you to use it up until pushing or
throughout your entire birth.

Benefits

The benefits of sitting in a birth tub during labor can be incredible, as it can greatly
reduce pain. Some moms have even suggested that being in the water is similar to nature’s epidural. Being in a birth tub in general can also help you relax, which can increase oxytocin, which in turn will help contractions to bring your baby down and out. If you choose to give birth in a birth tub, you also have a decreased risk of an episiotomy. If a birth tub is not an option, standing, sitting, or squatting in a shower is also a great option. It may not have the same benefits as the tub, as you won’t have the buoyancy and complete submersion.

A shower can still help with pain relief and relaxation during labor. This is also a great option if your provider does not want you to be in the birth tub after your water has broken.

Consider a Water Birth

If you decide to push in a birth tub, this can also benefit your baby. Instead of being greeted by cold air, your baby will enter a world that is similar to amniotic fluid and can be placed onto their mother’s warm chest. This change can also reduce their stress and ease their transition. While this is not for everyone and that is completely okay. Overall, water is a great consideration for your birth plan and something to discuss with your provider on what is available at your planned place of birth. Even if your hospital does not have birth tubs, you may
decide to spend early labor at home in your bathtub before transferring to the hospital. You have many options and may even change your mind when the big day comes, and that is also okay!

Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com

All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.