Water Births
Water births are growing in popularity in Singapore. Your baby is born in warm water at body temperature, 37°C.
Benefits for mother
- Warm water soothes and reduces the need for pain relief
- Buoyancy allows free movement and positioning
- Better circulation and more efficient contractions
- Lower stress hormones, more natural endorphins
- A more elastic perineum, with less tearing
- A greater sense of privacy
Benefits for baby
- A warm, fluid environment like the amniotic sac
- A gentler transition that eases the stress of birth
- Water birth babies are known for being calm
Water births in Singapore hospitals
National University Hospital (NUH)
NUH has one large water birthing suite with a built-in tub big enough for both parents, and other rooms with smaller tubs. An inflatable pool can also be set up. NUH asks that you hire a doula or join the EMMa Care midwifery programme ($1,500) for a water birth.
NUH also offers a birth stool and birth ball (both donated by ParentLink), light dimmers, thermostat control, yoga mats, an essential oil diffuser and Baby Friendly accreditation.
Thomson Medical Centre (TMC)
TMC has two spacious water birthing suites, Rooms 6 and 15. You don't need to hire a doula, as all nurses and midwives are trained in water birth. You can enter the water from 5cm dilation.