Waterbirth Immersion Facts and Tampa Bay Provider Options

Waterbirth is a reasonable option for low-risk birthing people, as long as they understand the potential benefits and risks. If birth givers have a strong desire for waterbirth, and there are care providers who are comfortable attending waterbirths, then at this time there is no evidence to deny this option of pain relief. You can learn more about the current research on waterbirth safety, pain relief, and the reduced rate of severe tearing by reading the attached evidence. - Evidence Based Birth

Most clients do not have access to waterbirth or water immersion during labor because their birthing location does not have a waterbirth program in place. If you'd like to explore the option of waterbirth for your labor, you'll need to find a care provider with privileges to assist you at a location that offers waterbirth. This likely means you'd need to change providers for prenatal care and delivery.

In the Tampa Bay region, consider Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater. It's a Bay Care facility and you can complete the form on this page to request a physician or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) who provide hospital waterbirth access. And because there is Florida State Licensure for Certified Professional Midwives, Tampa Bay has several birth centers offering waterbirth such as Breath of Life in Largo, and Sweet Child O' Mine in Brandon, or Labor of Love in Lutz.

Please reach out to me if I can help you further. I'm always happy to connect with you!