Frequently asked Questions

1. What's 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's made up of a filter chamber with a filter element and a spa system of tablets and liquid used to oxygenate the water to prevent bacteria multiplying in the water. There is no chlorine or bromine content
It's 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 and have used 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've 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's absolutely safe for the baby to be born underwater - your baby won't 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 don't insist on a four week hire - you can set the hire period to suit you, and you can always extend your hire if your baby is late.