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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Water birth???

20 replies

DianaXXX · 30/11/2011 01:33

So I'm giving a lot of consideration of having a water/pool birth.... However I'm due in Feb so got plenty if time to consider other options too...
Has any of u ladies had a pool birth or know a lot about it?
Any advise would be greatly appreciated x

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lollystix · 30/11/2011 05:01

I had waterbirth for my last 2 in hospital. My first two were without. I found it a really good form of pain relief and only got 1st degree tears. If you don't like it there's no pressure to stay in. Go for it..

sleepevader · 30/11/2011 05:05

Go for it. My 4 week old baby was born in the pool. Much different experience than the first. Very calm labour although I got a bit more vocal at the end.

lollystix · 30/11/2011 06:01

Something to think about is that your drug choices are limited in the pool. No tens (obviously) or morphine related drugs. It's really just gas and air and codine that you can have but if you're not coping you can get out.

PinkFondantFancy · 30/11/2011 07:07

I gave birth to my DD in a pool, it was amazing. As the others say, if you don't like it you can just get back out.

Original poster

DianaXXX · 30/11/2011 21:27

I'm horrified of the natural birth it's either water birth or c section for me

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GloriaTheHighlyFlavouredLady · 30/11/2011 21:43

My waterbirth was fab. However it is worth pointing out than many women who want water births don't get them due to a range of reasons so make sure your research increases your odds if you decide it is what you want.

For me, water or not, I liked the big tub where no-one could get at me and I would still insist I got in it if water were not allowed.

MrsRV · 01/12/2011 22:29

I'm due beginning of March and have been really thinking about a water birth too... I saw ages ago an episode of born every minute, where a lady gave birth in a pool with the lights really low and thought I'd like to have a similar experience. Can u really have music and lights low or was that just for the telly? I think I might feel stupid for asking??? x

HollyFP · 01/12/2011 22:35

I had a very positive water birth I could've had music if I wanted but couldn't cope with the rubbish the MW put on
If it all goes well it's an amazing thing. Hoping for similar with DC2 in May!

Suze77 · 01/12/2011 22:40

I'd never do it again. My first daughter was a home water birth. She was born covered in meconium, then I hemorrhaged shortly after. Fortunately, we were both ok and didn't even need to be transferred to hospital (the midwife managed to manipulate my uterus somehow and got me to pass a clot, then the bleeding settled down - it was very scary for a while though!). DD2 was a quick easy natural non-water birth in hospital and a much nicer experience. What happened with DD1 was probably nothing to do with the water birth, I don't know, but it put me off permanently! Never again!

scarlettsmummy2 · 01/12/2011 22:45

Tried it- hated it! I felt totally vulnerable and exposed and did'nt find it remotely relaxing. However- I am a bit of a control freak, so I much prefered being clothed and being able to walk about etc. I wouldn't be keen to have an epidural for that reason either.

PinkFondantFancy · 01/12/2011 23:23

mrsRV yep lights down low is reasonable and also v helpful to help you make oxytocin which is the hormone you need to keep you labouring

Original poster

DianaXXX · 02/12/2011 14:22

I got my 28 weeks appointment in an hour with a midwife so I'll be asking all sort of questions!:)
Thank you ladies for sharing your experiences x

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Original poster

DianaXXX · 03/12/2011 15:15

The midwife tried to tell me that nothing really has changed regarding the decision about elective c section

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molly3478 · 03/12/2011 15:23

Loved having a waterbirth in the dark its abslutely brilliant. Im due in a couple of months again and I will be beyond devestated if I cant have a waterbirth again.

RecursiveMoon · 03/12/2011 15:37

I had irregular contractions for a couple of days before DS was born, and found that the only thing that really helped me to cope with the pain was being in the bath. So when I was finally admitted to the labour ward and the midwife was keen for me to try to have a water birth, I agreed. I'd definitely recommend it to others, and I'd want to do the same again.

Also, the hospital that I had DS in only has 1 pool, so the midwife pointed out that if I didn't get in it, someone else might .

Emily25 · 03/12/2011 18:43

Im 24 weeks pregnant with my first, and have a few friends who have had both water birth and non-water birth, and all of them said water birth was the best experience for them. I have requested on my notes that i would like a water birth, like others have said you can always get out if you don't like it, nothing is set in stone. Im going to give it a go if the pool id free, as there is only one pool at my hospital.

Original poster

DianaXXX · 04/12/2011 00:17

Iv told my midwife few times that I wanted a water birth and they still haven't put it in my notes

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PinkFondantFancy · 04/12/2011 03:08

Diana put it at the top of your birth plan and make sure OH says that you want to use the pool when they inform the hospital that you're in labour. Do bear in mind what Gloria said about availability of pools though when you're deciding where you want to give birth

MrsRV · 11/12/2011 09:14

Ummm.... What do you wear for a water birth? I think I'd like a vest!?!?!

justhayley · 11/12/2011 10:10

MrsRV I guess it's up to u clothing wise, But I think a vest or t shirt may not be that comfortable when it's wet & heavy. You could wear a bikini top, or tankini vest though

I'm thinking about a water birth as well, not due till April so have a while. Do they keep changing the water so it's warm? Or does it heat up it's self?

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