Breast pump through insurance
Most private health plans must cover a breast pump. Check which pump your plan covers and have it shipped before your due date.
Hospital Water Birth vs. Labor Hydrotherapy Tubs: What Maternity Guides Actually Allow
When a hospital maternity tour guide says "We have birthing tubs!", expectant parents need to ask one specific logistical question: Is the tub approved for actual water delivery, or for first-stage labor hydrotherapy only?
1. Tubs for Labor Only
Many hospitals let eligible low-risk patients use a tub during labor for pain relief, then ask them to get out of the water for pushing and delivery. ACOG supports water immersion during the first stage of labor for some patients.
2. Water Birth Allowed
Fewer hospitals allow the baby to be born in the water, usually with midwives and strict eligibility rules. Ask whether water birth is offered, who is eligible, and how many tubs there are (a tub may not be free when you arrive).
Reviewed Hospitals That Allow Water Birth (2)
Only hospitals whose official website we've reviewed are listed.
| Hospital | Location | Nitrous Oxide |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish First Hill Campus Lytle Center for Pregnancy & Newborns | Seattle, WA | Yes |
| UCSF Birth Center at Betty Irene Moore Women’s Hospital | San Francisco, CA | Yes |
🌸 Before Your Due Date
Getting Ready to Deliver at your birthing hospital
Things worth sorting out in your third trimester. We don't collect your details; each link goes straight to the provider.
Baby registry
Build one registry for everything, including your hospital bag items. Many registries add a welcome box or completion discount.
Hospital bag essentials
Battery LED candles, a labor gown, a clip-on fan, long phone cable. See our list of what you can bring to Labor & Delivery.
Cord blood: bank or donate
Private banking needs a kit from the bank in your hospital bag. Public donation is free but only offered at some hospitals. Decide by your third trimester.
Find a birth doula
Ask any doula you interview whether they have attended births at your hospital and how it handles doulas and visitors.
Childbirth classes
Many hospitals run their own classes; online courses work if the dates don’t fit. Aim to finish by 36 weeks.
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