Water birth how should I prepare?

[babynelly2010]

Hello,
I am planning a birth centre (within hospital) water birth, I am 24 weeks. I think I would like a natural water birth because of relaxation properties of water and privacy aspect that water birth provides. I did not do anything so far to prepare for it, just asked my midwife if I can do it. I considered hypnobirthing CD but did not get anything for it yet. Can I just show up get in the pool and do it or do I need a course of sort? What would you recommend?

I planned on a water birth but i didn't do anything specific

It is good to be prepared for labour anyway (well as much as you can be)

With the water you can't have pethidine, so consider your pain relief choices

I would recommend reading:

www.amazon.co.uk/Waterbirth-Book-World-Renowned-Natural-Childbirth/dp/0007108176/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1286797119&sr=8-9

www.amazon.co.uk/New-Active-Birth-Concise-Childbirth/dp/0722525664/ref=pd_sim_b_1

I have had 3 waterbirths, they were amazing. These books will give you confidence n your (wonderful) choice.

I would also recommend visiting the unit and looking at the facilities. Also, writing a birth preferences list for your hopes during labour.

Good luck

I loved my water birth!

Make sure your partner knows to ask for the pool on arrival at the hospital (unless you are able to pre-book it). By the time we got to the hospital I was in no state to remember/ask about the pool so I was thankful that DH requested it.

I was fine with gas and air, DH passed me the mouthpiece over the side of the pool when I needed it.

Make sure you stay hydrated! The pool is surprisingly warm and the labour ward is boiling anyway. I didn't make much of an effort to drink and had a raised temp afterwards and needed a drip which wasn't nice.

Thank you.
I am getting the books now. I already feel confident about my choice just by reading your comments.

Thanks so much!