waterbirth - are they nice and is it messy?

[jenhden]

i was just wondering if waterbirths are messy? its the idea of my dh needing a seive that is putting me off but so many people seem to be having them - do they really make it more manageable?

I had a water birth for my first, and i can't tell you how much easier it made everything, i had no gas, I forgot to ask.

My waters hadn't broken so babe was born in a bag, water was pretty clean till that point but they broke on impact so it was all a bit gooey, but at that point you're so relieved baby is out you couldn't give a toss what you are sitting in as you are handed baby.

I found it incredibly relaxing to be in the water although at one point I did get a bit overheated, but plenty of drinking water and a fan sorted that out.

the fishing nets the midwife has are funny and its only halfway through I realised what they were for and thought they were even funnier.[blush}

Water birth for me was a very positive experience and I came out with barely a scratch let alone tear. Don't get me wrong it still hurt, but the pain was very controllable sitting in the pool with breathing techniques learned in anti natal classes and I have a very chilled baby,now 7mths.

i hated the birthing pool.

no pain relief... infact it stopped my contractions at one point.

was too hot

was too clammy

and so relaxing that dc dad fell asleep on the chair beside me

as i huffed about with a back to back labour.

Sorry to hi-jack post but 'pool in a box' not sure which size to get. I'm 5'2" so would fit in mini-pool but only £5 difference to get regular pool and have space for it. Not sure what to do, any advice?

After talking to dh about the potentially messy clean up he'll have to do i've gone and ordered a liner (he has a pretty severe gag reflex!). Just hope it arrives in time...

I am 5 4 and found the mini-pool to be more than adequate

I am planning to have a water birth too, but have a wee question about the 'poo' issue - why do they not give enemas to women giving birth anymore?

I'm not sure but I think it is for the simple reason that they are not necessary.

I think there could also be issues about them irritating the uterus too. However, I think you can still request one.

Juju if there is only £5 difference get the larger one. You will have more room to move around at leisure. I've just done a dummy run with the mini and whilst it's adequate size, I would prefer a larger one if I had the space, HTH