How deep should the water be, for a maximum use of the buoyancy effect?
Regardless how deep a birthing pool is, the water depth should be enough to support you so you can feel the comfort of its buoyancy, but it must never be too deep that you feel insecure. As a general guidance the water should be covering your belly just below breast level. Above, you are almost guaranteed to loose your stability when relaxing on your back, making it necessary for you to hold strongly on the side of the pool (not very secure and not what you may need during labour). Also too much water depth will reduce greatly your choice of labour positions. La Bassine has an internal depth of 58cm (23″). The recommended water level should be between 46cm (18″) to 51cm (20″).
