water birth??

[Stom91]

hi all, im 22 weeks pregnant and been signed off work for a week so stuck at home overthinking things lol. i was thinking about possibly having a water birth if i can, i just wondered if anyone else has had an experiances or to stay away etc.. people have even asked me what milk pwder ill be using if i bottle feed and im like what?? i havent even thought that far yet :S lol xx

I am 26 weeks and hoping for a water birth, I want to be on that big ball/walking around etc until say perhaps 8cm and then do the last leg so to speak, and the pushing, in the water. I want to wear a shirt of DHs which I wore in the middle of the night when we first started dating and I want DH to be in the pool with me and be the first to lift our son out, the first to touch him, and then he passes him straight to me lol. Perhaps I'm asking too much being so sure on how I'd like it to go even though I've no control over it really, but my heart is kinda set on a calm no drama birth (because honestly I'm terrified!) so I hope nothing gets in the way of it!

Just a couple of questions, (sorry to hijack!), has anybody else had their OH in the water and 'catching' the baby? Because when we went to look around the local CMU although the pool is huge and looks really good (and could probably fit a fair few people in!) the mw said "...and we will put a chair here (points to side of pool) for your husband" which I thought a bit odd, they didn't even offer that he could be in the pool ...I may change my mind on the day but I'd like to have the choice, may have to mention this at my 28wk appointment...

also what did your OH wear if he was in with you? Do I need to go buy DH some swimwear lol? And even if we pack him swimwear and I decide at the time that I don't want him to get in and then suddenly change my mind that I need him (because I know what I'm like lol ) could he just hop in fully clothed because I really doubt I'll be in the mood for him to go getting his clothes from the bag and changing etc (he can't find his own socks for work for gods sake lol!).

Oh and my book says in the hospital bag section to pack towels??? Surely if the hospital offers a water birth they must have towels? Or should I pack them??

Also, and I really might regret asking this, but what is this "ring of fire" I keep seeing mentioned lol??

It probably depends what you mean by "fully clothed". I really doubt it; I think they made an exception for me in my state of screaming agony... or maybe I took them by surprise, I'm not sure! DH took swimming shorts and could have got in had I wanted him to but I didn't.
You can put the birthing balls in the pool by the way - they may have different sizes if you ask.

I'd ask them about the towels - but I was glad to have my own dark brown towel with me despite the unit providing fluffy white ones that showed every mark.

I think the ring of fire is just as the head starts to come out and u can see it.. Its where it really stretches and it's like a burning... The water may help with that.
I shouldn't be getting my heart set on a water birth but I really want one lol

I had a hospital water birth with my DD. I also wasn't sure abot having my mum with me, she pretty much invited herself as well but in the end, DH was glad she was there as she could be moral support for him too during the waiting around and also during labour. I think it can be hard for partners to see us 'in pain'. I was definitely in the zone and having another adult he knew made him feel more at ease.

I had a water birth in hospital and to answer the question about what I wore, I packed a bikini top but as soon as I got into the room and the pool was full enough, a total cavewoman instinct came over me, all my inhibitions were left at the door and I felt an uncontrollable desire to strip stark naked and hop in the pool. Not my usual style but it's incredible how instinctive it was for me. My DH stayed out of the water - I can't imagine wanting him in, he was useful passing me the gas & air when I needed it and my sports water bottle for the odd gulp of water. I'm afraid I did experience the ring of fire and needed a few stitches after but it was over in seconds and all healed up perfectly well. It must have been a good experience as I'm now expecting DC2 and planning a home water birth this time!