Has anybody managed a natural/water birth with a back to back labour?

[Februaryblooms]

I've been blessed with another b2b baby that isn't shifting and I'm due in a week and a half

Planning a water birth which I know massively restricts my options in regards to pain relief.

Has anybody here managed ok labouring in a pool with just gas and air, with a back to back baby?

I had an epidural at 5cm with my b2b son, so I'm a little nervous and hope I can see it through this time..

I didn't have a water birth but I did have a back to back baby and just used gas and air. (I had wanted a water birth but couldn't have one as I was eventually induced).

I was a back to back baby and my mum didn't have a water birth but she did just have gas and air and no other interventions.

I had b2b baby on just gas and air

Yes at home x 3

DD was back to back and was a forceps delivery in the end BUT the only thing that relieved the pain in my back during labour was the birthing pool which was a miricle. If she hadn't got herself stuck I would have stayed in the pool until the end!

My 3rd DD was b2b, briefly tried g&a during contractions but it didn't work for me whatsoever as it hadn't done with previous labours, I couldn't seem to get the timings right and didn't really like the sensation. Anyway long story short, she was born with out any intervention and no tears or stitches either. You'll be fine. Good luck!

Oh fab those are the sorts of replies I was hoping for. Feeling encouraged! Thank you

Yes DC1 was b2b. Had a water birth with gas and air. He turned as he came out. Was intense but not that long at all (8 hours established labour which I think is ok for a first time?)

Yes, the early stage took longer as she couldn’t get into the right position but ‘active’ labour to baby in arms was an hour.

Yep DD2, gas and air, 1 hour delivery. Didn't know until she had crowned that she was coming that way, I wonder whether knowing in advance creates a more stressful environment?

My baby was b2b and I ended up needed emcs, despite being told all along (up to the 22nd hour of labour!) that I was perfect candidate for natural birth. I was delirious with pain and begging for epidural after 18 hrs. I didn't have any pain relief after the initial drugs wore off after the c-section so its not that I have a particularly low pain threshold or anything. Sorry OP. you did ask

Sorry to derail but why does this thread have automated links and explanations of the acronyms in brackets? eg DD - is this something new that MN is trialling or is it peculiar to the pregnancy section?

Yes! DD turned during labour and it ended up not much more than 4 hours from start to finish. Didn't get G&A until I was pushing (not by choice!).

Following as I’m 38 weeks with my second b2b baby. I know she “could turn” but the last one didn’t budge, I’m wondering if my pelvis shape has something to do with it ? Anyway , I had a 72 hour labour and eventual epidural with her (mostly due to exhaustion tbh). Hoping for a quicker delivery this time, gas and air in pool ...

I had a forceps delivery in the end but laboured in the pool with gas and air for eight hours. I loved the pool and didn’t want to get out but my son refused to budge! I had to have an epidural for the forceps but if I’d managed to deliver in the pool I wouldn’t have needed one. He was 8lb 8oz and direct OP.

DD1 was back to back, the most excruciating pain of the whole thing was when I had a contraction while lying on my back waiting for an internal examination. But they let me get in the birthing pool as soon as it was free despite saying I wasn't anywhere close, and it was incredible how much relief I felt as soon as I was in. And DD turned up soon after with no need for any other pain relief.
Good luck!