Waterbirths - do you get out before or after 3rd stage?

[AliKatt]

I've been told many times that there's no such thing as a stupid question... so here goes!

I'm hoping to give birth in water and hold my baby to my chest as soon as he's born. Also hoping to have a 'natural' third stage and cut the cord after it's stopped pulsing.

So, when do I get out of the water? If I stay in for ages after the birth then surely baby and I will both get really cold..?

But it seems as if it might be quite difficult to get out of a pool while still labouring and with cord/placenta hanging around!

Lots of mums do it so I'm sure there's a simple solution, but I'd be really grateful if anyone can tell me how it works.

Thanks Alison

It's not a stupid question and I've done both

For dd2&3 I stayed in the pool for the third stage. Both times the cord stopped pulstaing fairly quickly, was cut and then the placenta was delivered without any assistance within about 15 mins. Both pools had heaters (and filters) so the water stayed warm. I think DH might have turned the filter off so the pump wasn't damaged trying to pump mucky water though.

For ds we'd bought the pool (previously hired) and intended to re-sell it afterwards. DH had asked beforehand if I could get out before the placenta came out to make cleaning up easier! So after ds arrived the cord was cut and I got out (with help!) and the placenta was delivered into a bucket on the kitchen floor.

It isn't the easiest thing in the world to get in an out of the pool with bits hanging out of you, but there were people there to assist!

After dd2&3 is was lovely just to sit there and hold the baby and wait for the placenta ot turn up. Bith births were lovely and relaxed nad it seemed the most natural thing to stay there and chill for a while. I did get a bit of an adrenaline rish with dd2 and my arms were shaking a lot, so I had someone holding dd2 to make sure I didn't drown her (cord was quite short!)

With ds the birth had been very different, no midwives (they didn't get there in time) so DH hadn't wanted me to get in. I'd hed to really yell at him (transition!) which woke up my mother (univited guest!). I only just got into the pool in time to deliver. Was in there maybe 10 mins tops before I got out. Cirucmstances were a little odd and I didn't feel relaxed and calm so didn't feel hard done by to get out!

Are you planning to be at home or in hospital? if at home might be an option just to see how you feel on the day. Either way your midwives might have other ideas about policy etc etc.

must learn to preview! sorry for all the typos....

Thanks so much - that's really put my mind at rest!

This is my first so I really have no idea how things will turn out... if everything goes to plan and we have the calm, relaxed water birth that I'm hoping for then I'll get out when I'm ready! I quite like the idea of staying in the warm water for a while

That said, I'll be in hospital (St Thomas') so you're probably right that the midwives will have a view!

Many thanks again

I stayed in for 3rd stage, but in hindsight would have preferred to get out because that's what made all the mess in the pool! I stayed in until the cord had stopped pulsing and was cut, then pushed the placenta out. But it would probably have been a better idea to get out while the cord was still attached and doing its pulsating thing. Not sure about the practicalities of getting out of a pool with baby still tethered to your bits though!

Just realised you'll be in hospital - well then I wouldn't care about the mess since it won't be your DP cleaning up!! Probably easier to stay in.

I got out. Don't remember it being difficult, although it is all a bit of a daze now!

Have a look at Waterbirth issues, there's a bit about 3rd stage with waterbirth.

On the homebirth website that is!

I stayed in after DS2 was born. Midwife was quite happy for me to feed him and we stayed in for abour half an hour after he was born.

I only got out when I started to feel a bit cold - so DP cut the cord and took the baby whilst I delivered the placenta. Yes, it makes a mess but we just drained it all straight down the outside drain and then threw the pool liner away. Simples!

Many thanks for the info ladies

Hiya, I had a BPIAB at home and stayed in until I had delivered the placenta. Don't remeber getting cold, but then cord stopped pulsating and placenta delivered within about 20 mins of DD arriving. The water was fine until that point, and then we got out into fluffy towels and dressing gown - lovely! Good luck!