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Childbirth

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

56 replies

justonemorethread · 17/01/2016 14:51

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.

OP posts:

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hydrangea78 · 18/01/2016 07:24

I had a quick but excruciating first labour. Pool did not help with pain relief and I simply could not get into a remotely comfortable position. Kept sliding about banging my knees. Ended up on bed on all fours with head stuffed in pillow.
I imagine it would have been lovely in more manageable early stages of labour, but I seemed to bypass that stage.
Every labour and mum is different, you really can't plan too much. Get informed, stay open minded.

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OrangeRhinoInTraining · 18/01/2016 07:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ohthegoats · 18/01/2016 13:50

I was in the pool for about 6 hours I think - it was ace, being hauled out when things started slowing down was awful.

Word of caution though - I was hugely dehydrated afterwards, drank and drank litres of water in the first 5 days being home.

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HackerFucker22 · 19/01/2016 11:22

I had 36h at home with my first labour (early labour lasted an age). I had a few baths during this time and the sensation of being in water did nothing for me. In fact I was struggling so much by the point of the last bath [6am and I finally went I at 9am] that I was scared I would drown during a contraction.

I had no desire to be in water after that. They were going to run the pool.for me second time round but didn't even get the plug in before I was ready to push.

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AmberLav · 19/01/2016 14:27

I tried a water birth with dc1, but tore, so had to get out. Had a very quick water birth with dc2, and was only in the pool for 5 minutes right through to delivering placenta.

I was very meh for dc3, until I was in transition. Then I was massively cross that the midwife hadn't run the bath yet, and demanded her back to sort the bath! It was perfect for a longer pushing stage, took about 25 minutes of pushing to deliver. The temperature was perfect, just nicely hot. I'm not sure I'd have coped without the water third time round...

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whatsoever · 19/01/2016 20:54

I was SO up for a waterbirth but it did nothing for me. It was nice and relaxing floating between contractions but it had no pain relieving effect for me so I got out after less than 2 hours and laboured on dry land for the rest of the time. Discussed it this time and it's not going to be part of my birth plan this time round - just not for me.