Central Florida Water Birth Center

Q: What are my options for laboring in the water?

Generally you can get into the tub whenever you desire. There used to be a thought that the water slowed things down if you got into the tub too early in the birth process but new thinking is if the mom wants it, let her!

Q: What is unique about your showers?

We have amazing full panel showers that have multiple jets on the wall as well as over head. Temperature is regulated and displayed on LCD screen. There is also a waterfall option that women love on their lower back while sitting on a birth ball!

Q: What types of tubs do you have at the Birth Center?

The birth tubs were bought from Waterbirth International and are designed specifically for waterbirth. Deep tubs that allow the abdomen to be completely covered and decrease the risk of baby being born above water in hands and knees. There are underwater lights and quick drain options if needed.

Q: Can I change my mind about delivering in the water during labor?

Always! A plan is a beautiful thing, but we must stay flexible and open during the birth process.

Discover the Benefits of Water Birth

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Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water, often chosen for its calming and natural qualities. At a birth center like Tree of Life Birth and Gynecology, water birth is a safe, evidence-based option for many low-risk pregnancies, supported by skilled midwives and a holistic approach to maternity care.

Water Birth International founder Barbara Harper says that "the goal is not to have a water birth but to make birth as peaceful and safe for both the mother and baby as possible."

Laboring in water provides natural pain relief and supports a healthy birth.

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Many women describe waterbirth as gentler and more peaceful, providing natural pain relief. Warm water helps relax muscles and reduces the intensity of contractions, often decreasing the need for pain medications.
Water immersion during active labor has been associated with shorter labor duration, especially in the first stage, due to increased relaxation and reduced stress hormone levels.
Buoyancy in water supports the body, reduces pressure on joints and the perineum, and allows for greater freedom of movement to find instinctive, comfortable labor positions.
The water environment mimics the womb, offering a smoother and calmer transition for the baby from amniotic fluid to the outside world.
Many mothers feel more in control and empowered during waterbirths, which can lead to a more positive birth experience overall.

water births since 2010

We call our birth tubs our "AQUAdural" instead of an epidural!

Luxury birthing tubs designed for labor and birth

Our clients love our birth tubs for the comfort, ease, and calming support they bring during labor. Partners are welcome to be in the tub with you and even catch the baby if they desire.

Each of our birthing suites has a tub from Water Birth International that is deep and wide for birth, has underwater lighting, and easy access to drain when needed.

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Wondering if you can have a water birth?

At Tree of Life, water birth is offered to healthy, low-risk individuals. We assess each person’s health, pregnancy history, and labor progress to ensure it’s a safe option.

Full-term, low-risk pregnancy (37–42 weeks)
No history of complications such as preeclampsia, uncontrolled gestational diabetes, or active infections
Baby is head-down and in a favorable position

If a midwife asks you to get out of the birth tub it is not because they don't want to have a waterbirth, it is because they feel it safest to be out of the tub. There are very few times when this may happen but abnormal vitals or prolonged pushing may be one time.

Is a water birth at a birth center safe? Yes!

We love waterbirths and believe waterbirth is a safe, soothing, and empowering option for many birthing people. At Tree of Life, we prioritize safety, holistic care, and honoring your natural birth choices.

Midwives Trained in Water Birth

Our team is highly trained in waterbirth protocols, monitoring both mother and baby closely throughout labor and delivery to ensure safety at every step.

Professional Guidelines

Tree of Life follows evidence-based guidelines from organizations such as the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).

Emergency Protocols in Place

Although complications are rare, birth centers are equipped with safety protocols and emergency transfer plans to local hospitals if needed.

Clean, Monitored Environment

The birthing tubs are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before each use. The water temperature is carefully regulated, and maternal and fetal well-being is continuously monitored.

Questions about having a water birth at Tree of Life Birth Center?

What are my options for laboring in the water?

What is unique about your showers?

What types of tubs do you have at the Birth Center?

Is waterbirth really safe for my baby? How does my baby breath underwater?

Babies are grown in water! It makes more sense that they go from water to water really. When air hits the baby's face it stimulates the mammalian reflex to breathe. Even then, it can take 20 to 60 seconds for the baby to cry. As long as the head remains underwater until after the body is born and not submerged once above the water, there is no chance for baby to breathe in the water.

Can I change my mind about delivering in the water during labor?

If you’re considering a waterbirth, our midwives are here to support and guide you every step of the way.

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