Giving birth in the bath??

[flopsybunny45]

Just wondering if anyone has successfully given birth in their bath, instead the more typical birthing pool?

We are keen for a home birth and I loved being in the bath during my last labour. However, our house is not suitable for a birth pool. The midwives say it would be fine to labour in the bath and even deliver, but I am worried it would not be deep enough. So would love to hear of any bath birth adventures!

Thanks

The only issue I can see with bath is maintaining heat in the water ... but not knowing too much about how the pools work I don't know how or if the bath can be easily utilised ... as far as I know depth wouldn't be an issue but the heat and accessibility :)

I gave birth in the bath at hospital, it was a nice corner bath though. As long as the midwife has access to be able to get to you easily then I can't see why it would be a problem. You could make sure the heat stays at the right temp for you by having a big jug nearby and have your birthing partner empty out enough to be topped up with hot again.

Thanks guys... we do have a corner bath that looks almost identical to our birthing centre baths - but just cannot be certain it is as deep...

It doesn't have to be really deep. I just kind of layed on my side in it with the water as full as it would go. As long as my bump was covered I was fine.
I'm sure it will be fine, especially if the midwife has reassured you it will be. Good luck!

I gave birth in the bath at home, unintentionally, was planning on having her on the bed but then I hit transition and decided I was getting in the bath regardless

I was born in the bath at home, not purposely but found it very amusing when I was a kid to tell everyone. Way more interesting than everybody's hospital stories. Though I did have a friend who was actually born in a barn.

In the Sheila Kitzinger home birth book she recommends plugging the overflow with a flannel (I think) so that you have a higher water level.

confused

My second HB was in the bath. Was only in there to relax and had the urge to stand up and point to my bits in a 'ffs look MW, baby is coming NOW' fashion.
Husband caught DD2 as she flew towards the bath taps
Fwiw, our homes have never been suitable for a birth pool, but I've laboured in the bath at various points with all 4 HBs

Aw - thanks guys - these are the stories I was really hoping to hear :-)
Feeling full of baby optimism!! xx