Welcome to Waterbirth International
Waterbirth International is the worldwide trusted resource for water birth research, education, and advocacy—for parents and for birth care professionals. Founded and led by Barbara Harper, RN, DEM, CKC, BHE, BHT, an internationally recognized leading expert in water birth education and training with over 40 years of clinical experience.
get certified in water birth
For over 40 years, Barbara Harper has been traveling the world, teaching birth professionals how to safely and confidently integrate water birth into clinical practice. Through Waterbirth International’s new online certification courses, you have the opportunity to learn directly from one of the pioneers of gentle birth and the founder of WBI! You will learn the latest research, hands-on techniques that support safer, more physiological births and have monthly meetings with our founder.
Designed for midwives, nurses, doctors, doulas, and birth advocates, this certification goes beyond just a credential. It’s an invitation to join a global network of birth professionals across 80 countries, working together to bring water birth into more hospitals, birth centers, and home births.
Ready to deepen your knowledge and expand your skills? Gain the confidence, expertise, and international recognition to support families in experiencing a gentler way to birth.
About waterbirth
Waterbirth is the practice of laboring and/or giving birth in warm water, providing a calm and supportive environment for both the mother and the baby. Used for decades around the world, water birth is recognized by midwives, birth centers, and hospitals as a safe, evidence-based option for low-risk pregnancies.
WBI believes that understanding the physiological benefits of water birth is essential in offering evidence-based, patient-centered birth care.
Research shows that warm water immersion during labor can reduce stress hormones, promote natural pain relief, and support optimal fetal positioning, leading to shorter labors and fewer interventions. Water birth is embraced by midwives and obstetric professionals worldwide for its role in reducing perineal trauma, improving maternal satisfaction, and fostering a gentle transition for newborns.
Barbara harper
For over four decades, the Founder & Director of Water Birth International, Barbara Harper, RN, DEM, CKC, BHE, BHT has traveled extensively to educate birth professionals on the science and safety of water birth. Barbara is an internationally recognized expert, author of Gentle Birth Choices, and her work has influenced clinical protocols in hospitals across the United States, pioneered the introduction of water birth in over 80 countries, and shaped global birth practices through evidence-based training. From lecturing at medical and midwifery schools to guiding policy shifts in maternal healthcare systems, her impact on the advancement of gentle birth is unparalleled. She has trained over 20,000 birth professionals worldwide, developed hospital and provider certification programs, and continues to collaborate with healthcare leaders to make water birth an accessible, evidence-based option in maternity care.
Help Us make birth better!
We are a small but mighty organization with a global mission. If you’ve been touched by Barbara’s work, please consider supporting us:
Why Choose Waterbirth?
Warm water immersion reduces pain perception, promotes relaxation, and enhances endorphin release, often decreasing the need for medical interventions
Buoyancy in water supports optimal positioning, easing contractions and facilitating physiological birth. Studies show reduced labor duration and fewer complications
Waterbirth is associated with lower rates of epidural use, perineal trauma, and unnecessary interventions, leading to a more empowered birth experience
Babies born in water experience a gentle entry into the world, minimizing stress responses and supporting immediate skin-to-skin bonding and breastfeeding initiation
Waterbirth is supported by midwives, hospitals, and medical research worldwide. Leading studies confirm its safety and effectiveness when proper protocols are followed.
Join our global community
Join Barbara Harper and Waterbirth International’s worldwide community of birth care providers, parents, and advocates.
Please follow us on social media and comment and share our work with your friends and colleagues in the birth community.
Waterbirth International is dedicated to advancing the science, safety, and accessibility of water birth through global education, research, and advocacy. For over 40 years, we’ve empowered birth care providers and parents with the knowledge to support safe, gentle births.
© 2025 Waterbirth International.
All Rights Reserved. Waterbirth International, WBI and its logo are trademarks of Waterbirth International, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Join our global community of birth care providers, parents, and advocates! Sign up for the WBI Newsletter to receive the latest research, training updates, water birth insights, and exclusive resources.
