Baby Alexander the first water birth at Redland Hospital

Baby Alexander was child number three for Maree Evans, who was thrilled when she was told a new birthing pool was available.

"I have always wanted a water birth, and the experience was fantastic," Ms Evans said.

"The weightlessness allows you to breathe baby out which is really natural and calming and a lot less painful.

"It takes so much weight off your back and hips and makes you a lot less aware of the other pains going on and lets you concentrate more on breathing."

Redlands MP Kim Richards said midwives at Redland Hospital are celebrating the birth, following the addition of three new birthing pools at the hospital.

"These birthing pools are part of a $1.73 million birthing unit expansion for Metro South Health," Ms Richards said.

"This investment for the Redland Hospital means more choice for local mums."

Ms Evans said her two older sons were extremely excited to meet their precious "little fish", who was born a Pisces and named after the Roman emperor.

"This has been a really incredible experience and we are so grateful for the opportunity to have a natural water birth.

"Everyone, all the midwives, have been so supportive and incredible and to have these facilities is amazing."

Midwifery Unit Manager Janet Knowles said it was exciting for local families who previously needed to travel to the Gold Coast to access water birthing.

"We are so thrilled to welcome our first water birth baby at Redland Hospital and we're sure this is going to be a very popular option for families.

"We have already had lots of enquiries."