Diving into Water Birth: The Benefits, Myths & What to Expect

In this episode of the She Found Motherhood podcast, Dr. Alicia sits down with registered midwife Heidi Machnee for a deep, evidence-based conversation about water birth and water immersion during labour. Whether you’re planning a home birth, curious about using a tub for labour comfort, or simply want to understand your options, this episode is packed with practical, research-backed insights.

Heidi brings both her experience as a midwife and her background as a pediatric RN to break down what the evidence actually says - the benefits, the risks, and who is (and isn’t) an ideal candidate for labour or birth in water.

Sign up for our Free Birth Preferences Course to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your big day!

The Benefits of Water Immersion in Labour

One of the clearest and most consistent findings in the research is that water immersion during active labour provides meaningful comfort and pain relief. Warm water helps relax the body, reduce tension, and promote the flow of oxytocin - the hormone that fuels labour progress. Many birthing parents report feeling calmer, more in control, and more able to find a rhythm while in the tub.

Heidi explains that labouring in water can also help reduce the need for epidurals and may even shorten the active phase of labour. Importantly, these benefits apply specifically to labour immersion, not necessarily to giving birth underwater, which is studied separately.

Another key point: timing matters. Getting into the tub too early, particularly before active labour is well-established, may slow things down. But once labour is progressing, water can be a powerful tool to increase comfort and support physiologic birth.

Is Water Birth Safe? Understanding the Evidence

Water birth - the process of actually birthing the baby underwater - is less common and more debated. But as Heidi explains, the latest evidence paints a clearer picture than earlier, more limited studies.

Large reviews, including data from BC Women’s Hospital, show no increase in major neonatal complications such as infection, NICU admission, respiratory distress, or APGAR concerns when proper protocols are followed and the birthing person is a good candidate. Babies are physiologically built to transition safely - warm water, stable CO₂ levels, and the lack of tactile stimulation help trigger the normal breathing response once they reach air.

The primary risk identified is umbilical cord avulsion, where the cord tears during the lift out of the water. While still rare, this risk highlights why experience, training, and strict protocols are essential for anyone offering water birth.

Heidi emphasizes that candidate selection is key. Water birth may not be appropriate for individuals with certain medical conditions, complications, or labour patterns, and availability can vary across home, hospital, and birth centre settings.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Ultimately, Heidi encourages birthing families to approach both water immersion and water birth with informed confidence. Understanding the benefits, risks, and practical considerations allows you to advocate for the birth experience you want - whether that includes a tub, shower, or simply the option to change your mind on the day.

If you’re preparing for your birth and want to feel empowered in creating your plan, don’t forget to enrol in our Free Birth Preferences Course. It’s a simple way to clarify your options, understand your choices, and feel ready for whatever your labour brings.

This episode is a re-release. Original release date: July 28, 2021.