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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Online theoretical training experience for the introduction of water birth in a level-three spanish hospital labour ward
1
Hospital Clinic Seu Maternitat, Labour Ward, Barcelona, Spain
2
Hospital Clinic Seu Maternitat, Labou Ward, Barcelona, Spain
3
Hospital Clínic Seu Maternitat, Labour Ward, Barcelona, Spain
4
Hospital Clinic Seu Maternitat, Labour Ward Supervisor, Barcelona, Spain
5
Barcelona University, Faculty of Nursing, Barcelona, Spain
6
Hospital Clinic Seu Maternitat, Head of Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Barcelona, Spain
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A424
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Hydrotherapy during labour, involving immersion in warm water, is a non-pharmacological method of pain relief. To ensure safe and evidence-based care, midwives must receive continuous training. Therefore, an online training program was implemented at a tertiary hospital in Spain for midwives and midwifery students, as a preparatory step before an interprofessional simulation-based training.
DISCUSSION:
Recent literature supports the safety and benefits of water birth. A 2019 U.S. retrospective study found no significant adverse neonatal outcomes. A 2022 UK systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed maternal benefits and found no differences in neonatal outcomes compared to conventional births. However, a 2024 UK cohort study noted a slightly increased risk of umbilical cord rupture. These findings reinforce the importance of equipping midwives with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills to manage water births safely and confidently.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Prior to the online training, a pre-knowledge questionnaire was distributed to a total of 50 professionals, of whom 80% responded (n=40). Among the 40 participants who completed the training, 75% were midwives (n=30) and 25% were midwifery students (n=10). Regarding experience, 50% of the midwives had less than five years of practice, 30% had between five and ten years, and 20% had over ten years. Notably, 68% (n=27) of all participants reported no prior training in water birth. Despite the availability of hydrotherapy facilities in the labour ward, 90% (n=22) of the midwives at the hospital had not yet attended a water birth, 4% (n=1) had attended one, and only 6% (n=7) had attended two or more water births. These findings highlight the necessity of structured educational interventions in this area.
KEY MESSAGE:
Ongoing professional development is essential to ensure high-quality, evidence-based maternity care. Online training, especially when integrated with simulation-based learning, offers an effective approach to enhance clinical competencies in water birth management. Poster session 1 (Group A)
Hydrotherapy during labour, involving immersion in warm water, is a non-pharmacological method of pain relief. To ensure safe and evidence-based care, midwives must receive continuous training. Therefore, an online training program was implemented at a tertiary hospital in Spain for midwives and midwifery students, as a preparatory step before an interprofessional simulation-based training.
DISCUSSION:
Recent literature supports the safety and benefits of water birth. A 2019 U.S. retrospective study found no significant adverse neonatal outcomes. A 2022 UK systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed maternal benefits and found no differences in neonatal outcomes compared to conventional births. However, a 2024 UK cohort study noted a slightly increased risk of umbilical cord rupture. These findings reinforce the importance of equipping midwives with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills to manage water births safely and confidently.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Prior to the online training, a pre-knowledge questionnaire was distributed to a total of 50 professionals, of whom 80% responded (n=40). Among the 40 participants who completed the training, 75% were midwives (n=30) and 25% were midwifery students (n=10). Regarding experience, 50% of the midwives had less than five years of practice, 30% had between five and ten years, and 20% had over ten years. Notably, 68% (n=27) of all participants reported no prior training in water birth. Despite the availability of hydrotherapy facilities in the labour ward, 90% (n=22) of the midwives at the hospital had not yet attended a water birth, 4% (n=1) had attended one, and only 6% (n=7) had attended two or more water births. These findings highlight the necessity of structured educational interventions in this area.
KEY MESSAGE:
Ongoing professional development is essential to ensure high-quality, evidence-based maternity care. Online training, especially when integrated with simulation-based learning, offers an effective approach to enhance clinical competencies in water birth management. Poster session 1 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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