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Childbirth

Are water births any good for pain relief? Really?????

33 replies

ButtonMoon · 15/09/2005 15:40

Just had mw appointment and we were discussing pain relief. I had mobile epidural with DD and said I wanted the same again. She said that if the anaesthetist wasnt available then ask for waterbirth. Do fancy the idea but I am a wimp with pain. Are they really good for wimps like me? Any advice, tips or comments would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:

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bobbybob · 15/09/2005 16:03

It doesn't just take the edge off - it's more soothing than that. You're weight is supported and you can move into all sorts of positions. I always like a bath when I am stressed or have a migraine. I thought it was amazing, and so lovely and warm.

hunkermunker · 15/09/2005 16:12

Yep, but not for everyone. Try it. You might like it

I'm going for it next time - had one with DS (a back to back labour - excrutiating) - and was buoyant and mobile in a way I wouldn't have been on land. Good luck!

furrpurr · 15/09/2005 16:16

I would recommend it. Don't get me wrong, it was still agony but the actual delivery was really quick, just a couple of pushes! The thing is, you can always get out if you don't like it or change your mind, but you should request it well in advance and stick to your guns. Don't be fobbed off!

hunkermunker · 15/09/2005 16:18

Do stay in long enough to check whether you like it or not though. Initially I thought the water was too hot and didn't like it, but loved it after about 15 mins.

ButtonMoon · 15/09/2005 19:18

Thanks guys....any more for any more?

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Cooperoo · 15/09/2005 19:21

Oooh yes I think the one I had really helped me. I felt much more in control too as I was able to change positions much more easily etc. The relief getting in was wonderful. It is definately worth a shot. Do you find baths relaxing? If so it may well work for you.

roisin · 15/09/2005 19:22

I had two water births - loved them. Great pain relief. But I do always love being in water, and especially so when I was pregnant. It depends what you like.

ButtonMoon · 15/09/2005 19:25

I love baths but need them very warm. Can you deliver in the water too?

OP posts:

roisin · 15/09/2005 19:27

Yes, both mine were born in the water: it's fine as long as no risk factors. Some places are not keen for you to deliver placenta in the water.

They can keep topping up the pool to keep it lovely and warm.

hunkermunker · 15/09/2005 19:28

Yes, and you can also deliver the placenta there too. I got out to deliver the placenta and was quite glad to get onto a bed by then.

tabitha · 15/09/2005 19:29

I found it helped.
Btw, I wouldn't worry about it not being warm enough, I was like a boiled lobster by the time I cam out the birthing pool, and my skin was starting to peel off.

Lonelymum · 15/09/2005 19:30

I got through the whole of my fourth labour lying in a bath (I was too much of a wimp to ask for the birthing pool) with dh directing a really hot shower onto my stomach each contraction (and G&A). As I think G&A is a waste of time for pain relief and I was only using it to regulate my breathing, I would say it was the water that got me through labour. I wish I had gone the whole hog and had a water birth.

Cooperoo · 15/09/2005 19:30

I delivered in the water. Was an amazing moment seeing dd1's head delivered under the water and waiting for that next contraction to push her body out. Seemed to take forever though so not for everyone. The temperature has to be monitored very carefully and has to be body temp (I think) for delivery. I think you will find you won't want it hot when you are in labour. HTH.

motherinferior · 15/09/2005 19:30

I am the wimpiest wimp in the world. I was only in the pool for the pushing stage but there was NO burning sensation (which had started as the baby crowned, just before I got in) and as a birth environment it was truly, uterly amazing.

ButtonMoon · 15/09/2005 19:39

That's the bit I'm most scared of the crowning and burning bit......

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hunkermunker · 15/09/2005 19:40

Didn't feel that at all, BM. Did tear, but that's because I pushed when I shouldn't have done, I'm sure! Didn't feel that either!

Lonelymum · 15/09/2005 19:41

Bet you felt it afterwards though HM!

Cooperoo · 15/09/2005 19:43

Did feel the burn (lol) but was worse for my second delivery which was induced on dry land so to speak. Didn't need stiches either time, but I am sure the water helped here too.

motherpeculiar · 15/09/2005 19:45

OMG waterbiths rock!

definitely great for pain relief and that crowning moment

i got in and never wanted to get out

and I thought I was a complete wimp and had had a mobile epi first time around like you

good luck

treacletart · 15/09/2005 20:01

I had planned a hospital water birth - but ended up with a very quick home delivery. But I did manage to spend most of it in our bath with DH running the hot shower over my back during contractions whenever I screamed SHOWER!!!! It really helped alot_. Imagine how much a hot bath helps when you have really bad period pain - it works just the same

hunkermunker · 15/09/2005 20:08

LOL LM! Just a bit...!

Tipex · 15/09/2005 20:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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starshaker · 15/09/2005 20:15

i feel deprived i didnt get the water birth i so wanted as dd was induced and there were complications

mumbee · 15/09/2005 20:29

I agree with what everyone has said. I wanted a Waterbirth with Dd but there were difficulties at the hospital and did not get one. Used the bath and had a land delivery. For Ds my midwife arranged especially for me to have one and it was well worth it. You also get a lot of extra staff around at the time especially if water births are uncommon at your unit so felt very pampered and looked after.
So go for it and enjoy it you will never forget the experience and will have no regrets it is wonderful

Passionflower · 15/09/2005 20:29

Had a water birth for DD3, but not DD's 1 &2 who were DD1 2 x diamorphine plus a epidural (v nearly a c-section tho), DD2 1 diamorphine.

Waterbirths are the best! They had to drain the bath just before DD3 emerged and boy did it make me realise just how effective a form of pain relief it is. I felt so empowered and in control compared to my experiences with the first two. It is so good that I strongly feel that waterbirths should be actively promoted rather than drugs. I don't know if her birth had anything to do with it but DD3 is by far the easiest and most relaxed of my babies.

Good luck and go for it!

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