I have supported families through water birth before, and I have just completed my certification as a Water Birth Provider with Water Birth International. Not because I had to, but because I deeply believe there is always more to learn, and the more I know, the better I can walk beside you.
Mamma, if you are reading this is maybe because you are curious about water birth here in Singapore. Maybe you saw a water birth in a photo and felt something soften inside you. Maybe you or your partner asked, "Is that even possible in Singapore?" Maybe you are not sure yet, and you simply want to understand your options before you decide.
Whatever brought you here, this is what I want you to know: your questions deserve a doula who has done the work to answer them.
Why I keep learning
Being invited into someone's birth is one of the greatest privileges of my work. Families trust me with their hopes, their fears and, quite often in the most vulnerable hours of their lives. I do not take that lightly.
Every family I support is different, and so is every birth. So a keep learning, keep listen them bringing the right information to the families that I support. That is why, since becoming a certified birth and postpartum doula in 2020, I have kept adding to my training.
Water birth is a good example. I was already supporting families who chose water in labour and for birth, and I loved that work. But experience and training do different things: experience teaches me what it feels like in the room, and formal study gives me the evidence, the structure and the language to explain it to you clearly. Doing both makes me a better doula for you.
What my Water Birth International certification means (and what it does not)
Let me be clear, because it matters. I am a doula, not a medical professional. I do not deliver babies and I do not make clinical decisions. Your OB or midwife is responsible for your medical care, and nothing about my certification changes that.
What it does change is how well I can support you. I can:
Explain how water is used in labour and birth, and what the research says, in an easy language.
Help you prepare the labour and how better work with your body during that time.
Support you practically and emotionally if you labour in water.
Guide your partner so they feel confident, an active part of the experience.
Stay flexible with you if your plans change, because they sometimes do, and that is okay.
Knowledge does not tell you what to choose. It gives you the freedom to choose.
What the research says about water in labour
The evidence is worth knowing, so you can have an informed conversation with your care team. A Cochrane review of the research on water immersion during labour and birth found that labouring in water in the first stage was linked to fewer people using epidural. The reviewers also found no evidence of increased adverse effects for mothers or babies from labouring in water or from water birth. In other words, water can be a lovely comfort tool, and the research supports it as an option for many healthy pregnancies. It is not right for every family, and your OB o will tell you whether it fits your pregnancy.
Labouring in water vs. birthing in water
These are two different things, and families often mix them up. Labouring in water knows as Hydrotherapy is using a shower, bathtub or pool to ease your contractions is something that I recommend to my client as it a wanderful tool during labour in other hand Water birth means your baby is born in the water. Many families who love the idea of water use it for labour comfort and then leave the pool for the birth, and that is a perfectly good plan.
The benefits of water birth
Warm-water immersion reduces reported pain and may reduce the need for regional analgesia/epidural.Water's buoyancy allows for easier movement and position changes during labor
Greater relaxation, mobility, and sense of control due to Buoyancy that helps movement and positioning; women commonly report relaxation, autonomy, and satisfaction.
Water birth provides a private and intimate birthing environment
Some studies report fewer episiotomies and severe tears.
Water birth and hospitals in Singapore
Here in Singapore, the only hospital that have the infrastructure and provide Water birth is Thomson Medical Centre, also is important to note that not all OB in singapore support water birth so is important part of the preparation for water birth is to have one of the well know water birth OB providers like Dr Paul Tseng, Dr Lai Fon-Min, Dr Ek Tan, Dr TC Chang, Dr Janice Tung, Dr Tan Shu Qi, Dr Loh Seong Feei, for mention some.
Also is some of water birth providers also at NUH as before Covid NUH was also supporting water birth, it is posible that in some point in the future they would be reassuming that option there.
We can talk about it early during the clarity call and deep more at the prenatal sessions where we look at what your provider and hospital offer, what to ask, and what your plan B and plan C look like. I am registered at seven hospitals across Singapore, so I know how the different settings feel, and I will be at your side whichever way your birth unfolds.
How I support you through every kind of birth
Becoming a water birth provider does not mean I only support water births. It means that if water is part of your vision, you will have a doula who understands it. If you want an epidural, a planned cesarean, a VBAC or an unmedicated birth, I am just as committed to you. My job is never to steer you toward one outcome. It is to help you feel informed, supported and in charge of your choices.
I also support families in English, French and Spanish, so you can ask your questions, voice your worries and make your decisions in the language you feel most yourself in.
Frequently asked questions
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It means I have completed training with Water Birth International, an organisation focused on education about water labour and birth. As a doula, I use that knowledge to inform and support you. Medical care stays with your OB.
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yes you totally can the only hospital in Singapore that currectly offer waterbirth is Thomson Medical is also important that you have a OBY that offer water birth like some of the ones mentioned in the blog
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For many healthy, low-risk pregnancies, research has found no evidence of increased adverse effects for mothers or babies from labouring in water or water birth. Your care provider will advise whether it is suitable for you.
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Labouring in water means using a pool or bath for comfort during contractions. A water birth means the baby is born in the water. You can choose one, both or neither.
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No. A doula provides preparation, emotional, physical and informational support and is not a medical professional. Your doula works alongside your medical team, never in place of it.
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Absolutely. Continuous support matters in every type of birth. I support unmedicated births, birth with an epidurals , planned cesareans and VBACs as well as water in labour.
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Yes. I offer support in English, French and Spanish, from your first prenatal session through birth and postpartum.
Curious about water birth in Singapore?
Let's talk.
Planning for a water birth in Singapore you can book a free 30-minute clarity call. We will talk through your vision, your questions and what support could look like for you.