Water birth - experiences of...

[selee]

I have laboured for several hours in a water pool with my first baby (and loved it), but due to meconium being passed I got out for the actual delivery. Can anyone who has actually delivered in a water pool, tell me of their experiences, as this is what I am hoping to do with my next baby due very soon?
Thanks x.

pool is not so deep you have to dive for them (!) - my mw caught her and just handed her up to me.

I think the pressure of the water on your perineum helps reduce the risk of a tear, but I tore a bit anyway - nothing's guaranteed. You and/or the mw can reach to guard you perineum as you would on dry land too.