water birth and squeamish DH - just how messy does it get?

[mabel1973]

I am keen to have a water birth this time round, but my dh is very squeamish. I am not sure (if I deliver in the pool) how bloody it will get and whether he will cope. I know I should just put myself 1st, but if he passes out or can't look, he's going to be no use to me anyway. Last time he just made sure he stayed at the noisy end rather than the messy end, so didn't really see it all.
Just tell me honestly - how bad does it get??!

I just had a water birth for my third baby and would highly recommend it

After ds2 was delivered, they drained the pool to deliver the placenta - at this point dh went off to make phone calls! There was a fair bit of blood at this stage, and also when I stood up to get out, but by the time dh was back I was mopped up and on a bed. It really wasn't bloody at all before and during baby being delivered.

I think by the sounds of it, I just need to warn DH about the placenta part - to be honest just reading about that makes me feel squeamish

I'm glad I found this thread. I'm expecting my first in November and had never read anything that suggested childbirth was so messy. My eyes are being opened now! I'm squemish myself and was hoping a water birth would be the answer, but if I have to get out to deliver the placenta it sounds like I'll have no choice but to see a lot of blood. Is it also true that you bleed large amounts for days? I'm not going to want visitors seeing me in pjs covered in blood. Are maternity pads good?

Hopingcat,
I delivered the placenta in the water with the m/w catching it to check it was okay and intact. If you do the 3rd stage on land it will be messy but it's messy for everyone. They estimated I lost 50ml of blood which isn't much really, it just doesn't look pretty.
You do bleed postpartum but it depends on the woman. I bled for 6 weeks with each of mine, exercise seems to make the flow heavier for me, but the duration shorter. Everyone's different. The last week resembles a normal period-ish. Maternity pads are good for the job.
I can understand your concerns, everyone seems to focus on the pg and birth but neglects to tell you much about the 3rd stage or post babyness. Hooray for MN I say!

hopingcat i'm [shocked] that you didn't realise how messy giving birth is..??!!

TBH I didn't see what blood I lost BUT dh said it was ALOT. I was to chilled out on g&a to worry and was more concerned about them stitching me up and not taking their time iykwim..!!

Yes you will bleed aftrewards and it will be prob much heavier than a normal period. Be prepared...

I bleed for around 8 weeks and like storycake said the last week is the lightest. I remember aftre giving birth I had to change pads every few hours. I found using 2 pads helped esp as I to was concerned about leaking. As long as you are changed before visitors arrive and change once they go you will be fine. Also lying down reduces the flow. Once you stand up it's a bit scary !!!

Maternity pads are a MUST. Don't opt for the usual sanatry pads, they are not effective with post birth. BTW it will feel like you are wearing a nappy..God why did I decide having dc2 was a good decision..!!!