Anyone had a waterbirth?

[micegg]

I am looking into this as an option during labour. How did you find it? Was it any good for pain relief?

Any tips, etc would be appreciated.

Thanks

I laboured in a pool.

I stuck with the tens until it it wasn't helping anymore, then I got in the pool.

My god, the relief I felt was amazing. The other great thing about it was the mobility you have in the water.

For part of the labour I couldn't stand to be on my bum, so it was very comfortable in the water to be on all fours. Then when I needed to change position it was so easy as the water helps. You don't feel such a heffer when you're in the water

yes but i like bathwater really hot but thats bad for baby

yep, for DD2- best thing ever

I had no other pain relief as can't do G+A - makes me vomit - once I got in water pain relief was incredible, I delivered her in pool too...incredible memory

if this is your first baby though just be aware things don't always go according to plan...I had planned waterbirth with DD1 but ended up with induced labour and epidural...not quite teh same experience but a great one nontheless as I got DD1 out of it!

good luck

It's great for changing postion,like ILTMIMI says. Water can help you stop tearing as badly but that's only if you decide to deliver in water. You also seem to have more privacy and you do seem to automatically go into the best postion because you are so supported. I had a great second birth in water. I would do it again.

oh yes - second the tearing thing. DD1 was 8lb delivered "on land" and I needed stitches afterwards. DD2 was 10lb delivered in water, not even a scrape...

lovely experience - and I MEAN that

I had both of mine in the water and wouldn't want to have another baby without it. It was all the pain relief I needed - really lovely to get into the water when you are starting to feel tired. No tearing here either. I'd really recommend it.

I had DS in the water and am hoping that I have this one in the water too. It was amazing. THe ponts have all been made I think - increased mobility, relaxing atmosphere, Pain relief (I also had Gas and Air) and I didn't get a tear either (DS 7lbs 4oz)....

Great. Thanks for that. I have booked myself into the MW led unit where they offer this. This is my second baby. First one was epidural and I tore quite badly. Despite that it was a good experience. DD was 8lbs 9 ozs so I am expecting a whopper this time!

I had a waterbirth for DD (3rd baby). It did chuff all for the pain, I still tore fairly badly and I still think it was far better than my 2 land births

The support and the privacy were the big winners for me.

Thanks SD. I had a feeling it may not always relive the pain. The only thing that came close last time was the epidural .

2 water births here

It didn't take away ALL the pain of course. I found sitting/standing or lying down seemed to put more pressure on my pelvis, being in the pool got rid of THAT.

Also, being in the pool made it easier to "drift away" with the pain IYKWIM.

I found it fantastic.

2nd time round should be easier experience all round - agree the pain isn't taken away completely but the drifting with it is a great description

I loved it

Good Luck

(when you due?)

Due 3 weeks today. Although I am having terrible back pains so am hoping things will start a bit earlier. Probably a bit optimistic for 37 weeks . Just fed up now!

oooh, I remember that fed up bit well...try to relax and enjoy it - once baby comes you are going to be very busy

so exciting, am a little envious actually. hope it all goes really well

I had a waterbirth with DD2 2 weeks ago and it was great. I was just about ready to start pushing when I got in, and my TENS was starting to annoy me. Since the water is only 37 deg I was expecting it to feel cool-ish, but it was actually wonderfully warm when I got in (like you, I like a very warm bath!). It was such a relief to get in there. I could float from position to position, flop against the side between contractions and it was just amazing all round.

DD2 was OP, and apparently that should make for a more difficult labour but it was so much better and easier for me than DD1 (who I had on a hospital bed, flat on my back - horrid!).

If you get the chance, I would highly recommend water.

I've had two. I can't imagine not being in the water, it was so cosy and comfy. It did help with the pain for me and so much easier to move around than on 'land'. I got out for the placenta both times. First one 30 mins later. Second one sudden strong urge to push about ten mins after birth (did wonder if it was another baby ) I just said 'placenta' stood up and the midwife stuck a bowl underneath me to catch it.

I do wish to stress that buying the pool was still worth every penny

DD's birth was far quicker than either of DSs. Due in part (mostly?) to the fact that I could be on all 4s in the pool - with DSs on land I was unable to do this as my legs gave way with each contraction. I also delivered the placenta in the pool so all mess was nicely contained. This aspect made me far more relaxed.