Hi all
I have been advised to have a managed 3rd stage of labour when I have my first baby in a few weeks time as I have a fibroid which means I'm at a slightly higher risk of excess bleeding (although it's right at the top of my uterus and the less risky type, so won't affect the actual birth of the baby). I will also have a cannula in my hand just in case they do need to give me drugs, blood etc afterwards.
I've been advised that a water birth would be possible, if the pool is available, but obviously I would have to get out straight after the birth for the syntocinon injection, controlled cord traction etc.
Has anyone had any experience of a water birth with managed 3rd stage and/or cannula? I'm not sure whether I should use the pool only for the 1st stage and then get out to push or stay in for the birth too. I'd prefer to have skin to skin contact with the baby for as long as possible and certainly while the midwives are getting on with whatever they need to down there during the 3rd stage, which might be tricky if I have to leap out of the pool immediately the baby makes its appearance. Has anyone else done this? Did you find that you got a bit cold after getting out of the pool or suddenly felt contractions much more intensely as you no longer had the cushioning effect of the water? If I'm going to feel grim after getting out then I'd almost prefer not to get in at all!
Thank you so much in advance!