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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Water Birth?

24 replies

Willoway · 31/12/2018 16:25

Hello!
I was just looking for some stories about water births and how effective they are? I've been told by the nurses that it is a good pain relief. Has anyone had one and loved it? Or did you hate it and not recommend one? I'm genuinely interested in having one x

OP posts:

honorariam · 31/12/2018 16:26

So effective for me that it totally stopped my contractions and I had to get out!

EyeDrops · 31/12/2018 16:43

Yes, it's lovely for pain relief! I wasn't keen on the idea at all beforehand, but there was one free during labour so I gave it a go in desperation and loved it!
Sadly didn't manage to give birth in it (tried but things stopped progressing) but it was great while I was in.

milkjetmum · 31/12/2018 16:49

Used both times and would do the same again. Dd1 I had to get out to deliver in the end (she was stuck so ended up in Theatre /force). Dd2 born in the pool and it was fab. Not pain free of course! But gas and air and paracetamol helped.

So have had good and 'bad' waterbirth and hopefully will do again for 3Rd time one day (ttc now).

Bishalisha · 31/12/2018 16:50

I love being in water and was desperate to be in water through labour so I loved having a water birth for my second. My only problem was that the second the baby was out I wanted to get out as the water was GRIM!

Stephisaur · 31/12/2018 19:11

The closest I got was a bath at home, but it REALLY helped the pain and sped up my contractions.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t use the pool at the hospital because baby pooped in his waters. If there’s one available to you then I would definitely try it at least :)

Strangeandexceptional · 31/12/2018 19:22

I don’t think it’s clear whether or not there is a link between more severe tears and delivering in the water.
As when you are under the water the midwife cannot support the perineum and coach your pushing as the visibility is poor.

So many people say that they were great.
Other people say baby shot out cue serious tear....
a midwifes perspective would be good.

honorariam · 31/12/2018 19:27

I'm hoping that my next one can be a water birth, despite having to get out the first time.

Littleguggi · 03/01/2019 20:25

I had the same experience as honorariam!

SuzieAndBess · 04/01/2019 02:58

I was ADAMANT I didn’t want one. For weeks before I was telling my DM (who was my birthing partner) she was not to let them put me in the bath.
However, when the chips were down O was convinced to go in. It was the perfect temperature- twice! (They has to rerun it because I was sick the moment I stepped in it the first time) and helped me ficus my mind. I was in a bit of bad way when I got in because on my wisdom I decided not to take gas and air.

I delivered in the pool, however, the baby did get snuck and her body was actually born when I was being moved out of the pool. I got a third degree tear so I’m inclined to agree with @Strange.

mortifiedmama · 05/01/2019 00:27

I hated it. I love, love, love baths but found the pool strangely irritating and it did nothing for the pain!

FinallyGotAnIPhone · 06/01/2019 16:44

My first I wanted a water birth but the birthing centre was full on the day so I just had to go on the labour ward. Labour was pretty hideous. Second I had a water birth which was much better BUT it was my second so a) it was quicker anyway b) I knew what to expect so I had better breathing techniques to cope with the pain better. Water birth was good but I agree with what someone else said, the water is grim. After the baby is out you’re basically sitting in a bath of blood, poo, mucus etc.

Pregnant with my third ideally will have a water birth again if I can.

ElfrideSwancourt · 06/01/2019 17:00

I had a water birth with my second- my sister who was an obs&gynae SHO at the time said I definitely shouldn't deliver in the water but the midwives at our local unit were very positive and I did deliver in the water.

It was the most amazing experience of my life and if I'd had a third (too old now) I would definitely have another water birth.

What definitely made a difference though was the midwives' experience and knowledge of the situation.

My2favboys · 06/01/2019 17:05

Definitely go for it. Used it for both and actually give birth in it the first time.

ICJump · 07/01/2019 04:27

Love it! Gutted I won’t be able to access it this time round.

I was able to move so much better in water. It gave me freedom and security so I could do my own thing.

Poppylizzyrose · 07/01/2019 04:42

I was declined pain relief for a long time (procedure to be fair) as I was in slow labour, basically my bodies contractions weren’t effective enough to move me along fast, everything ended in c section for me. Anyway So I was offered a bath, a fucking bath... I’d enjoyed baths all the way through pregnacy but it was hell being in that pain in water for me. All circumstances are different though, my friend found the warm water soothing.

Good luck with it all, and you don’t get marks for being a hero, don’t put pressure on yourself and take pain relief if you need it!! A lot of people are disappointed in themselves after they’ve told everyone they want to do it natural. (So glad I didn’t ever say that) when you’re in that pain you don’t need to feel bad at yourself at any point, you need to feel proud for everything you’ve already done for your baby. Please do look after you too

PenguinPandas · 07/01/2019 04:51

I loved mine but did nothing for the pain and had to be out of water until 5cm dilated.

cm21 · 07/01/2019 17:59

I felt super relaxed once in the birthing pool! I mean it still hurt like hell but it made the whole birthing process a lot calmer and for me worked very well. Due with DS no 2 in may 2019 and plan to have another water birth. Good luck.

WishUponAStar88 · 07/01/2019 18:02

I loved it, found it really helps with the pain and for me it didn’t slow labour down at all and ds was born after 20 mins in the pool. If I had another I’d definitely plan for another water birth.

Original poster

Willoway · 07/01/2019 18:49

Thanks all! I've spent a long time thinking about it and I've decided to give it a go! This is my first so absolutely no idea what I'm in for! Baby was due yesterday, but still no signs of him. Think he's very comfy and in no hurry to go anywhere!

OP posts:

honorariam · 13/01/2019 17:28

@Willoway do you have a baby yet? Did you get your water birth?

Original poster

Willoway · 13/01/2019 18:38

@honorariam not yet! He's overdue, I've been booked in tomorrow for a sweep to hopefully get things moving So excited! Fingers crossed I'll be able to have a water birth! X

OP posts:

honorariam · 13/01/2019 19:34

@Willoway I really hope you can too! Let us know how it all goes!

Original poster

Willoway · 28/01/2019 15:12

Hello all!
Sorry it's been so long, I meant to update sooner but life has been a bit hectic! I wasn't able to have a waterbirth in the end, as I was so many days over and LO's heart rate was dropping when I had a contraction.

I thought I was going to have to go on a drip for my contractions, but the midwives said my body soon kick started and not long after my beautiful baby boy was born

Sorry I wasn't able to update sooner, thank you all for your advice

OP posts:

Sexnotgender · 04/02/2019 19:56

I really wanted a water birth.

Unfortunately my labour was far too short!

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