Waterbirth questions

[fuckityfuckfuckfuck]

I really really wanted a waterbirth with ds, but by the time we got to hospital were told there wasn't time to fill the pool (they were probably right, it was less than 1.5 hours from our arrival when he was born). I had a great birth with him, but I really want to try and get into the water this time. But 2 things are playing on my mind. First, do they let you in if your waters have already gone? I seem to remember the advice is to stay out of the bath if your waters have gone because of the risk of infection? Both previous labours have started with my waters going as the first sign of labour. And the second worry is a bigger one. My ds had a very short cord when he was born, they had to cut it immediately just to be able to pass him up to me, and the midwife commented it was one fo the shortest she'd seen. I have no reason to think that will happen again (do I??) but it worries me what would happen if this was the case when baby was underwater. Would the midwife have to clamber in and cut the cord? The final thing I'm wondering is if, because of the speed of my last labour (3.5 hours) I should ask them to fill up the pool when I ring and tell them we're on our way in. Will they think I'm being ludicrous? With my ds, and I assume it's still the same system, a community midwife comes out to assess you when you first ring the labour ward to say you're in labour, I suppose to save you a wasted journey to hospital if you're not actually in active labour. So assuming I'm given the go ahead, shall I just ask them to prepare for a waterbirth so I'm not waiting for it to be filled up?

In a birthpool, the baby doesn't breathe until their face surfaces (IIRC it is due to the warmth of the water) if the cord was very short, I expect you would need to stand or move to the surface so the baby could be lifted out of the water. A lot of mums get out of the pool with the cord still attached, or they might cut it then.

Yes you could definitely still get in the water if your waters had broken.

The baby doesnt breathe until it reaches surface so there will be no problems with a short cord.

I would definitely mention on the phone to hospital you want a waterbirth and your labour's are usually quick.

I had a waterbirth with dc1 and it was the most amazing experience. The support and warmth of the water really helped with the pain and it was such a calm experience. I was allowed one even though I was 17 days overdue and had been induced (with pessaries).

I really wanted a waterbirth with dc3 as well but didn't make it. Gave birth next to the pool while it was still filling up but was able to use it to have a lovely bath in shortly after giving birth.

"First, do they let you in if your waters have already gone?"

The infection thing wouldn't be applicable if you are in labour - isn't it just if they go and nothing is happening that infection is a risk?

The baby won't breathe unit they are above water - when i had DD the midwife ensured that DD remained completely submerged before bringing her up and out of the water in one go - still attached.

WRT the speed - have you thought about a home water birth? Then you can fill the pool up when you like.