List of things you may want to have available

· Waterproof torch

· Disposable sieve

· Mirror suitable for use in the pool (you may wish to tape the sides of the mirror to prevent any sharp edges)

· Fabric bath mats for stepping out onto

· Straws for drinking water from a bottle

· New light coloured dish bowls (easier than a bucket)

· Hot water bottle to keep towels warm for wrapping baby in

· Something to leave outside the house to make the house easier to find for a midwife arriving in the dark (our favourite is a few balloons!)

· Old shirts for your birth partner to provide easy skin-to-skin with the baby should they need to hold the baby for any time for you

Other support

Please do return to our website for more information on waterbirth, homebirth and also to find both national and local support.

We have a support page with links to national websites with useful information on, people local to you who provide doula, antenatal and other related services and even our own YouTube channel with handy clips.

You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter to find out about any new research or news relating to home and water births.