Talk me through your waterbirth!

[moomin35]

Am thinking of having a waterbirth - I like the idea of it being slightly "private" below the water and also helping that the water brings some kind of pain relief although I plan to use gas and air too. Can you tell me about your experiences (good or bad) so i can make my decision for good!

Both my children were born in the water. DS was a whopping 9llbs 7oz so it is possible with a big baby! With my daughter, I picked her up out of the water myself which was a wonderful experience. It was a birth without any intervention and I felt really calm and in control.

I always thought if I didn't like it I the pool I would get out - but both times I found it nicer to have my own space and a midwife that never left the room.

Spent some time in the water for first birth. Still absolute agony, and had to get out to have an epidural (obviously being in the water and having an epidural don't mix).

I loved it. Didn't give birth in the water, they didn't let me in the end. Told me to get out so they could have a look "You can always get back in!" they said unfortunately was then in 2nd stage and couldn't walk.

Still, it was great. Make sure you have an actual tankini/bikini top, though, I got in in a hospital gown and the wet material everywhere drove me mad. Would have been the same with a t-shirt so I just let it all hang out Also make sure it's the right temperature before you get in. I remember the mixture of hot and cold when they were still mixing it being unbearable torture. I got out (pain increased) got back in and it was lovely. It definitely reduced pain for me by quite a long way. I also think it reduced tearing as I had a minor tear/graze. Mentioned it to my NCT teacher afterwards and she told me off for not doing perineal massage However, I then happened to mention that DS had his arm wrapped around his head and she looked shocked and said "Wow - most women whose babies do that tear all the way". So I like to think if he'd been normal and been born head instead of elbow first I might have escaped any tearing at all! :)

I had a water birth five weeks ago with my third child. Have to say one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life so far.
Previous two births were not as expected, one induction and one ending in a bit of panic, but all fine in the end.
I was labouring on and off for days, contractions were very strong at points, certain I was in full blown labour, went up to the hospital, only to be sent home three times! Very frustrating. Finally admitted at midday measuring five cm. I actually yelped with joy whilst being examined!!
Laboured for the next few hours with gas and air and a bag of peanuts, extremely giggly I was so relaxed. Midwife asked how I wanted to deliver and I asked for a water birth knowing how rare it was to get one at our hospital. Normally someone is using it, or it's out of action etc. Luckily I got in the wonderful warm water at 6pm. Midwife put on a cd of rainforest sounds which was just what I needed. After half an hour I decided it was time to push, so I did. 10 minutes later my ds2 was born, as like a pp, in his sac. He was so calm and beautiful, he just sat in my arms for about 20 mins, staring. Cord was cut after it stopped pulsating, then I got out to be stitched up. Just a small tear. Have to say didn't suffer any pain in the weeks after due to the stitches like I had with the other two. Not sure why that is though! I thoroughly recommended a water birth. I feel so lucky for everything to have worked out. If you can have one, do.

I had a water birth for my second, but wouldn't recommend it.

My DD was back to back, so got through all the pain with just gas and air, but then tore very badly (bad 3rd degree) and ended up in surgery with every drug going, including a spinal.

As a previous poster said, the midwife cannot help the baby out, so it's down to you to push / not push etc, and it's hard to know when they're back to back. I certainly didn't get the same awareness that I had had with DD1.

Both of my babies were waterbirths. It was some tome ago now and it wasn't the norm at the time so I had student midwives along for the ride - they were wonderful, it must be said. i had gas and air when needed and I found the warm water truly helped.

Both babies really chilled when born, and no tears at all.

Truly a privilege, it really was.

Had three, very straightforward despite the second one involving a massive baby who came out in the Superman position, i.e. arm beside his head. Strongly recommend water births.

BTW don't go in too early. I made this mistake with last baby and labour stopped as I was too mellow!

BTW be prepared to catch the baby yourself (although a mw caught my first for me) and at some point There Will Be Poo (although not much in my case).

I had a birthing pool installed at home for 4 weeks (2weeks before EDD). Loved wallowing in it in the run up to going into labour but once contractions started, I just wasn't interested. I did try it out after labouring for about 10 hours, but may have been too far gone at that point for it to provide any sort of effective relief. I just found it rather warm and oppressive at that point and wanted out!

I had two. Very positive experiences (although very different) and I would fully recommend.

1st was just a beautiful experience, very private, the hot water felt amazing, I loved being able to move about easily and felt my body was fully in charge. Being the first to touch my baby felt wonderful although a bit scary as I had to lift her out of the water. Dh was then asked to cut the cord and it was all so lovely. Baby was so calm afterwards.

2nd experience still makes my dh laugh to this day. Firstly, I was told I couldn't have the pool as it is becoming so popular and it was already being run for someone else. I was gutted as I set my heart on it. Then they checked me and said I could have it as I was already 7cm dialated. I'd only been in labour 2 hours so we thought we had plenty time to go being as though dd's labour was 12 hours. I got in the water, announced to Dh how amazing and calming the water was when all of a sudden within 10 minutes I got the urge to push. I was horrified as I felt a massive poo come out. I then spent the remaining 20 minutes apologising to the midwife for pooing as I pushed my baby out with her saying 'don't you worry my darling, you did not poo' with me yelling 'yes I did, I know I did' and seeing my dh try to be supportive but secretly laughing behind his hand. Mortifying but amazing at the same time.

Really, I think the only negative aspect of a waterbirth is the fact that you are only allowed gas and air as pain relief but it's something that I look back on so fondly, I can barely remember the pain now.

My experience was that ds was so quick to arrive the pool had not been filled however it was great for leaning on.

I had one contraction in the water. It was still painful. I was disappointed as had heard so many positive stories, I think my expectations were too high.

I didn't experience a second contraction as dd had passed meconium sp? And I was whipped out of the pool.

I didn't bother with ds.

I laboured in water until transition with DS1 - the MW made me get out as I transitioned into 2nd stage as she said they couldn't get the water temperature right - from research I have done since I think this was actually an excuse as they didn't want me to give birth in the pool! So I did get out (no mean feat in between very strong pushing contractions!) I then gave kneeling on the bed after about another 3 or 4 pushes. I'm not sure how I would've coped with the actual pushing in the pool but loved it for labouring in as I could relax in between contractions and still had gas and air. It also meant I could put my ears under the water when the MW was talking to me as she really irritated me with her manner and was very annoying! I had a second degree tear in the end but think that was due to the speed at which DS shot out!

I am now 21 weeks expecting DC2 and am opting for a homebirth so that I can guarantee having the pool option again (our hospital only has one pool) I can't imagine labouring out of the pool and am keen to try and actually give birth in the pool this time. The homebirth MW team are v supportive of this which is great. Just need to get the inflatable pool sorted now and pray that our hot water system is up to the task of filling it!

I had a water birth with my DD and it was a wonderful experience.
I had hoped to labour in water but had thought I would get out to give birth, but when the time came the thought of getting out didn't even cross my mind, I just kept going. The water does help to ease the aches, you feel weightless which is very soothing. It is also nice being cocooned in a safe space that only you are in. My midwife was fab, it was late evening and she kept the lights down low and noise levels were minimal.
I used gas & air as well for the contractions which I found much more easy to handle in the water...........I can honestly say I enjoyed it, I really didn't struggle with the contractions, I think the calm atmosphere made them seem less.
I found the pushing stage quite tough but eventually DD was born into the water & the midwife guided her up to me where she lay on my chest, still attached by her cord, for about 40 minutes. She didn't cry at all.
The midwife used a mirror on a stick so she could watch DD being born and guide my through the pushes. She was fantastic.

If everything is normal with your pregnancy & labour, & the pool is free, I would highly recommend trying it. If you hate it you can always get out! You have nothing to lose.

Pain relief was significant - in my experience water birth/ the ability to move to find a new position & be left alone in more is priceless - I needed gas & air for an hour....I go quick - even if you then get forced down the inevitable NHS medical route that was an hour or two well spent.

Outside of the water when they got me out to follow rules/ examine me it really hurt. the constant faffing about the temp is annoying. I had to stand my ground - insist on the pool - ask to see it run when I wasn't allowed in it... perseverance got me there but you also have to check so many hospitals have textbook midwives who can't/won't cover a water birth - then you need to realise it would be less painful but unsafe to insist

I have had 3 NHS water births - in hospital attached birthing centres - babies fine in water - within 30 secs moved to my breast each cord attached in the water -

• Each time I had to keep searching for my best chance of a water birth

First one - St Thomas Home from Home - then I was out of catchment St John & Lizzies - then went bust 2 & 3 Whittington - go in late labour fully established or they transfer you to the medical ward I am 38 and have had 3 textbook pregnancies in the last 6 years. You have to be in control or get ds on it at all times - that is the main thing

• liked the pool because I was in control
• it hurt way less in the pool
• moving positions is way easier
• they (3rd time round anyway) are made to leave you alone more when you get on with it)

the sad reality is that unless you've done your research (found a hospitalised birth centre) most places don't have the staff equipped for birthing pool when it comes down to it. Or there's only one one and x took it. Unless you refuse the midwives keep getting you out to examine you - or even worse make you give birth outside the pool thus negating the whole pain relief privacy options at the end.

Lights dimmed/ essential oils - a birth plan where you specify minimal intervention - skin to skin after birth all help... After one water birth I was pleased to have fought to get 2 more - good luck

BlueC2 is a classic example of how they fob you off with the temp stuff
dc3 I stood over the pool laboured all around it and insisted it was run & ready - played the dilation game (I go quick & they knew this)
They just don't make it easy to get the pool - however I really wanted the hospital back-up rather than an ambulance from a birthing centre - so fought for it

It's fantastic, go for it. I would have died without the water I think - I was in labour FOREVER and found it really uncomfortable to lie down on the bed. Floating in the water was the only way I could relax and feel comfortable. Plus, if like me you're in the pool for days (literally) it makes your vag nice and soft so the head slides out easier.
As for parter getting in the pool - don't make me laugh! Have you seen what's floating around in there?!?! My DH was quite horrified...

Had water birth with my 2nd dc and it was the best birth by far. I felt like my body got on with it and the baby seemed to push herself out! I was very relaxing and private, and I really wanted the same with my 3rd dc but couldn't get in the pool as not enough midwives available at the time. I am pg with number 4 and really really hope for another water birth this time! I would say go for it if you can

I started off in the water. I was 9cm when admitted to hospital and had been using a TENS machine. The water really helped with the pain, as soon as I got in it was like a lovely warm sensation up my back. I pushed in the water for about an hour and although DS head was visible he kept slipping back so I decided to get out and try different positions. Ended up on a bed on my back having an episiotomy. I would recommend trying the water though, I think if DS had been smaller/in a better position the birth would have been quite calm.

Both my boys (8,9 each) were born in a pool. The first one was facing back to back, and I had the calmest midwife and partner. She was so supportive, my baby also had the cord around his neck, all of this could have been very stressful if monitored. instead, i had two quick and beautiful birth. It did take some mental preparation, I spent months building up positive vibes around my birth, and stayed away from people with negative energy....It's amazing how many people came to me with horror birth stories when i was pregnant, i felt like a magnet to their fear. I am now the opposite, I share positive stories with pregnant women. Let your body do the work!

I recommend water births completely! A teeny tiny word of advice though.... When your partner gets into the water with you to lend his support, just make sure the black trunks he bought specially from the store a week before hand are actually bloody colourfast..! It just saves the poor midwife the bother of frantically searching your house for a strong torch to shine between your loins...hope that helps