The benefits of being in warm water for women in labour are now well recognised. The Maternity Services Consumer Council has produced a resource that provides consumers with information on both the benefits and potential complications of labouring and giving birth in water.

Information covered:

• The use of water during labour
• The benefits of labour and birth in water
• Research evidence
• Entering the pool
• Giving birth in water
• Access to water birth in New Zealand hospitals
• Water birth at home

This resources helps enable women and their whanau/families to make an informed choice about labouring and birthing in water.