Water birth experiences

[Moleseygirl]

Hi,
I'm about 2 weeks off having no. 2. With no. 1 I was hoping for a water birth, and was finally allowed in the pool after about 18 hours of contractions And at about 6cm dilated. I spent an hour or so in the bath and got to the stage where I was begging for drugs and also wanting to push. The midwife bribed me to get out of the water by telling me I could have an epidural if I wasn't too far dilated. It was mega painful to move by this stage, so I got out of the water and was told I was fully dilated and had to push. I was given the option to get back in the water ( I think!) but was too sore and crazed to move by that stage, and so after 1.5 hours of pushing, out he came. I found being in the water better than not being in the water last time and would like to see it through to birth this time if all goes well, but I was talking to one of the midwives at 36 week appt who was saying they would make you get out of the bath to check how dilated you are before they let you push and there is no way I want to get out of the bath and then get back in again at that stage. What have everyone else's experiences been of midwives checking you during water births? This was Kingston hospital btw. Many thanks, x

Thought from your name you were local to me (Hampton)

I can't say due to induced by drip/section/section but doesn't Kingston have a birthing centre? West Mid does and I gave only heard good things.

Before they "let you" push?? How are they going to stop you? I found pushing to be utterly instinctive, no one could have stopped me. Directed pushing (unless you've had a whopper of an epidural and can't feel a thing) is generally considered to be poor midwifery I thought?

I had a water birth. It was great, but then it was a home birth with an independent midwife so I had a bit more support for doing things my way possibly. I got in the pool when midwife arrived and confirmed I was 5cm dilated, and stayed there for the next 9 hours until DD was born. It hurt more when I got out so I didn't, and the water plus a bit of gas and air were enough pain relief. I had one VE in the pool (kind of raised my hips up) but that was it.

I've had 2 water births. Dd now 14"weeks nearly was my 3rd but she passed meconium so I had to get out of the pool.

With those 3 babies, I wasn't examined internally during labour. There is, in a calm & all going to plan birth, often very little need to examine a women.

Try not to think of things in terms of being 'allowed' to do something whilst giving birth... Staff are there to assist YOU.

The very best of luck!

I had a waterbirth a few weeks ago with DC2. I got into hospital & was only 3cm dilated & got the pool running. An hour later I was begging to get in there as I was in agony, then an hour after that I got the urge to push, and I was a bit concerned as I thought I wouldn't be at 10cm.

Midwife told me to listen to my body & push, so 5 or so pushes later DC2 was born, which was about 15 mins after getting the urge!

Hopefully with your second, things may be speedier, you can also request to have no examinations.

Good luck!

How odd!

I had a waterbirth at home a few weeks ago. My MW is very anti internals generally. She put her hands on my bump/thighs/back during a contraction (after asking permission!) to check that I appeared to be in strong established labour before asking me if I would like to get in the pool (instead of an internal then). When it came to pushing, no one questioned me. Why on earth would you 'need' an internal at that point unless there is some concern you are pushing on a cervical lip or some such?

Have had 3DC and have not had an internal since no.1

I had a water birth and my midwife checked how dilated I was by using a mirror. I didn't have to get out of the water for the check so this should be an option for you?

Yeah my MW checked my dilation using a mirror too. didn't have to wait to get in the pool though... Jumped in as soon as I arrived. Was in the bath at home for a few hours too (my waters had already broken).
Only problem was after pushing for a long time in the water, I also needed to get out because it was 'dulling' my contractions meaning I couldn't push her out easily. Getting out ramped them up again. But yes... Very very hard to get out of the birthing pool with a watermelon stuck in your pelvis.

I had my first 5 months ago at a birth centre in a pool.
I was already 6cm by the time i arrived and got straight into the pool. After that my mw didnt check how dilated i was unless it was using a mirror and if that i happened i have no idea as i was way too distracted to notice.
She just asked me to let her know when i had the urge to push and when i told her i did, she told me to go with it (so i assume i was fully dilated at this point)
I plan to have a water birth next time if i can even though i ended up with a 3rd degree tear.

I had a water birth with ds1. Got in when I was dilated enough and didn't get out until he had arrived and the water was starting to cool down.
2nd time I was desperate to get in, things were moving faster and the pool wasn't ready. Eventually the mw said I could get in when it was 1/2 full. Dc2 arrived as soon as I got in and crouched down!