Were you happy giving birth in pool or did you want to get out?

[dazedandconfused]

Just looking for some experiences of water births ...

I had an appointment with MW this morning and mentioned my intention to go for a waterbirth in hospital if all goes well (this is DC3 btw). She said she'd been to a talk by Michel Odent who pioneered the waterbirth, and he said often women want to get out of the bath for the actual delivery because water slows up the production of adrenaline, which is needed for the birth itself, but best avoided during earlier labour.

She also said that often women wanting to stay in the pool can be an indication that something is wrong (ie breech etc) and the woman wants to stay in for a sense of security. I'd never heard anything like this before.

Any thoughts?

Caz10 I'm going to Southern General - first time there so hope it's good.

After all those positive stories, I'm almost looking forward to birth again! Will go with the flow but definitely getting in that pool.

Will report back - hopefully soonish
Thanks all

I had vbac waterbirth with ds3 and it was amazing. Hoping for same with ds4 who is currently cooking. I hadn't thought I was allowed to deliver in the water what with it being vbac but had a very experienced mw and she just rolled with it really. Labour about 4 hours of which about 2.5 in water. Pushing was 6 mins (40 mins with ds2) but felt so different as I sort of breathed him out and it didn't feel like pushing. 1st degree tear (2nd degree with ds2). However had friend who had big first in water and had 3rd degree so not sure if it has any impact on tearing. It was a great experience and I managed on g & a and the water alone whilst previous labours have been pethadine too. Did hypno cd too from 34ish weeks and reckon that helped a bit.

Dazedandconfused that isn't where I was, sorry!!

But I would absolutely recommend giving the pool a try!

I had my baby in a birthing pool 3 days ago. It was a really good experience for me. Went in at 7cm, had gas and air and found it far more comfortable/comforting than being on a bed/up. I stayed in all the way so was there for about 3 hours in total. Would thoroughly recommend it.

I arrived at hospital 6-7 cm, and wanted to get in the bath straight away, and stayed there until after dd delivered.

I thought it was great. I am very much a bath person anyway - don't know if that helps. I did tear tho'.

i had my 2nd in water and my 1st on dry land, i have v fond memories of my water birth to the point i would gladly do it again - watching his head emerge then raising him myself out of the water was truly amazing - i was amazed how clear the water still was till i stood up to get out then it was like a masacre blood bath . i had a 3rd degree tear init but was unaware of fanjo pain.