Overcoming fear of facilitating water birth: student and mentor perspectives.

Abstract

Water immersion for labour and birth is a powerful, low cost intervention that facilitates physiological birth. However, for some midwives - students or qualified - a lack of exposure to water births can create fearful perceptions and reduce their willingness to support women in water. This article explores the nature of this fear, and how it was overcome from the perspectives of both the mentor and student, perhaps offering useful insights for others.