Waterbirths

[Expecting2017]

Talk to me about your experience if water births please? First baby and I've always quote liked the idea of a water birth.

Do bear in mind that although many women want waterbirths, the number who end up unable to have them, either for medical or resource reasons, is quite high.

I wanted one, and there was a pool available, but as I was being induced and had become hyperstimulated before transferring to labour ward, the midwives weren't happy for me to use it (even though the consultant was ).

Getting in the water was the best part of my labour, I didn't end up being in it for long as I was hauled out and went for an EMCS but that was nothing to do with the water. It is generally first come first served and I discussed it with midwife when I was about 35 weeks I think!
I'd definitely recommend to try a water birth as you can always get out if you don't like it

Op I'll be giving birth at southmead and they have 2 pools in the midwife led unit (mendip suite) so it doesn't rule it out if you do end up going there instead of cossham. Obviously if you are high risk for anything then you wouldn't be able to as it'd be central delivery suite. This is my first and I'm hoping for a waterbirth, or least being in the pool before, so no advice yet but good luck!

I had a water birth, and although It was exactly the experience I wanted and would do it again in a heartbeat I would raise a health warning.

Went straight in water when I got to hospital at 6cm. Really helped to float and take weight off during contractions and v easy to move positions and lean on side of pool etc. Crowning really was hardly even noticeable which I definitely think is because of the water. And it was the most lovely thing to pull my baby up out of the water and for all of the fluids etc to be washed off us both in the process!

BUT I sustained a very bad tear which required remedial surgery afterwards and lost a lot of blood. Because I was in the pool, when I started bleeding (before baby was out) it massively impaired midwives view of what was going on as water went v dark. I have been told that if I have another water birth I should get out of pool for pushing stage so that they can put hot compress on perineum to prevent tearing (which they couldn't do, or see what was happening tear-wise when I was in the pool). I am mixed opinions about whether I would do this as for me the special part was the end and pulling him out of the water. But considering the complications I had I would recommend that if there is a concern about bleeding/tearing then you should get out as I think water birth was a contributory factor to my v bad tear.

But other than after effects (not completely due to water birth, he was back to back and turned on crowning), it was a great experience and I would do it again.

I had a water birth with ds who was my 2nd. I wish I'd had it with dd. It was great, I could position myself how I liked and I could have the gas & air as well. Not that I'm having another, but I'd definitely have a water birth again. Also, ds was born still in his sac which was amazing!!

I had one with dc3 & I loved it. We were both all clean & comfortable after he was born.
Didn't think about pain relief at all & found it much easier to stay relaxed. It gets really painful if you start to panic & fight against labour so staying relaxed is essential.

I have always wanted a waterbirth.
I gave birth last May and I had a completely natural waterbirth as Intended (no pain relief no medical interference)

As soon as I got in the water it helped ease my contractions, also I didn't have any tears or cuts and I think this is down to the water helping to soften things up. I'm pregnant again and really wanna have another waterbirth it really worked for me. It was amazing.

Only downfall is feeling wet and icky getting out of the bath, I wanted a shower immediately after I birthed placenta etc

I hope you get what you want :)

I'm the odd one out. I didn't find the water did anything for the pain and found it quite irritating! I had to get out.