Water immersion during labour and waterbirth is a low-tech but complex intervention that optimises the normal physiological processes of labour and birth.
We call for midwives and maternity professionals to familiarise themselves with labour and birth care in a birthing pool to ensure more women have access to its benefits.
Pain management is a key element of respectful and dignified maternity care, in which we advocate birthing pools should be as available as pharmacological options.