The Uk's longest established Birthing Pool Hire Company

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is involved in the BirthWorks Water Maintenance System?
This is the system you get with a Five Star Home Birth Option or the Gold Star Option. It comprises a filter chamber with a particular filter element and a spa system of tablets and liquid which are used to oxygenate the water to prevent bacteria multiplying in the water. There is no chlorine or bromine content. It is only safe to have warm water in your pool for more than 24 hours if you treat the water in this way. At BirthWorks we pioneered this system for use with our birthing pools and have been using it for over 15 years. Thousands of babies have been born in this way (including our own) and we offer it as an option with complete confidence in its safety and suitability for water birth.

2. Is there a risk of infection involved in re-circulating heater units?
Absolutely not. All our heater units are disinfected using a disinfection protocol for which we have received Health and Safety Executive approval. Contrary to mis-information published by other pool hire companies, there has never been a case of a baby getting an infection as a result of using our system. Of course those pool hire companies don't offer heater units, could the misinformation simply be sour grapes?!

3. Is it safe for the baby to be born under the water?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for the baby to be born underwater, your baby will not try to breathe until stimulated to do so by a change in environment, the warm water in the pool is a very similar environment to that in the womb where the baby has spent the last nine months. Water birth is a very gentle transition from womb to world. Please note, prolonged immersion of the baby in the water after birth is not recommended.

4. How long do I need my pool for?
For first babies we recommend a four week hire period, two weeks either side of the due date. For second and subsequent babies you may have more to go on and decide you need a shorter hire period. At BirthWorks we do not insist that you have a four week hire, you can have the hire period to suit you, and you can always extend your hire if your baby is late.

5. How big is the pool?
The Hexagonal Pool has a diameter of 1550mm (5'1"), a height of 660mm (2'2") and a capacity of 1000 litres (220 gallons). When full it has a weight of 1000kg (1 ton). The Rectangular Pool has a length of 1500mm (4'11"), a width of 875mm (2'11"), a height of 616mm (2') and a capacity of 500 litres (110 gallons). When full it has a weight of 500kg (½ tonnes).

6. How many weeks can I have the pool for?
As little or as many weeks as you require it.

7. When do I change the water?
If used extensively then you may wish to change the water after around 2 weeks, but this is usually to your own preference. As long as you use the water maintenance liquid and tablets correctly there is no reason why the water cannot remain in the tub for four weeks prior to the birth. Obviously the water will need to be changed if use of the pool is required after the birth.

8. Can I collect the pool?
Yes, but we also deliver for a fee

9. Can my partner get in the pool with me?
Yes, you and your partner can use the pool to relax in together as many times as you would like before and indeed after the birth. Your partner can also be in the pool with you during the birth although this may depend on the individual midwife. If this is a preferance talk it over with your midwife.

10. How do I keep the water at the correct temperature for birthing in?
The heater unit will do this for you automatically once it has been set up.

11. When do I get in the pool?
As already stated prior to labour you can use the pool as often as you like. However once labour has started the recommendation is that you wait until you are 5cm dialated before you enter the pool. However discuss this with your midwife prior to the birth.

12. How do I keep the water sterile enough for birithing in if I use it before hand?
If you use the water maintenace liquid and tablets correctly as described in the manuel, then the water will remian fit for birthing in for 4 weeks.

13. What happens if there is a problem with the pool?
You should contact your local hire base if this is where you got it from and head office if this is where you got it. They will then discuss with you the problem and then the solutions availiable.

14. This is my first baby, can I still have a home water birth?
There is no reason why a first baby should not be born at home or in water, however there may be circumstances in your particualr situation why this would not be possible. Be sure to check with your midwife that you are able and that she is happy for you to have a home water birth before.

15. What happens if my baby is late?
We would suggest that you hire the pool 2 weeks before your due date and 2 weeks after, thus covering an early or late baby. If you are having a home water birth then usually you will be allowed to go due date plus 10 days, however check this with your midwife. Additional weeks are available at an extra cost per week. Please refer to the price section of the website.

16. Can my midwife examine me in the water?
No, you will have to exit the pool if a vaginal examination is required. However the baby's heart can be monitered by lifting your tummy out of the water without you have to get completely out.

17. Do I need insurance to have a pool?
No we provide product and public liability, however if you are having the pool in a hospital then you may like to take out additional insurance with us for a minimal additional fee in case of problems with it being left at the hospital.