Question re homebirths in the bath

[Flier]

I had an unplanned homebirth, was very quick and laboured in the bath until DH got me out and DD was born over the toilet.
Afterwards, my MW (who wasn't present) advised that if it happened again and I couldn't get out of the bath, to always empty the bath before baby came.
Why is this?

I think that it is because most baths are not deep enough to ensure that the baby remains submerged while being born. Once the baby comes out of the water it will take a breath,so if you get a bit stuck and the baby goes back under it can cause problems. I think anyway.

Probably because they arent deep enough.

During my HB the midwife made sure my lower half stayed under the water,

if you have a little pancik and try to stand up the baby could take a breath then you go back down.... obviously not something you want to happen.

If a midwife was present you could happily birth in the bath.

Sorry, not that they arent deep enough, I just meant not deep enough to keep you submerged 100% whilst moving around IYKWIM.

okay, thanks It's been something I've always wondered. Don't know why I didn't ask at the time.[doh]

Oooh Flier your hb sounds very similar to mine! Although I didn't make it out of the bath and dp helped deliver her with me half stood up

There was about 2 inches of water in it at the time but I wouldn't have birthed her into it.

wombfor1more My DH was too busy trying to get hold of a midwife, I was all on my own! Glad he got me out of the bath though. Would you choose another home birth after your experience?

Wow you're good!

I'm due again in Sept and definately planning another hb. The last was a planned hb but was too fast and mw's missed it by about 5mins. Was a lovely experience though.

Think this one may well just shoot out in the middle of Sainsburys