Giving birth out of water

[Wherethereshope]

This probably sounds stupid, but I had a lovely water birth with DS. I'm pregnant again and would love the same but the midwife led centres near me are closed so the chances of getting one at the main hospital is very very low.

I just can't imagine giving birth out of water though, can you tell me you're positive experiences (No bad ones please). And do you have to give birth on a bed or are there alternatives?

[OhToBeASeahorse]

Hey! I laboured in water but gave birth on a sofa type thing. Honestly I really liked it. I was on all fours but my arms were on the back of the sofa if you see what I mean - midwife arranged me so my bottom was close to my feet. It felt a very natural way of doing it

[MagicMoneyTree]

I was on land both times.

First was a bit rushed and didn't have time once I arrived at hospital but second time I just didn't fancy it. I don't really like being wet. When I got to hospital, they asked if I wanted to wait for the pool and I just thought I'd rather get settled in a delivery suite knowing I wouldn't have to move again and leave the pool free for someone who really really wanted it.

I stood up for most of my labour - mw raised the bed for me to lean on - but right near the end I had to get on the bed for her to pop my waters and when she asked if I wanted to get off again I didn't feel as though my legs would support me! So I stayed and baby was out a few pushes later.

Both my births were positive. I guess if you really want the pool and you can get it that's great but it doesn't have to be the end of the world if you don't.

[BumbleNova]

What about a home birth? I rented a pool. I really wanted a water birth for my second and it meant it was guaranteed.

[namechange8765433]

I have 3 children - all lovely births and none of them what you'd call 'on the bed' as such.

1st was with a birthing stool and that was a very easy way to deliver.
2nd was leaning against the bed but at the last minute when baby's head crowned I didn't feel I could do it that way, so I asked for a birthing stool and delivered that way again.
3rd again was leaning against the bed (this time I was at home) and at the last minute I knew I could deliver like that this time and delivered just bent over with arms supported by the bed and the midwife rubgy passed the baby to me through my legs, haha.

So, I think whatever makes you feel relaxed and comfortable again will work. How about a home birth and spend most of your labour in the bath until the last minute if MW happy for you to do that? Come out at the last minute and deliver leaning on the bath? Disclaimer: I'm not a midwife haha, so maybe health and safety issue of delivering on wet slippy floor? But I spent a lot of labour 3 in the bath home alone before I told anyone I was in labour so I would at least say that worked for me too!

Good luck and enjoy xxx

[SummerHouse]

I had one in stirrups (my worst fear). It was an amazing experience.

One on land on the floor leaning on a sofa.

I wanted water births. But it didn't happen. Both were the best experiences of my life.

[Wherethereshope]

Oh brilliant, Thank you everyone those are such lovely experiences.

I did think about a home birth, I still am I think, I'm just put off as it takes us an hour to get go the hospital if needed.

[rainbowstardrops]

My first was on a bed with countless people in the room because things were going a bit crazy but with my second, I stayed at home until I was about 9cm and then gave birth standing up, leaning on the bed and DD was delivered by a student midwife. As births go, I think it was probably pretty good!

[annlee3817]

I laboured in water and got out during the pushing stage, I was hot and bothered. I was instead on a mat on the floor hugging a giant bean bag on all fours, wouldn't change it at all.