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Childbirth

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

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Original poster

What are the advantages of a birthing pool?

21 replies

AboutToPop · 31/10/2007 17:27

I´m not a water baby myself, but don´t have very many options re pain relief/birthing positions where I will give birth. A birthing pool is a possibility but doesn´t really appeal. How does it help?

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cheritongirl · 31/10/2007 19:07

its all about gravity - the water kind of holds you up which takes a lot of the strain off you somehow - hard to explain, sure someone else will come along and do it better than me but i had my son in water a year ago and although it was still bloody painful, the water helped loads and especially right at the end, would really recommend it! But i am a water baby and have always loved being in water.. not sure what others will say. All the best to you

olala · 31/10/2007 19:13

i cannot express how much water helps with the pain! i have no understanding whatsoever of why, but i know that when i was in water, everything was ok, and everytime they tried to make me get out, it was very very not ok and i got back in!

notnowbernard · 31/10/2007 19:17

It's lovely and warm, and a has to be kept at a consistently warm temp

It's like being in a warm bath

It helps the pain (a bit - but I've nothing to compare it to, only had waterbirths)

You can stay in to actually deliver, if you want to

You can still use gas and air

VoodooLULUmama · 31/10/2007 19:17

it supports your uterus, helps you choose different positions , it takes the weight off you, it allows you to feel more relaxed, it supports the perineum, it can help you feel less exposed, it is nicer for the baby to be born into warm water, water is very primal and helps you get into the mode you need to be in for labour.

what are your options re pain relief?

i am a water baby, love a long soak in the bath, and like swimming, but in labour as soon as i got in the bath, i wanted to get out. so good to have a back up

massivebigpumpkinface · 31/10/2007 19:18

the absolute, pure relief when I got into that pool is indescribable! The midwife commented in my notes about the huge smile on my face. It was so relaxing and really took the tension out of the rest of my body which needed a well deserved break. I got in once I was 9cm, I wanted to hold off as long as I could to ensure I would feel the benefit. I stayed in for about 2 hours but had to get out to be given some antibiotics through a canula (no link).
Go for it! good luck!

Original poster

AboutToPop · 01/11/2007 21:41

Thanks for that. Are you completely submerged in the water then or just legs and bump? How do they know when the baby is about to crown?

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massivebigpumpkinface · 01/11/2007 21:47

my bath was quite deep, if i was sat up it covered my boobs but mostly nI was either laid back 'semi\ recumbent' or on all fours.

Sam100 · 01/11/2007 21:53

The water just takes all the weight off you! Means you can make minute changes to position that help the baby along and makes whole birth bit so much easier.

The midwife will monitor heartbeat etc using a waterproof handheld monitor after major contractions every 15 mins or so. No straps! Our midwife used a handheld mirror to check for crowning. They don't need to haul you out to have a look! Also means no internals!!

Btw - its not a one way street - you can give it a go and if you don't like it then you can get out and have a regular land delivery.

The water in a hospital pool comes up to about boob height - like being in a big deep bath. Your bottom kind of floats off the floor of the pool but only by 1cm or so - means no pressure anywhere on your body. You can lie back or kneel on all fours - whatever feels comfortable. Only requirement is that when baby starts coming that you keep your bottom under the water so that do not risk having half in air half submerged. I had one whilst on knees and other lying back against the pool. Noone else will touch the baby apart from you - you reach down as they are born and bring them up to the surface. Once they are above the water they do not go back under!!

My big query was how would I know if my waters broke as both times they were not broken when I went in the water? You do know as there is a bit of a pop and then a change in pressure in the womb. Both water babies were born within half an hour of my waters breaking unlike my first land baby who was over 36 hours after waters first breaking!!

Sam100 · 01/11/2007 21:58

Also with water births never had the "ring of fire" that others mention about air births! Was so drugged up with epidural for first birth that had no idea what was going on below my navel! One aspect of birth that I am happy never to have experienced. Did not even get to have any gas and air for the water births as all over before I even felt like trying it. Got to have some for stitches after no 3 though - cracking stuff!

kitcoffey · 02/11/2007 11:45

May seem a bit of a daft question, but does the water get messy?

susie100 · 02/11/2007 12:20

Yes it does get a bit messy near the end with ahem, lots of things really, you may need to have a sieve handy, sorry if TMI. I wanted to get out quite soon after having dd but you really won't care at the time!

In terms of benefits - great pain relief (hot water botels have always done the trick for versus pain killers with period pain and back pain in the past) The best thing for me was I felt very dafe and enclosed and it was my territory toroam around in, moving is very easy and everybody respects your personal space.

walkingwomb · 02/11/2007 14:03

This might be a ridiculous question - but do you not turn into a big prune from staying in the water so long? I hate the feel of pruney hands.

Original poster

AboutToPop · 02/11/2007 14:31

So, you´d be made NOT to use the birthing pool??!! Sounds great!

Does anyone have anything to say AGAINST it? Hurry! Not much time to spare!

OP posts:

Sam100 · 02/11/2007 14:37

It's difficult to read a book or newspaper whilst in the pool as they get wet???? So if its a long birth you might get a bit bored?

Hubby might feel like a bit of a spare part as you are so chilled he is not called on for much brow mopping or massages!? They are allowed to get in too - provided they have swimmers on!!!

Sam100 · 02/11/2007 14:39

Worst bit is when you get out having had baby and you realise you are not ethereal and waif like nymph and are actually more like great big hippo!

ib · 02/11/2007 14:44

It's fantastic but it does slow labour down (at least for me) so if labour is progressing slowly it's a good idea to wait until it's well established before getting in.

susie100 · 02/11/2007 15:10

Feet definitely a bit prune-like....you won't notice I promise!

susie100 · 02/11/2007 15:10

Feet definitely a bit prune-like....you won't notice I promise!

MrsMcJnr · 02/11/2007 15:15

Ladies I'm reading this with interest as it is the kind of birth I am hoping for - my DH does intend to get in with me, hope he does

ib · 02/11/2007 18:32

dh got in - he loved it.

notnowbernard · 02/11/2007 18:57

I personally did not want dp in the pool with me. The pool was only big enough for me (I guess he could've squeezed in, but I wanted to stretch out and roll about!) and by the time you start pushing, it can get messy.

I've had 2 waterbirths. The first was incredibly messy (lots of blood and poo! From me) But honestly, at the time you really do not care a jot, and the midwife sieves most of it out.

The second was a much 'cleaner' delivery. Hardly any blood, but a few floaters

I have to say though, I recommend a waterbirth whole-heartedly. I can't imagine giving birth any other way

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