Waterbirth in Canada's hopsitals?

[Rosie023]

Are waterbirths allowed in hospitals, specifically Calgary, Alberta? I thought I read that they do allow midwives, just not waterbirths unless you go to a seperate birthing center? Is this true?

[Stitches]

Yes, the midwives here have hospital privileges. However, there are three hospitals in the city of Calgary, and each one has only one or possibly 2 rooms with bathtubs in them. They try to give these rooms to midwife clients but there is no guarantee (and I honestly can't recall if waterbirths are 'allowed' in hospital). The birth center has nice big jetted tubs though, and I know for sure they do water births there, and at homebirths, and about 70% of their births overall are in water.

Hope that helps!

[mamabadger]

I know of quite a few Canadian hospitals which have labour tubs, but none of them allow water birth. The woman is supposed to get out of the water once she is ready to push, and they tend to be very firm about it. This may not be typical nationwide, of course.

[dealic]

Originally Posted by mamabadger

I know of quite a few Canadian hospitals which have labour tubs, but none of them allow water birth. The woman is supposed to get out of the water once she is ready to push, and they tend to be very firm about it. This may not be typical nationwide, of course.

That's what I have heard is the rule in my city.