For those who had a water birth…..

[TangBloodyFastic]

Did it help/offer any relief?

(I wanted to do a poll to keep it simple but don't know how to! 🤷🏻‍♀️)

I thought I was all set on having a pool but now I'm in two minds, can't decide if I'll just get hot and bothered or if it will help keep me relaxed and comfortable

Just want an idea of the % of ladies who found it helped

Many thanks

Unfortunately for me I was so relaxed each time I was in the water my contractions stopped.

I didn't notice any difference (three on land and the last one in the pool).

Yes! I birthed in the water and was my only form of pain relief. It helped me without a doubt. I think it depends on if you find baths relaxing anyway. Made me progress alot faster too.

I've had two. First was a fixed pool in MLU. I was encouraged to float on my back with my head resting in a kind of niche in the edge of the pool, but being on my back in the water was almost as bad as being on my back on a bed, and I ended up getting out.

Second was a home birth with hired inflatable pool, which we almost left it too late to fill! Until it was ready I was on my knees leaning against furniture to manage the contractions, and the relief when the water took the weight off my knees was incredible. This time I stayed upright on my knees leaning over the edge of the pool, which was a much better position for me. That's also why I would have a strong preference for an inflatable pool over a rigid one - so much more comfortable to lean against (but amazingly firm and supportive when it's filled with so much water). DD2 was born in the water with one push and no tearing.

If you're getting your own pool in for a home birth, hire don't buy! Once the birth is over, it's extremely satisfying to have someone come and take that large box away again.

i was falling asleep during contractions.

I gave birth to a 9 pound baby in the water with no stitches ...

i was told it cuts labour in half

ive had three births
first with the injection 2 and 3rd with water and gas and air 2nd and 3rd were so easier...

Best thing ever. Definitely helps with pain relief, makes it easier to move and keeps other people at a distance!

Plus no tearing with second and third births in pool whereas 3rd degree tear first time round.

Yes helped massively for me the pain relief is brilliant.
Would get a cool spray that helps of you start feeling too hot

I 100% agree with this. I love water, love swimming (swam loads during my pregnancies as it felt so good being buoyant to exercise), love baths...

I gave birth to both my babies in water and I'd do it again if I had a third.

I had a completely unplanned water birth. I didn't think I'd want to be in water but I was so immobile at 41 weeks that the pool was my savior. It helped a lot because I couldn't really stand or walk or anything at that point. I'd recommend it. Not sure if it helped with pain or not.

I've had 2 full water births. It was incredible. I felt the weight and heaviness taken off my body and the heat, as others have said, gave me a gentle pain relief.

I also found myself in a meditative state between contractions. I'd asked for light to be dimmed and a hands off midwife as much as possible. DC1 I was in the full for 4 hrs and the midwife would keep an eye on the temperature of the water and top up when required. I didn't feel hot and uncomfortable - they get the temperature just right.

DC2 was a quicker birth but again, the benefits were huge.

I used a tens for the drive to the hospital, and the short period of removing the tens to step into the large bath was a challenge. Once I was in, I felt in control.

I had a hands off birth (Midwife didn't touch me) and both babies emerged and floated into my arms. I laid them on my chest and there we stayed until it was time to deliver the placenta (you get out for that bit).

Buy a pound shop sif/colander because you may poo a little bit when pushing but that's swiftly and quietly dealt with.

I feel privileged to have had 2 water births to be honest.

Thanks again for all the replies.

Sadly I didn't get to have my planned water birth as went into labour at 36+4 - so close yet so far!

Labour was straight forward and quick but can't help but wonder if it would have been way more comfortable for me in water!

i wont be having another to test it out though! 🤣

Yes definitely helped. Number 1 I had to get out of the pool in the end tho as it kept slowing labour down. 2 and 3 were in the water.

Wow! Congratulations!!! Lovely news x

Congratulations OP 😀

Congratulations OP! I'm sorry you didn't get to try a water birth, but I'm sure all those lovely newborn cuddles will make up for it!