Waterbirth - should midwife encourage it?

[mears]

For women who get relief from it, I think the pool is fantastic for labour. I have had women who never thought of it and who ended up refusing to leave the water resulting in a waterbirth. I have had women who have lasted 5 minutes and hated it!
My belief is that women instinctively know if they are secure in the pool. I belief it is an option that should be tried prior to drugs if possible (no complications etc.).
My manager does not agree with me and thinks the request should come from the woman. There is a concern that women will be forced by midwives to have a waterbirth. I believe women make the decision themselves to stay in the water. I do not think it is an issue.
For those of you who laboured or delivered in water - whose idea was it? Do you think that the pool should only be used if requested by mother and not initiated by midwife?

Have read some of the answers below.... Blu- MANY MW do not talk about water as an option (and many feel pool and bath are the same- I have heard it many times!) and some fundamentally dislike it so would not talk about it and certainly not encourage it when they are on their shift in the labour ward....

JulieF - print out the position paper I put in a link below about Waterbirth from the Royal College of Midwives. Midwives have a responsibility to learn what they need to know to undertake a waterbirth - there is plenty of information out there. There are plenty of people with experience around they could ask. Definately write that letter.

positionpaper

link for you

Yes, waterbirth should be listed as a pain relief option along with all the others from breathing, reflexology to general anaesthetic.

Is your manager hesitant because of a lack of resources? There could be a sudden increase in demand if wb is promoted more.

I had a fantastic water birth, but I had the same midwife throughout pregnancy and birth. I wouldn't not have been keen to try it with a complete stranger or with a midwife that was less than totally enthusiastic about it. I didn't even think of it as a form of pain relief (though it undoubtedly was) I just thought spending a few hours in some nice warm water sounded like a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in labour. I wouldn't have thought to ask for it when I got to the hospital because I had read somewhere that you can't get in if your waters have broken . So its good that she offered.
In short - yes! Water births are a service that you offer and you should be allowed to promote your services. Is your manager going to tell you next that only women who ask to breastfeed should be shown how?

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I saw different midwives throughout my pregnancy and they all supported my desire for a water birth, and the hospital unit was very keen.
As it turned out, the only reason I didn't have a water birth was staff shortages. We'd rung in advance, the pool was free, they'd even started filling it, and then discovered they didn't have two qualified midwives free.
Fortunately I didn't have my heart set on a water birth as I was prepared mentally for the possibility of not having one, but even so.... I really want one next time!!

When I had my waterbirth there were only 2 mw when the baby was actually being born, and I'm pretty sure that there ALWAYS have to be 2 mw when the baby is actually coming out...if this is right (does anyone know?) then how do hospitals use the 2 mw unavailable excuse when they would have to find them whether you're in the water or not.

I had a waterbirth at my own request but this is just because I am an assertive person and had strong views about pregnancy and childbirth which I had researched. It is not fair that less well-informed women should miss out on the chance to have a waterbirth, just because no one told them it was an option. I was also told very clearly that there was only one pool and I could not use it if someone else was in it. I am so lucky that it was available for me, and if I have another one, I would want a home birth, because it would seem terrible to get to the hospital and be told I could not use the pool. I think our hospital is too stingy with money and space to consider building another pool which is why they do not promote waterbirths more actively.

Blimey! I have read the paper in Mears link, and am now even MORE horrified about the risk of Strep b infection to which DS was exposed.....The position paper says that it is best not to be in a pool if waters have broken more than 24 hours in advance.My waters were leaking from Fri lunchtime, and I first went into the pool on Sun tea time, more than 48 hours later, And the MW didn't do a swab for Strep B until late Sun eve. The test came back positive Mon a.m, several hours after DS was born. He was put on IV antibiotics for 5 days, not what I wanted after doing everything I could towards a drug-free delivery for his benefit!. I am still a great advocate of a pool, it was brilliant, but I think people need to have all the information which is relevant. I would happily have opted for maximum intervention for a speedy delivery which reduces the Strep B risk.
Why do some MWs try to avoid pool use? What don't they like about it?

I think some midwives don't like it because they feel they are not in control of the situation. It is very much a 'hands off' birth.
The excuse of 2 midwives at delivery is a lame one IMO because a second midwife can be called at the point of delivery. It does not involve 2 midwives being present at all times.
Lots of really helpful information here - thanks.