Birthing Pool

[pixiepud]

Has anyone tried the birthing pool for labour/birth? I was told its great for pain relief and a good way to give birth, has anyone any experiences?

They are absolutely utterly fantastic- there is no way I would give birth without one (1 dry land baby 2 water babies) the pain relief is bliss and the pool itself cocoons you in a private labour bubble that anyone else needs to ask if they want 'access' - perfect for keeping hands off unless necessary !
So yes - gets my vote

Thanks Bearhugs, i never thought about one atall until the other day when a midwife mentioned it, it really sparked my interest. Can the midwives assist just as well? Also i know this is totally gross and TMI, but as we all know, we all kind of... poop during labour.... i'm worried about this in a pool ha ha.

Absolutely amazing experience! I had my first on the bed and the next in the water... Obviously it is still very painful but the water is so calming and apart from the MW checking my dd heart rate, there was no other intervention. I delivered her whilst squatting over the side and was the first to lift her out which to me was really special. And how amazing for a baby to be delivered into an environment it been in for the last 9mths.

I am desperate for another water birth and am keeping everything crossed that I get one.

Oh and as for the poop, I honestly don't know if I did or not but the MW are very discreet and would dispose of it strait away. This is number 3 for me and it's still something I worry about even though I know it happens to a lot of women. You don't really care when you're pushing the baby out though.

I am going to have a waterbirth at home for my 5th. I have had all but my first at home and it has been amazing so really hoping it will be even better in the pool. Everyone worries about the poo thing but as in a dry land birth I think Midwives are very discreet and it is not really a concern.

Another vote here, and very much as other posts regarding being in your own bubble, I delivered DD myself, midwives had little intervention it was all very empowering! Without wanting to sound twee!

Great for changing positions, pain relief, felt very secure and cocooned.

DH was very adept with the sieve, although I was surprised how little there was in the water afterwards, the pool holds a lot of water so everything is very diluted iyswim.

Oh and added bonus, I gave my DD a good wash (just instinctively,not with the johnsons or anything!) and got all the gunk off her,something that normally you are desperate to do but don't get chance until their first proper bath!