Birthing pool experiences?

[bumperlicious]

Would be interested to hear about birthing pool experiences, and any pros/cons that people know of?

Thanks

[wishingchair]

Had waterbirth with DD1. Was lovely, very calm and relaxed. Still hurt like buggery though.

Pros - minimal interference from anyone. Pool gives you your own space.
If waters break in pool (as mine did), or if you have a contraction that's so hideous you wee a bit (as I did) - no one can tell
It's just really really nice

Cons - apparently there's a higher incident of having to have a Fenton's Op (where your perineum may need some 're-fashioning' due to painful scar tissue) some time post-birth. Theory is that you get a bit water-logged (like when your fingers get all wrinkly in the bath) so any stitching/healing starts on not quite perfectly matching tissue. I needed one and the registrar I saw when pg with DD2 gave me that explanation. Not sure if true or not.

I didn't have a water birth second time round (pool was out of order) and it was absolutely fine. Actually I felt more in control ... but that might just be because I had great midwife and had done it before. To be honest, I think the midwife you have and the relationship you build with her is the most important thing.

Good luck!

[bumperlicious]

Thanks wishingchair. Unfortunately it looks like I won't see the same midwife twice in a row, and certainly not a specified one at the birth. Already seen two different ones so far, and the next appointment may be with a different one still. That worries me a bit.

[lulumama]

you might want to look at michel odent's books...he introduced the concept of a waterbirth...have to go now..but will link later x

[lovelybird]

I had a waterbirth with my DS and it was fab. There was a previous thread about this and lots of people posted on that one, but it's a few months back. If you can find the thread i'm sure you'll find it useful.
For me it was brilliant, I hadn't even considered it as I was going for drugs but I tried it on the MW recommendation. She said if I didn't like it I could get out at any time and go for the drugs option but I didn't need to.

[FlamesparrowThePirate]

Had a waterbirth with DD and loved it - I had no cons whatsoever.

Planned to use one for DS too but the m/w refused to accept that I should be in it (not enough cms ) and DS was born 1hr later

[SoupDragon]

I had a home waterbirth with DD in Feb. Fabulous (but yes, still hurt like buggery!). Iparticularly liked the "confined" aspect of it - surrounded by my own personal space - and the fact that when my waters broke, they were contained! I was paranoid they would go whilst I was out and insisted it wastime for me to get in the pool.

RE the wrinkly wet perineum, my MW made it clear that I would have to "dry out" before any repairs were attempted so thats what I did - lounged back on the towel laden playroom sofa drinking tea whlst they did all the baby checks etc and then was repaired upstairs. No problems at all (although I've not actually looked you nderstand!)

I deliverd DD underwater and then got to hold her, still attached whist we waited for the cord to stop pulsing - I would not have done this on dry land as I'm horribly squeamish and find the idea revolting (just for me you understand)!! I also stayed in the pool to deliver the placenta. In fact, I didn't want to get out.

[Pitchounette]

Message withdrawn

[wishingchair]

I didn't have the same midwife in labour as I did for ante-natal care ... I didn't find it made a difference. Go in with an open mind having done your research and birth plan and accept that they really do know what they are doing. That doesn't mean you should blindly follow whatever they tell you but don't go in guns blazing expecting a battle (think that really annoys them). In my experience, they were very pro-active about keeping me upright, mobile and active with minimal montioring and intervention.

[cheritongirl]

had waterbirth at home 2 months ago and think it was as good as a birth can get! Yes it hurt but ditto all the comments about having your own space and feeling safe. My labour was long and really slowed up in the middle before my waters even broke but getting back in the pool and trying to relax (?!) eventually got things going and waters broke in there.
I lifted my baby out the water - pretty magic.
Only con - no one can hold your perinium to help avoid tearing and i had a 2nd degree tear that seemed to take ages to sew up!
But overall, the water was ace!