GBS+ and waterbirths at JR Oxford

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hello,

I'm 38+2 with number two and, after a pretty hideous first birth, I was hoping for a hands-off home or birth center birth this time round. Unfortunately I'm GBS+ so I've agreed to give birth at the JR in Oxford instead. I'm happy with the whole IV antibiotic thing as my midwife has assured me that it'll only be for short lengths of time every 4 hours during labour.

However, I would dearly love to labour in water for pain relief as I am very keen to avoid an epidural (and G&A disagrees with me!). My midwife says it shouldn't be a problem but she's not sure as she doesn't work at the hospital. Does anyone know what the policy is at the JR? Is there any reason why I shouldn't be allowed to labour in water?

Thanks,
Z x

I don't know what the policy is at the JR, but I know in the normal delivery suites downstairs there is only one birthing pool and it's first come first served - you can't book it.

Are you allowed to use the Spires MLU upstairs or not because of the GBS? You should ask as that would be a great compromise, it's very relaxing up there.

notjustapuppymum - i didn't know there was a MLU upstairs...... That's brilliant news, I'll definitely ask about transferring up there once I've had the antibiotics. Thank you!

Z xx

The Spires unit is fantastic. Def to be recommended. You get your own room with en suite shower after too They have one birthing pool, one 'ordinary' delivery room and one 'sensory' room which is rumoured to have mirror ball and coloured lights

I'm not sure about transferring up there. They tend to accept you first into the Spires and transfer you down if complications develop. You might need to be quite firm about where you go, when. Good idea to phone them first to chat through.

Labouring may, of course, be a very short thing with number 2. I was 24 hours with first, two hours from waters breaking to first breast feed with number two!

Good luck

younevercantell - thanks, it does look like the ideal place for me! I will definitely be asking about it. I've got a midwife appt on wednesday if I get that far so will speak to her then. I really really hope it's not as quick as your 2nd birth - i'll probably end up giving birth on the A420!! About 5 hours would be good though

I had IV anti biotics for strep B during labour. I was not allowed in the pool as they said with strep they do extra monitoring. This was not oxford though.