ABSTRACT
The midwife should be willing and confident to undertake the use of a birth pool during a labour under their care. The request to labour in water normally comes from the woman and her partner, although the midwife may suggest it as a method of pain relief. Water birth should only be considered if it is suggested by the woman. Observations of vaginal loss may be difficult as any loss is diluted in the water. However, observations of blood or heavily meconium-stained liquor would be obvious. The midwife should explain the significance of abnormalities and encourage the mother to leave the pool. Very little control of the head is required unless delivery appears to be occurring very rapidly. It is important that the baby is delivered totally in water - any contact with air may cause it to inhale too soon. In cases of postpartum haemorrhage, clamp and cut the cord and administer 1 ampoule of syntometrine intramuscularly.
