Question for those who had water birth?

[kitten30]

Hi can you just explain to me how they know when to tell you when to push? Do you need to keep getting in and out of the pool so they can check how dilated you are? How often does this happen? Thanks.

it is lovely, i had ds4 in a birth pool, the midwife didnt examine me at all, but i remember her saying to dp that she could tell from the way i was moving, the noises i was making etc that it wouldnt be long now, i didnt have to push at all ds4 just came out! all 10lb 13oz of him and i didnt need any stitches.

due no 5 in about ten days, hoping for a water birth again :)

I have had 2 in water.

Midwife could tell I was nearing pushing stage by my body language I think.

With my first baby and waterbirth she stuck her hand in the water to have a feel while I hitched myself up a bit so she could reach.

I got in at the start and didn't get out until the baby was out both times.

i had both my boys in water. ds1 progressed really well then just sat in the birth canal for over an hour waiting. i then had to push really hard to get him out. the midwives did nothing except check his heartrate in the water every now and then, and sit in the corner making notes.

Going to ask this at the risk of sounding silly, this is my 3rd child however my other two are teenagers so it's been a while and I'm very glad how much times have changed from lay on the bed, legs in stirrups, push, be quiet you'll scare others and then baby whipped off to the nursery and returned only for feeding and when you leave!!! Not the best of experiences.

This time I want to follow old blue eyes and do it my way.

SO waterbirth, sounds the ticket as I have many pins and plates in my knee from a bad accident and am still undergoing physio so the weightlessness sounds ideal to move about in.

If you haven't fallen asleep the question is:
If your waters break before you go into the pool can you still give birth in the pool and get in and out to wee etc?! Sounds silly but reading about not allowing air into your vagina incase your baby gasps for air is this not going to happen when you get in and out of the pool anyway?! Sorry if this sounds silly, but I really don't know the answer.

Oh and the whole mother nature takes over etc is true although it does feel like a leap of faith to a first timer, it really is true, your body is built for this purpose so embrace it and your reward is worth the discomfort and embarrassing exposure poses lol!

SP - I've not heard anything about the baby gasping for air before the head's out, tbh if that was really a problem then births 'on dry land' would be more dangerous than everyone thinks! Weeing in the pool isn't a problem, if you think it's got as much volume of water in it as maybe 4 or 5 normal domestic baths, it will be so diluted there's no need to worry. I think most people say once they get into the pool, they're unlikely to get out again except in an emergency, as it's so comfy in there!

If you've got aches and pains in your leg then yes the support of the water should really help with feeling freer and more able to move and support your weight.

You can still get in and out (if you can manage it!).

I found like other posters my midwife seem to know what was goingvon by my noises and movements.