Water babies

There are a number of birth centres and hospitals across the country, where there are experienced midwives happy to give you the care you want for a water birth. If you can’t find a qualified midwife through the NHS, you could consider an independent midwife. Their charges vary around the country from £1500 to £3500 for all antenatal and post-natal care. Some independent midwives are happy to provide care just during labour, and they charge between £800 and £1,200.

If you want a water birth, it’s worth the effort

It feels magical to labour and give birth in a pool. For a home birth you can light the room with candles and scent the air with relaxing clarysage or lavender aromatherapy oils too. Occasionally, the pool needs to be topped up with warm water to keep the temperature at a comfortable level – a job that provides a good diversion for anxious partners. Having delivered many babies under water, I can honestly say that, the expression on the baby’s face as she or he opens their eyes and looks into their mother’s face is unforgettable.