Water birth in Berlin - Where to have a "Wassergeburt"?
- Anne Matei
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 2
More and more parents in Berlin are asking for a warm tub during labor, and it's not just a trend...it can truly change your birth experience.
What's the hype about water births in Berlin?
Back in 1983, French obstetrician Michel Odent described what he called le test de la piscine (“the swimming pool test”): if dilation stalled at around 5 cm, he’d invite the mother into the pool. In many cases, labor would progress to full dilation within 1–2 hours, especially if the space was quiet, dimly lit, and undisturbed.
Water birth can be referring to:
💧Immersion: Using the tub for pain relief and to help labor progress.
💧💧Actual water birth: Delivering your baby right in the water!
Although most people find water immersion in labor pleasurable, it is possible that you may change your mind and want to get out of the tub. Desiring a water birth is one thing. But your plans might change... Birth is unpredictable.
The Evidence Speaks for Itself!
Water birth is consistently shown to:
✅ Reduce pain during labor.
✅ Increase your chance of a faster, less complicated vaginal birth.
✅ Help protect your perineum and decrease tearing.
✅. Offer positive health outcomes for baby, and for the mother too!
What are the conditions or downsides?
🧐 Usually only available for uncomplicated low-risk pregnancies
🧐 You can't have an epidural or other injectable pain meds.
👎 There’s a slightly higher risk of uterine infection (0.31% vs. 0.25%) in the first six weeks.
👎 The umbilical cord could snap (cord avulsion) if the baby isn't brought to the surface gently.
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Step by step: Planning Your Berlin Water Birth in Berlin
1- Find the right place for your birth! 📝
Use my interactive map of clinics and birth centers and filter for "Water Birth."
📍 Map📍
Most places offer it, but you should always ask detailed questions to your provider. For example:
How many rooms have tubs? What are my chances of getting one?
Do you require parents to get out of the tub during the pushing phase? Can the baby be born in the water? [This question helps clarify whether they permit water immersion during labor only and then make you get out for the birth].
Do you have wireless, waterproof monitors if I need them?
What training do your staff have in water births?
What after right after the baby is born? What about the birth of the placenta? When will I be asked to leave the tub?
And if you prepare for a home birth and want a real birth pool, you can rent birth pools from various companies and birth workers (midwives, doulas) or even private persons. Make sure you check their hygiene protocols and follow the instructions around water temperature and quality.
2- Clarify Necessary Pre-Birth Tests:
Depending on your place of birth, additional tests (e.g., for HIV, hepatitis B, group B strep, hepatitis C) may be required. Make sure these are done well ahead of time so they don’t become an issue later.
3- Pack Smart:
Bring several large, soft towels (even if the facility provides some, your own may feel more comfortable), a bathrobe to stay warm after exiting the tub, and possibly a bikini top or bandeau. this can help you feel more at ease during the birth.
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