Midwife led unit if you don't like water??

[MacrosomicMumma]

Slightly wishful thinking as my last labour required constant monitoring (due to unexplained bleeding) and this one is a big baby BUT.... if I get to have a 'natural' labour what are the benefits of the midwife led unit if I hate water??

The water birth side of things seems to be the main selling point of the midwife led units. I tried a bath last time my labour started and it agitated me. I hate swimming or the sea so water isn't calming for me at all.

Would that just leave me with a 'home like environment' rather than a hospital room?

It’s calmer and quieter. Usually a nicer room with more privacy and a focus on natural delivery.

I had my second in a MLU even though I couldn't use the pool. It was easier to find different about positions e.g. leaning over a big pillow on a bed/couch, ball etc. The lights were dimmer, the room had a shower etc. It was more comfortable than labour ward.

At my hospital there isn't a traditional bed in the midwife unit but a cube padded thing that can fold into different positions to suit what position you want. Plus it's calmer and quieter.

The MLU was calm, shower/bath room, dimmed lights and in my experience very relaxed.

I had both my DC in a MLU. First one came too quick for a water birth! Second one I didn’t want a waterbirth but couldn’t get out the bath quick enough!! I liked it for the peaceful atmosphere (apart from me ruining it!), the privacy, and having DH able to stay with us in the double bed.

I didn't like the water, but liked the calmness of the MLU. The room was nice and I liked the lighting in there. I particularly loved the giant beanbag that I hugged as I pushed our DD out :)

You need to go and see what your mlu is like.

Ours is really pushy about the water, it's the only place the gas and air can reach, and the only alternative is a mat on the floor.

I'm glad I didn't opt for it as my attempt at a bath in labour made it all much more painful, and I wouldn't have had other options there.

But others are apparently nice and homely and have beds and chairs and things.

MLU round here is like a posh ensuite Premier Inn with gas and air hidden behind a print on a panel on the wall.

Water entirely optional.

The Consultant led side is v much bright lights hospital room style

Can you go and have a look round?

Our MLU has pull down double beds. Lovely for snuggling a new baby whilst you have your tea and toast in bed. Much better than a scabby old delivery bed! It’s also quieter and under less pressure so you are more likely to be able to stay in the room for a few hours or until you are discharged (if you’re having a fairly quick discharge), rather than being turned out to a ward.