Water birth

[Beccabxo]

I am currently pregnant with my first child very Nervous on the thought of child birth , I was thinking on a water birth has anyone had one before ??

I had a water birth with DS 4 months ago, I didn't manage with DD. It was amazing, use the gas and air at the same time and you feel so much more relaxed and in control. I laboured at home in the bath for quite a long time with both of them and the water really helped, especially if you get your contractions in your back. If you can do it I'd definitely recommend it

I really wanted a water birth but it didn't quite work for me. I was lucky enough to get the big birthing pool with the soothing music and relaxing lights Unfortunately the midwife who took over my first MW (30min) break was a horror! She drained away some of my water then made it far too warm again. She was an absolute cow and when the nice MW came back she knew straight away what she'd done and told her to get out and not enter the room again.

I was too scared (first child) to say anything so just went along with it all. When I think about it now (obviously ) I'm bloody raging.

If you want a water birth please go for it!
Just don't panic and lose your voice like I did. If you're not happy please tell them.

It's all worth it in the end and even though it's only been 8 months for me I have kinda forgotten it all and would do it again soon

Good luck and enjoy your bundle of fun!

I had nearly a whole water birth with DS2, unfortunately, he was so huge that I had to come out to have his shoulders delivered. It was still the only birth where I got what I wanted, a water birth and aromatherapy. The water was much warmer than I expected, and it did seem to lessen the pain, the only pain relief available was gas and air.

I stayed in the water for a bit, but I got hot and bothered and got out in between pushes. I'm not one that finds a bath soothing for pain, I prefer to be as cool as possible, so I switched to a giant bean bag and a fan, it was lovely :) one thing I did like about the water is how it supports you belly, and could sort of float in between contraction.

I had a water birth less than two weeks ago and in comparison to my first labour I found it great.

Getting in feeling the warmth around your bump and back and relaxing into the water really took the edge off!! Don’t get me wrong I hammered the gas and air as it’s the only thing they offer whilst in the pool but DD came in under an hour!

A very positive experience for me even tho at times I thought I wouldn’t be able to do it (but I think every woman says that during labour)

Good luck x

I had a water birth with DC1 and am hoping to repeat it in June with DC2. I got in the pool when I was about 7cm and the relief was immediate - think of getting in a hot shower or bath when you have a bad back ache or period pains. The room was also kept very dark, with stars projected on the ceiling and gentle music playing which really helped me feel calm.

I ended up staying in there for about 5 hours and only got out and sat on the edge to deliver the placenta a few minutes after DC1 was born. Despite the baby weighting 10lbs 3oz I managed to get away with only a few minor grazes and I think the water definitely helped with that.

Good luck!

I've had two. Definitely worth a go if you like baths. Try and wait to get in, don't get in too early or else you won't feel much benefit. It's like when you've got period pains and you use a hot water bottle.

I didn't use gas and air as both my water births were home births, I wouldn't be without a pool though!

It's calmer for mum and baby and easier on your perineum. I didn't tear, and my babies were all 9lb+. With my last, I was 6cm dilated, I got in the pool and gave birth within 5 minutes. Being in the pool helped keep me upright in a good birthing position.

I honestly don't know why people don't automatically go for water birth, but everyone is different, we all like different things.

I would say, water or not, don't be on your back if you can help it! It slows things down, increases risk of complications and assisted deliveries. Always important to be in the optimum position. Your midwife can help you find a position you're most comfortable in.

Yes, with dc3 and it's a very happy memory. As a pp suggested you need to have faith in yourself and speak out. You do know what is happening to your body at any given time, more than the midwives (even though they see births everyday). With DC, my very lovely midwife was still trying to convince me to go down to the cafe to get some breakfast about 45 mins before ds2 actually came out! I was politely declining and saying "I'd really like to get in the water now." While the pool was filling up, my waters broke (still wearing my jeans), I told the midwife and she rushed over to help me off with my jeans and said "We need to get you in the water!" It was quite amusing (even at the time)

I was keen for a water birth with my first child however I gave birth on the hottest day of the year and only lasted an hour in the pool before I got too hot and needed to get out. I also found it difficult to maintain a comfortable position- l think it was too deep for me. However I'd be happy to give waterbirthing another go.

It's worth trying just prepare yourself for a backup plan in case it's not for you, diamorphine was excellent for me!

I used the pool for a few hours but didn't give birth in there - got out to check whether my waters had broken and it couldn't be bothered to get back in!
It didn't have the amazing pain relief properties some seem to get for me, but it was much easier to get comfortable and move about and I would definitely try to use one again (ds is only 9weeks so not in the near future!)

I had a home waterbirth for mine. It was very long, but the pool was amazing and definitely helped me with the pain- I coped without gas and air at the end as it ran out, but don’t know how I would have managed without the water!