Water Births. Your experiences please!

[Fabulousshoes]

Hello all

I am new having discovered this site only yesterday so forgive me if this subject has been done already but from what I have read so far if you lot dont have the answers then no-one does!

I'm expecting my second baby in July, had my DD 12 years ago and although a pretty straighforward labour to begin, ended up having Pethadine late on and a Ventouse delivery which was completely hideous.

So this time around I have vowed to go with nature, no pain relief or intervention but really like the idea of having it in the water. My local hospital has the facility for a water birth but i'd like to hear from anyone who has recently had a water birth in hospital. I can only find experiences of home water births.

[ouchitreallyhurts]

Not recently but in 2003 I had a hospital water birth after suffering terrible postnatal PTSD due to a traumatic hospital labour/birth.

Apart from the fact I was nervous the birthing pool might be in use, it went well. Pool was available and I can only liken the sensation of entering that pool while in labour as 'bliss'. It was similar to having a gorgeous warm bath after a hard day digging the garden or to ease a bad period

I did have gas and air to help towards the end and was able to slug on that over the edge of the pool.

go for it!!

[Fabulousshoes]

Wow that sounds wonderful!! Thank you so much. Yes I haven't completely ruled out the gas and air, last time wild horses wouldn't have got that tube out of my mouth!

[ouchitreallyhurts]

I think some hospitals will let you take a long a 'birth pool in a box' (inflatable pool) so you can still have a water birth without relying on their pool being vacant.
I had 2 further water births - at home this time - and cannot recommend that feeling highly enough.

The water also gives you lots of buoyancy and you can change position much more easily than on 'dry land'.

[dinkystinky]

had one in birth centre in feb - was great. Got in at 10cms and really helped get me through transition. Pushed DS2 out 20 minutes later. It was a lovely chilled experience - especially as I'd never intended on havng a water birth (just really wanted to get in the pool when I saw it!). No other pain relie used - so totally diferent to DS1;s induced birth 3 years ago....

[sachertorte]

Couldn´t recommend it enough. had no discomfort post-birth following water bath and episiotomy. Was only in relatively briefly, last hour and a half and DD wasn´t born underwater. Midwife said it wasn´t allowed as I´d had episiotomy with DD1. Never did find out if this was nonsense..

[Tummum]

I had DD2 in waterbirth. I wasn't really that bothered in advance but as the pool was available and it was a nice big room I thought it was worth a go. I went in at 5cms and 2 hours later delivered a 9lb10 baby in the water with a small graze. Fab! (Used gas and air aswell). I think the best bits to a WB are that the midwife has to stay away (I was only monitored for LO heartbeat by doppler on my bump occasionally) and it was much easier to get my body into position (I preferred hugging the wall of the pool). 3rd phase was on dry land.

I am now 38+wks pregnant with DC3 and having a HB to make sure I can have a pool - so very much an advocate here.

HTH

[ShowOfHands]

I laboured in water- had to get out in order to have every intervention known to man and an em cs eventually- and found it wonderful. Felt very safe and protected and helped me focus on me without noticing the midwives too much. I really, really didn't want to get out and was shocked by how much more painful dry land was.

[BunnyLebowski]

I spent 80% of my labour in our birth pool. The warm water was fantastic for the pain of contractions.

I wanted to deliver in the water but the position that was most comfortable for me was on my knees leaning over the edge of the pool and unfortunately I kept slipping.

Got out and delivered dd leaning over our sofa!

Would highly recommend a water birth!

[SebandElliottsmum]

i had both my boys in a birthing pool and hopefully number 3.
although i have nothing to compare it to it was a lovely experience and its very peaceful when your in the water with your baby on your chest.
The downside came from my husband who found it highly amusing that the midwife had to scoop bits of pooh out with a sieve.
Men..do they ever grow up.

[TheCollection]

I'm reading very mixed things about the safety of water births though, some studies seem to indicate that they are higher risk

[Beccabump]

I am planning a home water birth for July...my mw is very pro-wb which is great and we have just had a session in ante-natal on water being very good to ease pain and also ease getting into a good position.

What higher risks are you talking about the collection? To mum or baby or both?

[TheCollection]

Beccabump> Things like this

A review of the available literature indicates that the risks of underwater birth to the newborn seem to outweigh the benefits, and caution is urged before widespread implementation.

[Fabulousshoes]

Ooh yes. Found them, thank you & congratulations!

[June2009]

Quick question: Can you still have a water birth if you already know you will need the injection in your thigh to deliver the placenta?

[ouchitreallyhurts]

should be able to, especially if you are plannign to get out for the 3rd stage anyway.

[sleepwhenidie]

Two fab water births, one at the birthing centre in hospital, second at home. I didn't get on at all with gas and air but it was so soothing to be in the warm water - particularly relaxing in between contractions. Would highly recommend it.

June2009 - yes, you can get out shortly after the baby arrives and have the injection, or even maybe have it while in the pool (1st time I was out and can't even remember the second, although I definitely had it, it obviously wasn't an issue!)

[Gemzooks]

cannot recommend it highly enough.

Had DS in hospital, long long labour but birth ok

Had DD 4 weeks ago at home, 5 hours labour, was so quick DS saw the birth! It was a totally different and much much better experience. I had a doula which I would also definitely recommend. I was 'saving ' the pool and didn't want to get in too early, by the time the midwife arrived to examine me (I was in a lot of pain but prepared for her to say I was only 2 cm dilated) I was 10 cm dilated and ready to push, got in the pool which was the most lovely blissful relief. pushed for 25 mins, and it was painful but by no means as bad as the labour up to then, I felt in control and ok, I lolled around between contractions and could get into any position I wanted, supported by the water. DD was born in the water 25 mins after I got in, apgar scores of 10, all very calm and nice in our sunny living room.

My experience, which I think is common, is that second birth is quicker and 'easier'. I had epidural first time and without it was more painful, but it was by far the better birth overall second time round. I stayed upright the whole time and things just moved so fast.

I was not interested in water birth but everyone I know who's had one went on about how great it was, and I'm really glad I listened because it made the birth of my second almost pleasurable!

[happyjules]

I have had 2 perfect water births at different midwife led centres as i was classed as low risk.
Last time got there with an hour to spare and was nearly asleep between contractions in the second stage! No stitches no tears no pain or additional pain relief would have done it again 5 minutes later even though both times I'd had 2 nights without any sleep.
For me certainly there is nowhere else I would chose to give birth.
Good luck with your choice

[kidowner]

Have had lots of happy water birth experiences, none in hospital though. Go for it!

[Qally]

I had a hospital water birth in November - that and gas and air, administered in the water, meant it honestly was never especially painful. My memories of the birth are overwhelmingly positive ones.

[Paddingtonblue]

Had DS1 as a water birth 18 months ago and loved it. I have nothing but very positive memories of his birth, the water does keep you really focussed and takes the pressure away somehow. I also felt really good after the birth and was discharged at six hours. Had DS2 5 months ago and a pool wasn't available at our hospital and the difference was pretty huge, nowhere near as enjoyable and far more aware of the pain. Would absolutely have a home birth next time to ensure could do it in water again (provided I can get through the sleep deprivation of two under 18 months to contemplate a third!). I also got out of the water for stage three and had the thigh injection, no problems there.