is it just me that doesn't like the idea of a waterbirth? would anyone here NOT repeat the experience?

[justonemorethread]

I've done a search and all threads I have come across are positive and encouraging posters to do it.

I don't have strong feelings but just don't like the idea. I'm worried I won'tbe able to get out if needed. I'm worried the hot water will lower my blood pressure and make me feel weak, like I always feel after a hot bath.
Worried about swishing around in all manner of bodily fluids and baby not being monitored properly.
( my last labour I had irregular contractions and baby went in to distress so I was given oxygen)

Would love to get some balanced opinions and hear experiences, whether you enjoyed it or not!!

Midwife is very pro and encouraging me to strongly consider it.

[Tfoot75]

Better to keep your options open as its something to try if other things aren't working. I didn't find it too hot at all, and was monitored as well as any low risk birth (fetal Doppler between every contraction during the second stage). The water makes it incredibly easy to move around, something that can't be achieved very easily at 40 weeks pregnant! It's not for everybody though, but for me it was nothing like having a bath.

[FuzzyOwl]

I would have a water birth next time, despite never having had one.

My waters broke and I was checked out in hospital before being sent home again. Once I got home I spent three hours sat in my bath with contractions before having to go back to hospital because I was feeling so sick and shaky, although the pain was manageable, only to find out I had managed to get to be 9cm dilated without realising. I honestly think that without the bath I would have been in hospital much sooner and screaming for medication.

The most important thing, I think, is to research all delivery methods so you are informed and you make a decision based on what you are happy with. Don't forget, very often your intended birth plan doesn't happen and you need to go along with an alternative.

I hope it all goes well for you whatever you decide.

[weegiemum]

I tried but the feel of the water on my skin was just ghastly, I couldn't stand it and had to get out almost immediately. Didn't even try for 2&3! In the end I didn't really need it though.

[Pandospants]

I had a water birth with dc1 and loved it. The thought of not having the pool for dc2 did worry me especially as I got to the end of my pregnancy.

I was induced with dc2, required constant monitoring and couldn't use the pool. It was fine. No more painful and a lot less messy. We're not having any more dc but if there was a third, I wouldn't have another water birth

[eatingworms]

I loved mine, being weightless helped me so much, it was amazing.
Like someone said earlier, it's worth a try as you can always get out again. And I think most people find it very helpful for pain relief.

[Dixiechick17]

I started off in the pool, felt too hot and bothered and got out between pushes, I carried on on a large mat on the floor of the birthing room with a fan on me and it was much better for me.

[LumpySpaceCow]

Research suggests it's number 2 for pain relief (number 1 being an epidural). I have never managed to have one but planning a water VBAC this time and I am having continuous monitoring via telemetry. I love baths though and always have one if I have pain/uncomfortable.

[monkeyfacegrace]

I love love love baths. Whenever I feel ill at home I soak in a bath for hours.

However, if I'm in labour (had 4 births), put me near water and I instantly throw up and panic. Go figure

[VeryPunny]

I used a pool for DC2. I love baths and water generally, it was rubbish. Uncomfortable and did nothing for the pain.

[Cantstopsmiling37]

I am not a bath person, much prefer a shower. But I loved the pool for labouring with DC2, much easier to keep moving and find bearable positions. Hadn't planned on it but midwife asked if wanted pool room and I thought why not?
However when it came to pushing stage I got out - as suddenly decided didn't like it (although not sure I'd have liked anything at that stage) it was easy enough to get out and I didn't even notice I was wet or cold or anything while I lay on bed to deliver. So it is easy enough to change your mind.
So I'd say - don't dismiss it yet, keep open mind as with all birth options as you really just don't know til you're there.

[WelshMoth]

I did it.

Twice.

Would repeat.

Ask any question.

[WelshMoth]

Clicked too soon.

Laboured and birthed in the pool. Anything else felt unnatural to me.

[justonemorethread]

Thank you so much for all the replies. Just confirms that in the end it is down to personal preference. Good to know that you managed to get out can't stop, I suppose that is sort of how I visualise my ideal scenario.
I know from experience not to have a set idea in mind and I'm lucky enough to have all different options available!
It is hard to ignore so many positive testimonies!
However interesting what you say pandos, guess I shouldn't kid myself that getting in a pool will take all the pain away... ( have a horrible feeling that this time round I really have forgotten the pain!)

[justonemorethread]

And thanks to people on page 1 of replies, ( just saw those) makes me aware of not being pressured in to doing it if I don't want to. To the person saying " why ask?" , I asked because from talking to midwife and a few other people I started feeling as if it was just me who felt uncomfortable at the idea, and wanted to see if that was the case. Now I know it's not that unusual to refuse it or not enjoy it it will be easier to say no. Probably makes me csound weak but my personality is quite passive, and there is a high probability that I'll be labouring on my own.

[Tinofsardines]

I hated the idea if water birth and ended up with two.

Sitting in your own gunk and having to get out and dry off was really unappealing but too be honest I didn't even notice!

First time was purely because I was cold after arriving at the hospital and thought a bath would warm me up, but I loved it and delivered in there too.

I don't know if it genuinely helps with pain relief but I just found the position I could get into was super helpful for pushing.

And for the poster who asked about tearing and stitching post birth... I tore and had to wait 30(?) mins or so after getting out to be stitched. This was to make sure the skin returned to normal before it was stitched up.

[Georgeofthejungle]

OP it makes me sad to think of your going it alone for labour. I don't think I would be strong enough and need cuddles and sympathy. But even if you are alone, once that babe comes along you will be no more

Good luck to you

[justonemorethread]

Thanks george, it's only down to circumstances and my dh being abroad at the mo. Tbh he left the room both times before as he is too squeamish, but it's different when you know someone is just behind that door rather than 16 hours away!!
Anyway it's always nice to get a bit of sympathy so I will allow myself to bask in a bit of self pity now!! :)

[Scattymum101]

I had first baby on dry land. Second baby at home in pool. I found the pool amazing for pain relief and giving birth but I only managed to get in half an hour before she was born so I don't know how I would have felt labouring a long time in the pool.
I never got the ring of fire in the water so crowning didn't really hurt whereas it was excruciating with first baby lying on a bed. The water helped with the pain and pressure too and it was a very peaceful birth. She still loves the water.

[Didactylos]

I tried everything recommended when in labour, went in with no real expecations other than - we will see how it goes, Ill try the techniques
massage/counterpressure/touch of any kind made me really furious and awful - I did not want to be touched in any way
TENS machine was just irritating
labour in water made me vasodilate and feel hot & nauseated, so I abandoned that quite quickly

the lovely first midwife was quite shocked when I growled at poor DH to stop fucking trying to help me, sit there and shut up The second shift midwife thought he was really cold and unsupportive and kept trying to encourage him to get involved
DH however knows me very well and continued being present but distant, which was just what I needed at the time, and ultimately more helpful to me than anything
we do talk now though and are still married . But apparently I labour angry. I hope your labour goes well but if a technique isn't working for you don't worry, move on. its very individual

[martini]

I had a water birth by accident. Had got in the pool but was planning to get out for main event. Nothing was happening. Got out to have waters broken properly with some kind of hideous poking about by the midwife. Got back in and suddenly was having a baby and couldn't actually move to get out.

Not quite the relaxing spiritual experience described by some here. In all photos me and the DC look like boiled lobsters.

This was all 10+ years ago. T'is but a distant memory.

[WelshMoth]

OP it is completely and absolutely your choice. What's relaxing and helpful to others will seem uncomfortable and restricting to some.

Don't be pressured into doing anything that makes you feel unsafe. Birthing is primal so trust your instinct.

[Mrsboathook]

I really wanted a water birth with my first, had TENS until I got to the hospital, only 1.5cm despite 12 hours solid contractions. Surprisingly I wasn't sent home (!) but happily jumped in the pool. Brilliant for first hour, movement and water support helped with pain. Then midwife decided it was a bit chilly, dumped a whole load of very hot water in and cue my already slightly dodgy BP going down. As did I. Slightly undignified fish out.... MW and DH both almost as wet as me. After that went 2-10cm in less than an hour but didn't fancy getting back in! Unfortunately gas and air had the same effect as the hot water...

[RideEmCowgirl]

Water birth and home birth were a resolute no for me.

I wanted to be in hospital on a bed hooked up to monitors.

I laboured exactly like that.

[TheGreenNinja]

I always wanted a water birth, couldn't imagine giving birth any other way, don't know why!
It's not really like a bath though, more like a spa pool. I had a bath in one labour and it was bloody awful, couldn't get comfortable and couldn't get enough of my bump under the water to help. Birth pool totally different because you are upright and immersed. It helps unbelievably with pain relief. I really wanted gas and air, MW said to get in the pool while they got it ready. Once I was in the pool, I didn't need anything.
I loved my water births, and I do encourage people to try them -if they fancy it. If you hate the idea, don't!