Alternatives to Water Births?

[CherriesInTheSnow]

Just thinking about my next labour and was hoping some of you could recount what you did instead of using water if you found the water wasn't right for you?

I'm phrasing this badly I think

With my first labour, I just assumed I would be happy in the water but when it came to it, I hated the idea of even a bath and just had a quick shower.

It was my whole plan to use water either in early labour at home or in the hospital so I was at a bit of a loss of what to do instead! There was lots of just sitting on the sofa but would love so more proactive things that I can prepare, maybe a birthing ball for example?

This time round I think I'll be the same and would like to know what you did to be comfortable for long periods of time? :)

I spent most of my labour walking around or on all fours, my birthing ball didn't appeal and the water made me hot and bothered. I did hire a tens machine but completely forgot about it when I went into labour. I had more comfort also from having big things to grip and hold, like a giant bean bag.

I'm surprised you didn't try the water even though the thought didn't appeal. It's not like a bath, it's much bigger and more relaxing and it really really did help with the contractions. I'd not want to climb in a bath or shower though either I don't think.
Birthing ball / walking / up & down stairs (sideways like a crab if you suspect baby is back to back). My labour started early evening so I spent a lot of the first few hours lying on my side on the floor in the dark listening to hypnobirthing tracks & dozing between contractions to try keep my energy up for later.

Birthing ball rotating hips while watching tv.

On all fours.
Walking and pacing.
Breathing!

I had a waterbirth but only got in pool at 6cm. Before that I was on all fours leaning over my birthing ball, couldn't bear anything else! Tried sitting on it but my god the pain in my foo..!

Thanks for the suggestions :)

Sorry savage should have clarified, the birthing pool wasn't available at the time (in fact NOTHING was, my room was completely empty, but that's another story.. )

Both last time and this time I would like to stay at home as long as possible, and last time didn't get to hospital until I was well into transition (which of midwife didn't believe). However it was very very hard going and I didn't plan many coping methods as so far I'd been using baths to relax, relieve pressure etc in late pregnancy so assumed I would all be fine!

I do like the sound of lying or sitting in some yoga positions with music or hypnobirthing tracks to relax and focus as it progresses though :)

Oohhh Mother I think that would work for me, I do like to curl up over a pile of pillows etc if I'm feeling nauseous or have tummy trouble, I think I will have to invest in one for sure.