So you want to have a water birth in Tacoma?
Water birth is an amazing option that is available to most parents here in Tacoma. However, don’t just think that you can show up at any hospital here and ask for a water birth. Water births need to be planned for ahead of time. There are a few questions to ask first
1. Does your provider attend water births?
Some OBs do, some do not. Many midwives do water births but not all of them. The time to ask is when you are interviewing providers.
2. Does the place you are giving birth offer/allow water births?
Just because a hospital has large tubs in the birthing room, does not mean water births are allowed. As of the writing of this article, Tacoma General does have large tubs in their birthing rooms but does NOT allow water births. Ask your provider about your birth place polices.
3. How many tubs are available to give birth in?
If you are giving birth in a hospital, they may only have a few rooms with tubs to have a water birth in. Hospitals such as St. Joseph do have some rooms with tubs but not very many. Know that even if your birth place has tubs, and allows water birth, the rooms with tubs may or may not be available when you are in labor. When you come in to the hospital, make sure to tell the staff you want a room with a tub while checking in.
Did you know you can rent a birth tub?
If you are having a home birth, you can rent a birth tub to use. Some rental places will come set it up for you and some will just deliver the tub and you need to set it up. Be sure to confirm this ahead of time so you can appoint someone the “Put together the tub” person. A doula can support you no matter where you choose to give birth. Click HERE to find out more.
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