Does every hospital have a birthing pool?

[L3tsD0Th1S2020]

What should you wear? Bikini v underwear v nothing

I'm not sure if every hospital has the facilities but your midwife should be able to advise. That said I planned for a water birth with DD2 and someone else was using it at the time so not always an option.

I started out with DD1 in a nightie but by the end it was nothing because I couldn't stand the fabric on my skin.

No they don't. Whether you get the chance to go in one either is pot luck too. It's literally on a first come, first served basis and if they are occupied you won't be able to access one. Also, if you are induced or request an epidural, this rules out birth pool too.

Also, pack what you think you might feel comfortable in but you won't know until the day. I tried to saunter through the labour ward absolutely stark naked without a care in the world and a midwife running behind me with a gown, insisting I put it on.

No

No they don't all have one. If they do have some, there is no guarantee you would get to use it as it may be in use by someone else (or you may not be medically able)

I don't think there is really an accepted attire. One piece swimming costume would be a bit impractical as obviously at some point the bottom half needs to be bare! Bikini makes sense. I ended up naked in both my labours and didn't even realise until afterwards 🤣