A question about water births

[hillfda]

My midwife swayed me towards a water birth when doing my birth plan. However, I don't think I really want to but I think I would like the environment of a birth centre. Would I be allowed to give birth in the birth centre if I didn't want to use the pool? Are there rooms without them? I wouldn't want to take up a room if someone else wanted a water birth. Thank you

Yes you can go to the birth centre even if you don't want a water birth. I loved the water but I know it's not for everyone

I would just give it a try and get out if you don't like it. No one will force you to stay in and many women decide the want to come out for the actual birth they just want to labour in the water. Good luck.

Okay thank you - are there any other things to relax you whilst in labour at the birthing centre? I know people say there's birthing balls and they can dim the lights and such but not sure what else. I will have to look into it.

I had a room with lots of large different shaped 'soft play' style cushions, a large low double sized mattress, two types of ball, pretend candles, an aromatherapy misting thing, and a ceiling light projector - honestly the room was lovely and very calming (as much as it can be!)

I was desperate for a water birth but due to complications (merconium in waters) I had to be continuously monitored so couldn't go in the water.

I bounced/balanced on a humongous ball for my entire labour. I had taken fake candles, room scents, nice body lotions, music, fairy lights etc. Forgot about all of them and didn't use anything other than the ball.

Though they did dim the lights and put fairy lights on for me. Not that I really paid the blind bit of notice.

Honestly - I have the lowest pain threshold ever and was convinced I'd ask for an epidural from the get go - I got through my entire labour just breathing! It was amazing. Don't get me wrong it wasn't pain free but it was manageable

Though full disclosure I did end up in theatre with forceps - but doubt that was anything to do with anything. Also - this wasn't as bad as I expected either!

Good luck x

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences this makes me feel a lot better. I've got a TENS machine waiting so I'm going to hopefully use that for some pain relief and see how it goes! Anything could happen 😆

I tried a water birth, but didn't like it and ended up getting out of the pool during the pushing stage. Instead I hugged a giant bean bag on a comfy mat on the floor and was much happier. You definitely don't have to use the pool,I just tried it because everyone kept saying how amazing it was. The birth centre room was lovely and calming for me, low lighting and soft music :)

I tried the pool and hated it. The room had a pool, a sofa, a bed and a radio. That was it- not much more they can do, it’s still labour.

I loved the water birth. When it came to pushing she asked if I wanted to get on the bed to give birth but I chose to stay in the water.

I just had a water birth as well and it was such a lovely experience. I had a tens machine for most of the labour at home and when I got to the birthing centre I had said I’d like to use the pool for pain relief but I didn’t actually plan on giving birth in it. Turns out baby was ready to come within the hour and I was in there when I needed to push. Didn’t even occur to me to ask to get out by that point as it felt so nice. As previous posters have said it’s probably not for everyone but you might surprise yourself at the time, I definitely did. Good luck for your birth though whatever path you end up taking

I had a water birth for my second, something I really hoped for with my first but ended up being induced.
I absolutely loved the water & the birth centre, so relaxed & laid back but with gas & air if needed. Most places will stick whatever music you want on & lighting, essential oils & all of that.

Having said that I had the option for all of this with my first induction, it was only when he got a bit stuck (all totally fine) that the bright lights went back on!

If you love a bath then a water birth might be right up your street! You can absolutely go to a birth centre & not use the pool though.

I tried fit a water birth in each of my births. First time I had a complicated delivery so couldn't as I was hooked up to monitors and on a drip, my second I arrived at hospital 20 minutes before baby arrived so didn't have time, third was at home but baby arrived before the midwife and fourth was at home in the pool. I was unsure whether to even bother hiring a pool for my last baby as I'd had three 'dry land' bury us so didn't know if I would like it in water. I'm so glad I did hire it through as I got into the pool towards the end of my labour and it did provide good pain relief and I gave birth in there and it was so amazing and relaxing. I would keep an open mind, you could always try the pool then you can carry on if you like it or get out if you don't

I think do what you're most comfortable with.
I had a water birth and would 100% recommend it, I started out on a bed, and, while labour isn't something I'd describe as comfortable in general, it wasn't working for me at all. They prepared the pool and as soon as I got in the water felt so warm and nice as soon as I got in it.

The birthing unit I was in had more rooms without the water option than with it, the others had beds and a couple had settees. You've got to do what's right for you :)