Water Birth vs Dry Birth

[Sparkey47]

Hi,

I was lucky enough to be able to follow through with my birth plan of having a water birth, but I’m just wondering what it would feel like to give birth on dry land, as the thought of a ‘dry’ birth just makes me wince and think it’s going to hurt much more so if it came to this I think I would be terrified. Has anyone done both? Which would you say was better and do they really feel that different?

I found the water horrible. I hated feeling wet all the time so ended up getting out and gave birth on the bed. I didn't find it helpful with the pain either. I wouldn't bother with a water birth again.

I adore baths normally!

My first was a dry birth & second water. By an absolute mile the water birth was better, less painful, less injury & much more relaxing for me. I guess it's a really individual thing but if we ever had a 3rd I'd try for a water birth any day.

My daughter had a water birth for her youngest, she said he just 'swam' out.

I got in the pool and practically bounced out again - couldn't bear the feeling of the water on my skin. Bizarrely I stood in the shower for ages though.

Had 3 births on dry land, all were painful but bearable and I had no desire to try the birthing pool in later labours!