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Thinking about a waterbirth?

• Find out about water birth on the internet, library, from videos and books.

    Some books to consider:
    Water birth - Janet Balaskas & Yehudi Gordon; Unwin, 1990.
    We are all Water Babies - Paul Johnson & Michel Odent; Dragon’s World.
    Waterbirth An Attitude to Care - Dianne Garland; Books for Midwives, 1995.
    New Pregnancy and Childbirth - Sheila Kitzinger
    NZ National Water birth Trust, PO Box 34409, Birkenhead, (09) 418 5188

• Talk to your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) about water birth and make sure she is willing to support your decision.
• Be flexible about your choice. If things change and a water birth is not possible, be open to alternatives. The pool can be used at any time during your labour, for short or long periods. You may not wish to deliver in the pool.
• Talk to your partner and support people about your thoughts when making a decision.
• Come and see the birthing pool at Warkworth. Arrange to see North Shore Hospital Birthing Suite and if considering a home birth, ask your LMC to show you the pool available for hire.