Considering a water birth? This focused guide walks you through everything you need to know — from the science of warm water for pain relief to the practicalities of setting up a pool at home or in a birth centre. Water Birth: Pools, Warmth and Who Can Use One offers clear, evidence-based information on who is a good candidate, how to prepare, and what to expect during labour and birth in water. You'll learn about the role of your midwife, safety considerations including red flags that require immediate attention, and how to plan for a smooth experience — including what happens if you need to leave the pool. The book also covers pool choices, hygiene, and the third stage of labour. Written by Cressida Pemberly Fairholme, an experienced pregnancy writer, this book provides reassurance without glossing over the realities. Whether you're drawn to the buoyancy, the calm, or the potential for a gentler birth, this book helps you make an informed choice. Part of The Pregnancy Companion Library.