Can I ask some weird Qs about water birth??

[NumberTwoDue]

We're thinking about a water birth for our second baby, having had a bit of a rubbish time last time... (Briefly, DD pooed about a billion times en route to this world, had the cord wrapped round her neck, I caught an infection mid-way through, resulting in antibiotics, induction drip as contractions were rubbish and finally an epidural and ventouse birth as she was in distress before a bit of time in NICU) ... I wanted a water birth last time, but obviously couldn't when it all went wrong and having now been through labour, and knowing how disgusting it can be, have some weird (possibly TMI) questions about the pool and no one to ask them to. Can anyone help?

1. Is there a lot of birth yuck floating around with you?
2. How do they examine you? Do you have to get out a lot? (Or do they not examine you as much)
3. Who scoops the baby off the floor? If it's you, is that not quite terrifying?
4. What happens if you need stitches?
5. Who's in there with you? Just you? DP?
6. What's the deal with the placenta? Do you deliver that in the pool too?

And the most vain one of all...

1. What's your post birth pic like? Visions of my baby's first photo in this world being marred by my wet, naked, whale-ness....

Sorry if these are all daft, stupid, obvious questions, but I'm in a bit of a flap as desperately want this labour to be different from last time, but have nothing to compare it to but that.

oh scoutfinch1, i guess what you're wearing is totally you choice and what you feel comfortable with. if you don't want to be naked but cannot be bothered to fiddle with swimwear you might just use a towel, which can be quickly whipped off after the birth?

Thanks, using a towel might be a good idea xlatia. I'm taking a cheep primark crop top type thing that I could use or just go naked, I don't think it will bother me but it's hard to say.

Hi NumberTwo thanks for really helpful thread - I'm hoping for a water birth in a few weeks but will have to hope my numbers come up on the (delivery suite) lottery!

Scout - if I get my water birth, I'm planning to wear a black bikini top - it's a tie-up one so can easily be untied if needed.

I had a natural, all be it back to back birth with my first and he had a poo in me so wasn't allowed the water birth that I wanted, ended up having an epidural much to the relief of my DM and partner.

Second time around I had my longed for water birth, was still a back to back, so was an 8 hour full on labour in the water but wow, was it the best pain relief and coping mechanism yet.

No poo, no mess.

Never got out to be examined, had quite a young midwife who asked me to get out and I refused, (know your rights, they should be able to do it in the water, or just leave you alone), she managed to do it whilst I was in the water.

My pushing stage lasted for a total of 1 minute!!!!, not kidding, I said I needed to push and she asked me to get in a position and pant, to which I got in position but said I couldn't control it, first push (waters hadn't broken at all til this point and I pushed what I thought was the baby's head out, when I reached down to feel it turned out to be the amniotic sack, still in one piece, (felt like a water balloon), second push the head came out, and third push the body followed, I scooped him up and it was just magic.

I'm so desperate to have a water birth for my third child that I will stay at home to guarantee that I can.

The most lovely experience, I'd say if you feel comfortable and relaxed in the water it is the way to go.

Good luck