Author: K.D.Brainin

We helped pioneer the use of water for labour and birth by designing the water birth pools that made this revolution in maternity care possible. Over the past 37 years we’ve supplied thousands of water birth pools to maternity units around the world, and helped millions of women have better births.

The combination of evidence based, user-centred, ergonomic design, highly specialised materials and bespoke manufacturing result in water birth pools that are in a class of their own. We’ve achieved success by continuously innovating, keeping things simple and focusing on our core principles of safety, value and performance.

Our unique understanding and long-term dedication to serving the needs of mothers and midwives makes us uniquely qualified to be of service. We are the recipient of a Building Better Healthcare Award and a European Design Award and widely acknowledged as the preferred choice of hospitals world-wide.

Active Birth Pools are crafted from Ficore® composite, a proprietary material with unique qualities that makes them more durable, practical, and safer. Handmade to order by highly skilled craftsmen in England, Active Birth Pools are built to last for decades and guaranteed for life.

Catalogue, client list and important information

Images, plans, 3D models and data sheets

Active Birth Pools: Videos

Superior material results in superior water birth pools

Winner – Building Better Healthcare Awards

Innovative ergonomic design makes our water birth pools safer, more comfortable and easier to use

Designed to optimise safety, negate risk and deliver safer birthing environments

This unique feature makes our water birth pools safer and more user-friendly!

Active Birth Pools Water Birth Safety Hub

If you’re looking for a water birth pool we’re uniquely qualified to be of service

All women no matter what their shape or size will find it exceptionally easy to get into our pools

Active Birth Pools give midwives safe, practical options for dealing with emergencies

Intelligently designed to safely fulfil the needs of mothers and midwives

Health and Safety risks you need to be aware of before buying a water birth pool

The keyword that defines our design ethos is Active.

Mothers simply tell us that they love our water birth pools

Guidelines: Delivery, moving, handling and installation

Guidelines: Cleaning and Care

A cross section of FICORE® composite

 Ficore® composite has many advantages:

1. Superior heat retention
2. Much higher degree of strength and durability
3. Less slippery
4. More tactile
5. Warm to the touch
6. Easily repaired if damaged
7. More resistant to bacteria

Due to Ficore’s high insulation factor and double-wall construction Active Birth Pools maintain water temperature up to 7 times longer.

You’ll notice a significant difference in the surface temperature between Ficore and the other materials.

Ficore is warmer due to the fact that it is composite resin that is much denser than acrylic and fibreglass.

However, if it is damaged, it can be completely repaired as new – unlike many alternative materials.

Ficore is able to withstand both continuous heat or hot water and thermal shock of alternating hot and cold water.

An Active Birth Pool manufactured in Ficore meets or exceeds all relevant regulations and will withstand the rigours of heavy hospital use and disinfection with caustic chemicals.

Water birth pools made from Ficore composite offer a range of benefits that far surpass those made from traditional materials like fibreglass or acrylic.

Ficore provides superior heat retention, enhanced durability, exceptional hygiene standards, and improved safety through its slip-resistant and tactile surface.

These qualities make Active Birth Pools the ideal choice for birthing environments, offering a safer, more comfortable, and hygienic option for water births

Ficore® composite data and specification

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When it comes to the creation and care of water birth facilities nothing is more important then Health and Safety.

Micro-organisms breed freely in warm moist environments and must be prevented from propagating.

The potential for water birth pools to be both a habitat and a delivery medium for harmful bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Legionella is well known.

We completely understand this and engineered our water birth pools to optimise safety, negate risk and deliver safer birthing environments.

Seamless one-piece construction in Ficore combined with the minimum of fittings result in water birth pools of unparalleled hygiene and water safety.

Active Birth Pools are fabricated from proprietary material with unique qualities called Ficore®  composite.

Ficore has much higher degree of strength, durability and resistance to bacteria when compared to fibreglass or acrylic.

Seamless, one-piece construction in Ficore® improves hygiene by denying bacteria the environment to grow.

The ultra-hard surface makes our water birth pools easier to clean and more resistant to bacteria.

With Health Department Regulations as a guideline we have utilised intelligent design and a range of innovations to negate risk and maximise water safety.

In addition to the advantages that Ficore give our pools from a material perspective we need to look at the advantages it provides from an engineering and manufacturing perspective.

Ficore’s unique properties allow us to design our pools with flowing, organic forms that improve hygiene by facilitating more effective cleaning.

The super smooth finish and flowing contours optimise drainage and eliminate “dirt traps”.

Hand grips

Our stainless steel hand grips, supplied by renown brassware manufacturer Samuel Heath are bonded directly into the pool

They are not surface mounted like on other birthing pools.

The bar is solidly sealed into the fabric of the pool with Ficore.

There are no gaps – there is no movement.

This make it impossible for moisture penetrate and for bacteria to breed

Drainage System

Our drainage is purpose designed and manufactured to the highest standards.

It has been a subject of interest of numerous investigations by infection control specialists, all of them who came back to use to give their approval.

The waste sits in a recess and is double sealed in with silicone for a water tight, bacteria resistant seal.

The stainless steel fittings are made from solid brass and won’t be damaged from use of of chlorides and other disinfectants.

The plug can be taken out and soaked in hypochlorite in between births.

The rim mounted control wheel can be easily removed for cleaning.

Multi-Colour LED Underwater Lighting

The internal light fitting fits flush to the sidewall, has a stainless steel bezel and is sealed in with silicone.

Due to the fact that the fittings are water tights and vertically mounted water cannot penetrate or build up.

The control switch on the rim is is also water tight and fully sealed.

Taps and Showers

We do not supply taps but recommend 3/4″ thermostatic bath or bath/shower mixers like the Rada T3.

Taps are never mounted on the rim but on the wall or water column as shown above.

Spouts should be 25cm above the rim to prevent contact from pool water and to protect the mother from hitting her head.

Handheld showers are very useful for cleaning the pool but must be detachable so they can be removed while the pool is in use.

The Water Column

Freestanding water birth pools are becoming increasingly popular.

These installations typically present significant water safety and hygiene risks as rim mounted plumbing and fixtures provides the perfect breeding ground for micro-organisms to thrive.

For wall mounted installations the thermostatic taps, spout, handheld shower and grab rail are fixed to an IPS Panel in accordance with health department regulations.

For freestanding birthing pools a solution needed to be found.

To solve this problem we developed the Water Column – a bespoke design concept that separates the plumbing from the pool to optimise hygiene and water safety and provide crucial support for mothers and midwives.

It’s highly utilitarian, sleek ergonomic design complements the look and usability of our pools.

Health and Safety risks you need to be aware of before buying a water birth pool

Manual handling risks associated with water birth pools

Water Birth Safety Initiative

Since supplying our first water birth pool to the John Radcliffe Hospital in 1992 we’ve supplied birthing pools to hundreds of hospitals throughout the United Kingdom and built up a sterling reputation for safety, value and performance.

We are very grateful and want to give something back by offering NHS Hospitals our award winning water birth pools at 2014 prices.

In 2014 we teamed up with high-end bath manufacturer Design and Form who’s use of specialised materials, bespoke manufacturing techniques and advanced engineering methods enabled us to take our designs to the next level and develop water birth pools that were a quantum leap forward in every way.

We won a Building Better Healthcare Award in 2015 and have continued to innovate and evolve the design of our water birth pools to maximise safety, optimise value and enhance usability.

To celebrate our Tenth Anniversary and make it possible for maternity units across the country to benefit from our award winning water birth pools we are making this extra-ordinary offer.

The offer is open to NHS Hospitals in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and valid for orders received by December 31st 2025 for delivery by June 30th 2026.

About Us 

We helped pioneer the use of water for labour and birth by designing the water birth pools that made this revolution in maternity care possible.

Over the past 37 years we’ve supplied thousands of water birth pools to maternity units around the world, and helped millions of women have better births.

The combination of evidence based, user-centred, ergonomic design, highly specialised materials and bespoke manufacturing result in water birth pools that are in a class of their own.

We’ve achieved success by continuously innovating, keeping things simple and focusing on our core principles of safety, value and performance.

Our unique understanding and long-term dedication to serving the needs of mothers and midwives makes us uniquely qualified to be of service.

We are the recipient of a Building Better Healthcare Award and a European Design Award and widely acknowledged as the preferred choice of hospitals world-wide.

Active Birth Pools are crafted from Ficore® composite, a proprietary material with unique qualities that makes them more durable, practical, and safer.

Handmade to order by highly skilled craftsmen in England, Active Birth Pools are built to last for decades and guaranteed for life.

Contact us to request a quote and find out more about this extra-ordinary offer.

Please help us spread news of our anniversary offer by telling your NHS colleagues about it and using the social media buttons on the left to share it with your networks.

If you’re looking for a water birth pool we are uniquely qualified to be of service

Winner – Building Better Healthcare Awards

Midwives tell us that our water birth pools are the most comfortable and easy-to-use.

If you look at the back rim of our new range of water birth pools you’ll notice a “keyhole” shaped channel that runs down to the floor of the pool.

The “water channel” is an innovation in water birth pool design unique to Active Birth Pools.

We trialled it when we designed the Princess Pool in 2014 and we’re so pleased with the result that we gradually incorporated it into our other pools as well.

The water channel has two import functions:

1. It protects mothers by preventing them from hitting their heads on the spout
2. It opens up the inside of the pool to 360 degrees of unobstructed movement

We have always thought that there is a unacceptable risk of mothers hitting their heads on the spout (the risk of this happening is multiplied exponentially with rim mounted taps).

The thought of this happening is abhorrent to us so we decided to something about it.

With the taps mounted on the wall 25cm above the rim and spout the centred above the water channel it is virtually impossible for mothers to hit their head on it.

This is clearly illustrated in the photo below.

With the water channel in place we redesigned the back half of the pool to give mothers greater freedom of movement.

Mothers are now able to the utilise the full internal circumference the pool to explore a greater range of positions.

They can actually lean against the back end of the pool without fear of hitting their head and use the recessed handgrips or wrap around bull-nosed shaped rim to grab onto for support.

The pools have been redesigned to make midwives more comfortable and give them greater access around the perimeter of the pool.

The flange (where the pool meets the wall) has been reduced to 50cm and the curves around the back section broadened.

This not only makes the pool more sensuous and appealing from both a psychological and aesthetic perspective but more utilitarian.

Midwives can now get round the back of the pool to a much greater extent and sit in comfort with their legs underneath the extra wide rim.

All in all we feel that this simple innovation has been a game changer that makes our water birth pools safer and more user-friendly.

Innovative ergonomic design makes our water birth pools safer, more comfortable and easier to use

If you’re looking for a water birth pool we are uniquely qualified to be of service

Winner – Building Better Healthcare Awards

There are manual handling issues and risks associated with water birth pools that affect both mothers and midwives.

Most of the risks stem from the design and equipping of the water birth pools themselves and this is where this article will focus.

These issues concern rim mounted fixtures and fittings, emergency evacuations, midwives comfort and support, and mothers getting in and out of the pool.

If you look at our birthing pools from the early 1990’s (above) you’ll notice the vertical skirting panels and narrow rims.

This design has serious manual handling issues which we resolved in 1995 with the help of Health Service Ergonomist Sue Hignett and the midwives at Nottingham City Hospital.

The problem is that the pool forms an obstacle between the mother and the midwife. Midwives are not supported or safeguarded and cannot sit closely to the mother in comfort.

They are forced to sit away from the pool with their legs splayed apart and then lean forward to be closer to the mother.

This creates the ideal physical dynamic that causes lower back pain (a common complaint from midwives attending water births).

In addition, the narrow rims are not comfortable for resting on as pressure is concentrated in a small area of the forearm.

To make matters worse these birthing pools:

–  make it more difficult for mothers to get into the pool necessitating  the need for large step units which put both mothers and midwives at risk.

– and more difficult for midwives to facilitate emergency evacuations.

The photo above tells a completely different story and clearly demonstrates why midwives say that our water birth pools are the most comfortable and user-friendly.

The concave skirting panel is contoured to the shape of the pool to maximise space under the rim.

The extra-wide rim has a bull-nosed shape edge for added comfort and support.

Midwives sit, fully supported in comfort with their legs well under the pool and forearms resting gently on the broad rim.

The unobstructed rim allows the midwives to move easily around the circumference of the pool.

Getting into the pool

The simple act of getting into the pool is one of the most misunderstood aspects relating to the use water birth pools.

The reason that some water birth pool suppliers offer multi-step units with handrails is because their pools have narrow rims.

The truth is that multi-step units are dangerous and in the case of Active Birth Pools with extra-wide rims unnecessary as the photos below clearly demonstrate.

With the help of Manual Handling  and Ergonomic Design  experts we designed a simple, safe way for mothers to get into our pools.

The distinctive extra-wide, bull-nosed shaped rim is relatively low making it perfect for mothers to sit on and gently swivel into the water.

There is no climbing – mothers are grounded at all times and safeguarded from risk.

All women no matter what their shape or size will find it exceptionally easy to get into our pools.

Mothers don’t even think about it – they move instinctively and naturally lower themselves into the water.

And midwives will be safeguarded from the risk associated with physically supporting mothers as they climbs up the steps.

To put this in perspective:

The average height of our pools is 75cm – about the same height as a desk or dining table.

Our 15cm high single step makes the height of the pool  60cm – the same height as an ordinary bathtub.

You don’t need a big step unit to get into your bath at home, do you?

Emergency Evacuations

Active Birth Pools give midwives safe, practical options for dealing with emergencies.

The extra-wide rim and internal seats of our pools allow midwives to facilitate emergency evacuations in a way that is birth practical and safe.

Midwives can situate the mother an internal seat and gently raise her with the help of the buoyancy that water provides up to the rim and onto a trolley.

Or, use a net that is specifically designed for this purpose.

Manual Handling advisors may insist that women are evacuated from the birth pool with a hoist and that this facility is provided for.

Active Birth Pools are the only pools on the market designed to accommodate portable hoists should the need arise.

For full details about how Active Birth Pools enable midwives to facilitate safe emergency evacuations including protocols from NHS Hospitals please go to this page.

Rim Mounted Fixtures and Fittings

Many water birth pools have an array of rim mounted fixtures and fittings including taps, spouts, handheld showers and hand grips (similar to those shown on the whirlpool bath below).

Not only do these fittings present an unacceptable infection control risk, but a signifiant health & safety and manual handling risk as well.

They form an obstruction that denies midwives freedom of movement and unencumbered access around the perimeter of the pool.

Most importantly there is a considerable risk of mothers hitting their head on the spout or injuring themselves on the protruding metal work.

If you look at our new Active II Water Birth Pool (above) you’ll notice how the rim is free of potentially dangerous fixtures and fittings.

The handgrips are set into a recess in line with the rim and bonded into the fabric of the pool to deny bacteria the environment they need to grow.

The taps are mounted on an IPS panel with the spout 25cm above the rim of the pool

The distinctive ‘keyhole’ shape channel at the back of the pool contains the plumbing making it impossible for the mother to hit her head on the spout.

Dealing with emergencies

It’s easy for mothers to get into our pools

Designed to optimise safety, negate risk and deliver safer birthing environments

Since its establishment in 1987, Active Birth Pools has been at the forefront of designing and supplying water birth pools.

Our commitment to ergonomic, safe, and high-quality birthing pools has made us a preferred choice for healthcare facilities globally.

Sustainable Materials and Production

Active Birth Pools emphasize sustainability through our use of Ficore® composite, a material known for its longevity, durability, and resistance to chemicals and bacteria.

With a life expectancy of over 25 years, it surpasses the durability of materials typically used in birthing pool manufacturing.

The pools are handcrafted in England by skilled craftsmen, ensuring reduced carbon footprint and support for local employment.

Midwives at the Royal Berkshire Hospital celebrate the 25th anniversary of their water birth facility.
This early model supplied in 1992 is still going strong.

Product Sustainability

The design of Active Birth Pools focuses on durability and longevity, aiming to reduce waste and resource use over time.

The high insulation factor of Ficore® and the double-wall construction ensure better heat retention, reducing energy consumption for maintaining water temperature.

Ergonomic and User-Centered Design

In collaboration with midwives, obstetricians, and ergonomics experts, we have developed designs that cater to the comfort of mothers and healthcare professionals.

This approach aligns with human-centered design principles and contributes to the wellbeing and safety of users, enhancing the overall birthing experience.

Midwives at the `Bronte Birth Centre celebrate the opening of their water birth facility in their new Venus Pool

Economic Benefits

Active Birth Pools are cost-effective for healthcare facilities due to their durability and low maintenance needs.

They also contribute to reduced hospital stays and interventions, leading to economic savings for healthcare systems.

Social Responsibility

Safety and customer satisfaction are paramount in the design of these pools, addressing the needs of mothers, babies, and healthcare workers.

The positive feedback from a global clientele underscores the our commitment to quality and safety.

Conclusion

Active Birth Pools showcase a deep commitment to sustainability with their durable materials, ergonomic designs, and efficient production practices.

Our approach benefits the environment and promotes economic and social sustainability in healthcare.

The pools are guaranteed for life, outperforming others in the market in terms of safety, hygiene, and user satisfaction.

They are built to last for decades, saving up to £20,000 over the pool’s life due to their extended lifespan and reduced maintenance and energy costs.

Active Birth Pools not only offer financial savings but also reduce environmental impact through less waste and efficient use of resources.

They have become a favored choice in maternity units, often influencing mothers’ choice of facility.

Midwives praise the pools for their comfort and safety, and hospitals report that mothers using these pools experience easier, more straightforward births, leading to reduced hospital stays and further economic and environmental savings.

In summary, Active Birth Pools stand out as the most sustainable option in the market, significantly contributing to the normalisation and empowerment of the birthing process.

Water Birth Pools: A Win-Win Solution for Hospitals

Why Active Birth Pools are the No. 1 choice world-wide

Catalogue, videos and plans

While the importance of designing water birth pools for mothers is evident, the importance of designing for midwives is paramount.

Mothers may use the pools a few times but midwives use them continually.

Midwives tell us that our water birth pools are the most comfortable and easy-to-use.

They appreciate the fact that they are safeguarded from risk of injury and benefit from the unparalleled level of comfort and support they receive.

Midwives report better results, and say that our pools are fabulous and a pleasure to use.

And that is why given a choice, midwives prefer Active Birth Pools.

Active II Water Birth Pool – Royal Stoke and County Hospital

Sophie Moss, a midwife of six years at the hospital who helped oversee the new installation, said:

“The new pool has been specially designed to be easily accessible, with improved seating and design so women can sit on the side or lean over and adapt different positions during labour. It also features LED lights which adds to the ambiance of the birthing room, helping to create a more relaxed and comfortable environment.”

The photos above show how midwives sit close to the mother fully supported in complete comfort.

The concave skirting panel is contoured to the shape of the pool which gives midwives plenty of room under rim for their legs.

She sits with her arms resting on the extra-wide bull-nosed shape rim just like you would at a desk or table.

The rim is not obstructed with taps and fittings which enables midwives to easily move around the pool.

In 1995 we worked with Health Service Ergonomist Sue Hignett and the midwives at Nottingham City Hospital to look at ways in which the design of our water birth pools could be improved.

We discovered that our pools could be made dramatically safer, more comfortable and user-friendly.

The results appear in this article, “Improving Birthing Pool Design” published in the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors.

It’s easy for mothers to get into our pools

Dealing with emergencies

Active Birth Pools from a mothers perspective

We’ve spent decades observing the way that mothers move in our pools and considered how to best serve their needs.

Our passion for excellence has led us to study ergonomic design theory and to work closely with mothers, midwives, health and safety and manual handling experts.

This has enabled us to design water birth pools that are incredibly comfortable, practical and easy-to-use.

Mothers simply tell us that, ‘they love our pools’.

They are actively encouraged to move freely and naturally.

They instinctively interact with the pool and find comfort and support wherever they are.

They benefit from complete freedom of movement and unparalleled comfort and therefore have better births.

Freedom of movement combined with the relaxing effects of warm water and release of oxytocin significantly increases the possibility of physiological labour and birth.

Active Birth Pools provide optimum support for mothers in the range of upright positions natural to labour and birth.

The can hold onto the recessed handgrips or use the wrap around, bullnose-shape rim for support as the they move around the pool to explore and find the most beneficial upright positions.

Features such as the Labour Support Seat, Safety Seat and Lumbar Support create additional possibilities for mothers to explore and find the most comfortable and beneficial positions.

Ficore composite, the extra-ordinary material that we use to fabricate our pools has a highly polished, ultra-smooth finish that is less slippery, tactile and warm-to-the-touch.

This makes our pools more appealing physically and approachable psychologically which helps mothers relax and feel more at ease.

The unique properties of Ficore combine with the curvaceous forms and design elements to make Active Birth Pools the most comfortable water birth pools on the market.

The design of our pools allows partners to sit in comfort and get really close to the mother.

The intimacy that couples experience with our pools is unique. No other pools allow partners to be so close without actually getting in the water.

The support thats provided both physically and emotionally has many benefits, and is key to helping mothers cope with pain and progress to experiencing physiological labour and natural birth.

All women no matter what their shape or size will find it exceptionally easy to get into our pools.

The distinctive extra-wide, bull-nosed shaped rim is relatively low making it perfect for mothers to sit on and gently swivel into the water.

Mothers don’t even think about it – they move instinctively and naturally lower themselves into the water.

There is no climbing – mothers are grounded at all times and safeguarded from risk.

When comparing Active Birth Pools with others on the market we refer to an excerpt from ‘The Clock, the Bed, the Chair’, an article that childbirth author and activist Sheila Kitzinger published in 2003:

“Even a recent innovation, the birth pool, does not always permit free movement.

In theory, a pool allows a woman, supported by water, to move unencumbered. Or so it might be thought.

Though published research often refers to mobility as an advantage of being in a pool, some pools are elaborate constructions with seats, handgrips and foot-rests, and movement in them is restricted.”

The pool dictates the position the mother should be in by placing her in a semi-recumbent posture with hand holds and foot rests to fix the arms and legs.

Mothers are positioned in the classic lying back with legs wide-open position but happen to be immersed in water.

The seats in these water birth pools are typically tilted backwards.

The mother is immobilised in a position with her pelvis tilted upwards resulting in her  pelvic outlet being up to 30% smaller.

This puts pressure on the sacrum which flexes upward, into a curved position that restricts the diameter of the pelvic outlet inhibiting the baby’s descent.

The birth canal is placed in an “uphill” orientation, forcing the mother to push upward against gravity to give birth to her  baby.

These seats and moulded fittings greatly reduce the space the mother has to move in and restricts her ability to use the positions most beneficial.

The benefits of labouring in water are largely negated.

The possibility of a physiological labour and natural birth is greatly reduced.”

Sheila Kitzinger MBE (29 March 1929 – 11 April 2015) was a British natural childbirth activist and author on childbirth and pregnancy.

She wrote more than 20 books and had a worldwide reputation as a passionate and committed advocate for change.

Sheila was a big fan Active Birth Pools – in fact her granddaughter was born at home in one of our water birth pools!

A way to make labour shorter, easier and more comfortable

Freedom of Movement – a YouTube Sensation!

It’s easy for mothers to get into our pools

Back in the mid-80s, we embarked on a journey alongside midwives, mothers, obstetricians, infection control specialists, and manual handling experts.

Together, we crafted the world’s very first hospital-grade water birth pool with meticulous attention to every detail.

Since then, we’ve continued to refine our designs, enhance our materials, and elevate our manufacturing and engineering capabilities.

This evolution has given rise to water birth pools that not only prioritize safety but also align perfectly with the needs of both mothers and midwives.

The Building Better Healthcare Awards judges put it succinctly, stating that the harmonious blend of evidence-based, user-centric, ergonomic design, specialized materials, and custom manufacturing has resulted in water birth pools that stand in a class of their own.

Our unwavering dedication lies in offering intelligently designed birthing pools that deliver unparalleled safety, remarkable value, and outstanding performance, all while remaining incredibly practical, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.

At our core is a genuine passion for design and quality, fueled by an unwavering commitment to enhance the experience of labor and birth for midwives, mothers, and babies alike.

We’re proud to have supplied countless water birth pools to hospitals across the globe.

Our collaborations with end-users, specialists, and manufacturers have driven us to continuously develop and improve our capabilities.

Every Active Birth Pool is meticulously handcrafted to order in England by highly skilled artisans who take immense pride in their work and hold themselves to the highest standards of excellence.

Our design process takes into account the delicate interplay between mothers, midwives, and the birth pool.

We’ve embraced evidence-based, user-centric, ergonomic design principles to create water birth pools that are not only supremely comfortable but also effortlessly practical and user-friendly.

The intricate and inviting forms of our pools are designed to captivate both the senses and emotions.

Each curve, each contour serves a purpose, where form elegantly merges with aesthetic utility.

Through the seamless, one-piece fabrication process in Ficore®, we’ve revolutionized the concept of the birth pool.

This innovation has given birth to pools that seamlessly combine elegance, practicality, and ease of use.

The exceptional qualities of Ficore® empower us to produce water birth pools that excel in performance, value, and safety beyond measure.

Our deep understanding of the childbirth process and our commitment to midwives’ needs have driven us to design birthing pools that actively protect midwives and mothers from the potential risks associated with water birth.

We’re acutely aware of the potential for birth pools to harbor harmful bacteria.

In response, we’ve introduced a range of innovative features that not only mitigate risk but also amplify safety to the highest degree.

Your peace of mind and safety are at the heart of everything we do.

Active Birth Pools from a midwives perspective

Active Birth Pools from a mothers perspective

If you’re looking for a water birth pool we’re uniquely qualified to be of service

The history of water birth and the development of specialised water birth pools is a remarkable story of innovation and transformation in childbirth practices, driven by the insights of obstetrician Michel Odent and the design expertise of Keith Brainin.

Michel Odent’s groundbreaking work in the field of water birth began in the late 1970s at a state hospital near Paris.

Odent believed that childbirth had become overly medicalized and sought a more natural approach.

He introduced a pool in the hospital to ease the pain of labor, leading to some babies being born in the water.

Michel Odent with his pool in the maternity unit in Pithiviers, France

This innovative approach offered a more comfortable and less stressful birthing experience for mothers, with warm water helping to relax muscles, reduce stress, and enhance blood circulation.

Odent’s work demonstrated a reduction in the need for interventions like epidurals and episiotomies, aligning with many parents’ desires for a minimally invasive childbirth experience.

His observations and clinical experiences suggested that water birth provided a gentle transition for babies, mirroring the amniotic fluid environment​​.

“When asked about the history of birthing pools in hospitals, I mention the day when Keith Brainin realised that special bath tubs might be designed and commercialised to meet the needs of labouring women.”   Michel Odent

1989 – Sheila Kitzinger and Ethel Burns raise money to have the first specially designed water birth pool installed in an NHS Hospital at the John Radcliffe, Oxford

Building on Odent’s pioneering work, Keith Brainin, founder and director of Active Birth Pools, developed the world’s first specially designed water birth pools.

Starting in 1987, Brainin and his team focused on design, engineering, and manufacture to develop a water birth pool that excelled in quality, functionality, and durability.

Judges at the Building Better Healthcare Awards said that, “Active Birth Pools are the pinnacle of water birth pool design and development – an incomparable combination of design, materials and manufacturing” 

The Active Birth Pool was designed with ergonomic principles to support natural childbirth postures and provide comfort for the mother.

Features like extra-wide rims, integrated handrails, and specially designed labor support and safety seats were included to enhance safety and functionality.

The use of Ficore composite for construction ensured a harder, more chemical-resistant, and warm-to-the-touch surface that retains heat efficiently.

Keith Brainin with Sheena Byron and midwives in the Lotus Birth Centre, Royal London Hospital 2018

Additionally, the pools were equipped with features like chromotherapy LED lighting and Bluetooth sound systems, allowing mothers to personalize their birthing environment.

These innovations in water birth pool design have significantly contributed to the safety, comfort, and natural approach to childbirth​​.

Both Michel Odent’s clinical insights and Keith Brainin’s design innovations have played a crucial role in transforming childbirth practices, emphasizing the importance of a natural, holistic approach to labor and delivery.

Their contributions have been instrumental in making water birth a viable and increasingly popular option for expectant mothers worldwide.

Fluid modernities: the birthing pool in late twentieth-century Britain

Catalogue, information, videos and plans

Mothers tell us that, ‘they love our water birth pools’.

Active Birth Pools, established in 1987, has played a pioneering role in the use of water for labour and birth.

Their values and approach can be comprehensively understood by examining various aspects of their operations and products.

Innovation and Pioneering Spirit:

Active Birth Pools helped pioneer the use of water in labour and birth, working closely with midwives, mothers, obstetricians, and experts in infection control and manual handling.

This collaborative approach led to the development of the world’s first specially designed hospital-grade water birth pool, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and improvement in maternity care​​​​.

Safety, Value, and Performance:

The company emphasizes these core principles in their products.

They focus on producing birthing pools that are safe, offer great value, and perform exceptionally.

This focus is evident in their use of specialized materials like Ficore®, a proprietary material known for its durability, practicality, and safety features.

Ficore® pools, for example, retain heat efficiently and are resistant to bacteria and harsh disinfectants, ensuring high standards of hygiene​​​​​​.

Ergonomic Design:

Active Birth Pools employs evidence-based, user-centred ergonomic design principles.

Their pools are crafted to meet the comfort needs of both mothers and midwives, featuring designs that support various positions like sitting, kneeling, and squatting.

The wide rims of the pools allow midwives to rest comfortably, akin to sitting at a desk, which showcases their consideration for both the users’ comfort and practicality​​.

Customer Feedback and Endorsements:

The company values customer feedback and has received numerous positive testimonials from healthcare professionals and mothers.

These testimonials often highlight the comfort, ease of use, safety, and practicality of the pools, reflecting the company’s dedication to quality and user satisfaction​​.

Build Quality and Guarantee:

Active Birth Pools are hand-made to order in England by highly skilled craftsmen who take great pride in their work and are dedicated to excellence.

Active Birth Pools offers a lifetime guarantee on their water birth pools, which reflects their commitment to quality and durability.

This lifetime guarantee is a testament to the trust the company places in its design, materials and manufacturing processes.

Sustainability and Longevity:

Active Birth Pools places importance on sustainability.

Their pools have a life expectancy exceeding 25 years, making them a sustainable choice in comparison to other birthing pools with shorter lifespans.

This longevity not only provides value for money but also aligns with environmental sustainability principles​​.

Global Reach and Experience:

With a history spanning several decades, Active Birth Pools has supplied thousands of water birth pools worldwide.

Their extensive experience and knowledge in the field have made them a leading choice for hospitals and midwives globally.

This worldwide reach underlines their commitment to improving maternity care on a global scale​​.

In summary, Active Birth Pools’ values are centred around innovation, safety, ergonomic design, customer satisfaction, sustainability, and a global perspective in improving maternity care.

These values have guided their operations and product development, positioning them as a leader in the water birth pool market.

Winner – Building Better Healthcare Awards

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Embracing Simplicity and Excellence in Birthing Pool Design

The legacy of Steve Jobs, particularly his emphasis on simplicity and attention to detail in design, provides a fascinating lens through which to view the design and functionality of Active Birth Pools.

Jobs’ principles, known for shaping revolutionary Apple products, can also illuminate the excellence of Active Birth Pools’ design and their impact on the birthing experience.

Craftsmanship and Detail: The Apple of Birthing Pools

Active Birth Pools’ commitment to high-quality craftsmanship mirrors Steve Jobs’ insistence on exceptional craft in design.

Each pool, handcrafted by skilled artisans in England, exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail that Jobs championed.

This dedication ensures every aspect of the product meets the highest standards, reflecting Jobs’ belief in the importance of even the unseen details​​​​.

Intuitive Simplicity: Design That Understands Its Users

Like Apple’s products, Active Birth Pools are designed with simplicity and intuitiveness in mind.

The pools focus on essential features needed for a safe and comfortable birthing experience, without unnecessary complications.

This approach aligns with Jobs’ philosophy of creating user-friendly designs that are both practical and easy to use, ensuring a smooth experience for mothers and healthcare providers alike​​​​.

Ergonomics and Comfort: A Friendly Approach

The ergonomic design of Active Birth Pools, prioritizing the comfort of both mothers and midwives, resonates with Jobs’ principle of creating products that are friendly and empathetic to user needs.

The pools offer various supported positions, ensuring a comfortable experience, much like Apple products are designed for ease of use and user comfort​​​​.

Innovative Materials: Pushing Boundaries in Design

Active Birth Pools’ use of Ficore®, a unique composite material, for durability and performance reflects Jobs’ focus on innovative materials.

This choice enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the pools, illustrating Jobs’ principle of using high-quality materials to improve product functionality and longevity​​​​.

Safety and Hygiene: A Core Priority

Safety and hygiene are paramount in the design of Active Birth Pools, aligning with Jobs’ emphasis on creating reliable and practical products.

Features like slip resistance and seamless construction ensure the pools are not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and hygienic, crucial for the healthcare environment​​.

Modern Features: Enhancing Experience with Technology

The integration of modern features like LED lighting and Bluetooth sound systems in Active Birth Pools showcases a balanced use of technology, similar to Jobs’ approach.

These features enhance the birthing experience without overwhelming it, embodying Jobs’ vision of technology as a complement to user experience, not a complication​​​​.

Sustainable Design: Built to Last

The durability and long life expectancy of Active Birth Pools reflect a sustainable approach to design, resonating with Jobs’ principle of creating timeless products.

Their pools are designed to last over 25 years, making them a sustainable choice in the healthcare industry​​.

In conclusion, the design and functionality of Active Birth Pools can be beautifully understood through the lens of Steve Jobs’ design principles.

The focus on craftsmanship, simplicity, ergonomic comfort, innovative materials, safety, integration of modern features, and sustainability, all reflect Jobs’ iconic design philosophy, making Active Birth Pools a leading choice in maternity care.

Judges at the prestigious European Design Awards awarded first prize to the Active II/360 Water Birth Pool in the Healthcare: Safety Design Category.

European Product Design Award (ePDA) is a cutting-edge global event dedicated to elevating and promoting the art of Product Design.

The European Product Design Award™ recognises the efforts of talented international product designers who aim to improve our daily lives with their practical, well-thought-out creations.

Introducing the Active II/360 Water Birth Pool with
Bespoke Water Column: A Pinnacle of Maternity Care 

Active Birth Pools offers the Active II/360 Water Birth Pool with Bespoke Water Column, a sophisticated solution tailored for healthcare facilities striving to provide exemplary maternity care.

This advanced combination integrates a state-of-the-art water birth pool with a functional and stylish water column, epitomizing the latest in design innovation and material technology for the maternity care sector.

Advanced Development for Modern Healthcare Needs

The Active II/360 Water Birth Pool, a product of Active Birth Pools, is designed to meet the evolving demands of contemporary maternity care.

Paired with the Bespoke Water Column, this system is the result of extensive research and collaboration with healthcare professionals.

The focus has been on creating a solution that offers superior functionality, safety, and comfort, while also addressing the practical needs of both healthcare providers and mothers.

Ergonomic Design for Enhanced Experience

The Active II/360 Water Birth Pool is designed with an emphasis on ergonomic excellence and spatial efficiency.

The pool’s keyhole shape is not only visually appealing but also provides functional benefits, supporting a variety of birthing positions and movements.

The pool includes recessed hand grips and a bull-nose shaped rim for added support and safety.

The Bespoke Water Column is seamlessly integrated, offering an elegant solution for necessary plumbing and fixtures, thus enhancing the pool’s utility and aesthetic.

Superior Material Quality

Constructed from Ficore®, a proprietary composite material exclusive to Active Birth Pools, the Active II/360 offers exceptional durability, hygiene, and safety.

The material’s highly polished, ultra-smooth surface is less slippery, crucial for ensuring safety.

The Water Column, made from the same quality material, complements the pool’s design and maintains the high hygiene standards required in healthcare environments.

User-Centric Features

The Active II/360 Water Birth Pool with the Water Column includes a labour support seat, facilitating optimal birthing positioning and comfort for the mother and a rim-level safety seat for monitoring and emergency evacuations.

The pool’s design enables free movement, which is essential for the effective use of water immersion during labour.

The Water Column adds functionality as a stable support structure and a practical utility platform.

Integrated Technological Enhancements

The pool is equipped with Multi-Colour LED Lighting and Bluetooth Sound systems, enabling the creation of a personalized and soothing environment.

These features are integral in establishing a supportive atmosphere that is conducive to natural childbirth.

Sustainability and Economic Benefits

The durable design of the Active II/360 Water Birth Pool with Bespoke Water Column makes it a sustainable and economically sound choice for healthcare facilities.

Its long-term performance and reduced replacement requirements make it an efficient investment, aligning with the economic and environmental goals of modern healthcare institutions.

Global Adoption and Acclaim

The Active II/360 Water Birth Pool with Bespoke Water Column has been recognized globally for its innovative approach to maternity care.

Its adoption by healthcare facilities worldwide is a testament to its effectiveness, reliability, and commitment to advancing water birth practices.

In conclusion, the Active II/360 Water Birth Pool with Bespoke Water Column by Active Birth Pools represents a harmonious blend of advanced design, superior material technology, and thoughtful integration of user-centric features.

It stands as a strategic and innovative choice for healthcare facilities looking to provide a superior maternity care experience, offering comfort, safety, and efficiency in a comprehensive and elegant package.

Active II/360 Water Birth Pool – Data Sheet

Place your cursor on the model below to move the image around.

To see how the Active II/360 Water Birth Pool would look in your
delivery room click on the banner below with your phone or tablet.

The Princess II Water Birth Pool, developed by Active Birth Pools, is a compact yet highly functional solution tailored for healthcare facilities focusing on enhancing maternity care.

This pool combines ergonomic design, advanced material technology, and thoughtful features, specifically catering to settings where space is at a premium, without compromising on the quality of the birthing experience.

Development and Innovation

As part of Active Birth Pools’ longstanding commitment to improving water birth solutions, the Princess II Water Birth Pool is a culmination of extensive research and collaboration with healthcare professionals.

It represents an understanding of the spatial constraints in some healthcare settings, while still addressing the needs of both mothers and healthcare providers.

Design Features

The Princess II Water Birth Pool, while compact, does not sacrifice functionality or comfort.

Its efficient design includes a distinctive keyhole shape, providing practical benefits for various birthing positions.

The pool is equipped with recessed hand grips and a bull-nose shaped rim, which offer crucial support and stability for mothers during labour.

Material Excellence

Crafted from Ficore®, a proprietary composite material exclusive to Active Birth Pools, the Princess II boasts superior durability and hygiene.

Its lifespan far exceeds traditional birthing pools, and the material’s highly polished, ultra-smooth surface is designed to be less slippery, enhancing safety.

This material choice is particularly advantageous in maintaining the high hygiene standards required in healthcare environments.

Ergonomic and Safe

The ergonomic considerations in the Princess II include a labour support seat, providing optimal positioning for birth and comfort for the mother.

Despite its compact size, the pool’s dimensions are carefully planned to enable free movement and maximize the therapeutic effects of water immersion during labour.

Technological Integration

The Princess II is outfitted with Multi-Colour LED Lighting and Bluetooth Sound systems, allowing for a customizable and calming birthing environment.

These features contribute to a supportive atmosphere, promoting natural childbirth.

Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness

The durable nature of the Princess II Water Birth Pool makes it a sustainable choice for healthcare facilities.

Its long-term usability and reduced replacement frequency make it an economically sound investment, especially in settings where space and resources are limited.

Global Recognition

The Princess II Water Birth Pool has been recognized globally for its innovative approach to space-efficient maternity care.

Its adoption in various hospitals and birthing centres is a testament to its reliability and effectiveness as a compact water birth solution.

In summary, the Princess II Water Birth Pool by Active Birth Pools is an exemplary fusion of compact design, advanced material technology, and user-centric features.

It stands as a strategic choice for healthcare facilities seeking to offer enhanced maternity care in limited spaces, providing a comfortable and safe birthing experience.

Princess II Water Birth Pool – Data Sheet

Place your cursor on the model below to move the image around.

To see how the Princess  II Water Birth Pool would look in your
delivery room click on the banner below with your phone or tablet.

Active Birth Pools presents the Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool with Bespoke Water Column, a compact yet comprehensive solution for modern healthcare facilities focused on optimizing maternity care.

This innovative combination brings together a space-efficient water birth pool and a functional water column, embodying advanced design and material technology to meet the diverse needs of maternity care environments.

Strategic Development for Space Efficiency

The Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool, developed by Active Birth Pools, addresses the unique challenges of limited space in some healthcare settings.

In conjunction with the Bespoke Water Column, this development reflects Active Birth Pools’ commitment to delivering high-quality, space-efficient solutions without compromising on functionality or safety.

The development process involved close collaboration with healthcare professionals, ensuring that both the pool and the column align with the practical needs of maternity care.

Ergonomic and Functional Design

The Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool is designed with a focus on ergonomics and space efficiency.

The keyhole shape of the pool maximizes space utility while providing functional support for various birthing positions.

The pool includes recessed hand grips and a bull-nose shaped rim for added stability and support during labour.

The Bespoke Water Column complements the pool’s functionality by offering a streamlined solution for plumbing and necessary fixtures, enhancing the overall utility of the setup.

Superior Material for Durability and Hygiene

Crafted from the proprietary composite material Ficore®, the Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool boasts exceptional durability and hygiene.

The material’s highly polished, ultra-smooth surface is designed to be less slippery, enhancing safety.

The Water Column, made from the same high-quality material, maintains the hygiene standards critical in healthcare environments and integrates seamlessly with the pool.

User-Centric Benefits

The Princess II/360 with its Water Column provides a labor support seat for optimal birthing positioning and comfort for the mother.

The compact design of the pool still allows for free movement, vital for the effectiveness of water immersion in labour.

The Water Column serves as a stable support structure and a convenient utility platform, adding to the pool’s functionality.

Integrated Technology for Enhanced Birthing Experience

Equipped with Multi-Colour LED Lighting and Bluetooth Sound systems, the Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool allows for a customizable and calming birthing environment.

These features contribute to creating a supportive and conducive atmosphere for natural childbirth.

Sustainability and Economic Efficiency

The Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool with the Bespoke Water Column is a sustainable and economically viable choice for healthcare facilities.

Its durable design ensures long-term use, reducing the need for frequent replacements and aligning with economic and environmental objectives of modern healthcare institutions.

Global Recognition for Compact Excellence

The Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool with Bespoke Water Column has gained global recognition for providing a compact yet comprehensive solution in maternity care.

Its adoption by healthcare facilities worldwide is a testament to its effectiveness, reliability, and innovative approach to space-efficient maternity care.

In summary, the Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool with Bespoke Water Column by Active Birth Pools offers a unique combination of compact design, advanced material technology, and thoughtful integration of features.

It represents a strategic choice for healthcare facilities looking to provide enhanced maternity care in limited spaces, ensuring comfort, safety, and efficiency in a comprehensive package.

Princess II/360 Water Birth Pool – Data Sheet

Place your cursor on the model below to move the image around.

To see how the Princess  II/360 Water Birth Pool would look in your
delivery room click on the banner below with your phone or tablet.