Are water births any good for pain relief? Really?????

[ButtonMoon]

Just had mw appointment and we were discussing pain relief. I had mobile epidural with DD and said I wanted the same again. She said that if the anaesthetist wasnt available then ask for waterbirth. Do fancy the idea but I am a wimp with pain. Are they really good for wimps like me? Any advice, tips or comments would be greatly appreciated.

I had epidurals with dd1 and dd2, with ds I had a waterbirth and no (other) pain relief - much to my amazement as I was quite prepared to use it if necessary. But I honestly didn't feel I needed it. I didn't feel any burning sensation, just intense pressure (and some pain) in the small of my back.

If you like hot baths, then definitely go for it. It far surpassed my expectations in terms of pain relief !

Sounds good, need to check with mw if u can deliver in water. oh yeah and what do u wear?

Whatever you want - I took an old T shirt and also a maternity swimsuit top. In the end I wore nothing at all.

I also delivered in the nuddy. Felt a bit self-conscious getting in the pool but in the end I was glad I had nothing on to get in the way

had epidurals with my first 2, waterbirth at home with my 3rd. was sceptical about the water, but thought that if there was nothing else on offer I might as well have a pool!
Got in it when in full blown labour with number 3 - and it cut the pain in half. Immediately. I was amazed. And saying "bloody hell, why didn't anyone tell me about this with the first two!"
It really made the pain go from worryingly bad to really absolutely fine, and it didn't hurt again until I was actually pushing.

Fan-bloody-tastic. Due my 4th in Jan and the birthing pool is ordered already!

I had an old t-shirt to wear but stripped off for the pool. I am normally very self conscious too but actually found the whole thing quite liberating!

Anyone know how much it cost to hire a pool to use at home?