Water birth experiences

[gg321]

Having a third baby later this year, 2 straightforward (non water birth) labours & births so far, wondering what anyone’s experiences are of water births, don’t plan on any major pain relief, does the water ease pain much? Any experiences welcome, positive or negative. Thank you

I had a fantastic water birth with my 2nd DC.

I had some gas and air, and combined with that and self-hypnosis I had excellent pain relief and and all-round amazing experience.

I was lucky to be in a midwife-led unit where they really liked water births and heavily encouraged me to give it a try.

I delivered in the water, and then lifted the baby out, and my husband and I both saw the sex - so much nicer than being told with my eldest!

I can't recommend it highly enough.

Too hot, but nice to float around in between contractions, I was much happier out of the water. I'm in the minority though lol

@Coronacurls Thankyou, sounds great, sorry if a tmi question but does the water get really manky early on, or just when baby arrives?

2 water births- so I don't know any different. But- I felt so comfortable in the water, and its easy to move about. Recommend.

I liked it for contractions but had to get out to push as the most comfortable position for me was kneeling up and I was too high in the water.

I also had a water birth in an MLU.

My labour was fairly quick so I was only in the water about 1.5 hrs. But I found it hugely soothing. My contractions were intense and at one stage I asked about pethidine, and the midwife explained I’d have to get out of the water for that - I said no way!

I liked being on my knees in the water, holding on to DH’s arm and resting my head on my hands. Plus the relative comfort and dignity that the water provides you, as opposed to being on your back on a bed.

I had tiny tears and baby was born in her amniotic sack!

I’m really hoping for a water birth for this baby, although it will be in hospital due to a retained placenta last time.

So yes, I’d recommend it x

I loved it. Lying down (on the bed or floating on my back in the pool) made me feel sick and ‘trapped’ so squatting and kneeling in the pool was much better. Gas and air helped too. Delivered in the water and stayed in cuddling DS for a few minutes. Lovely.

The only downside was having to get out whilst they cleaned and refilled the pool after about 3 hours. Would recommend not getting in too early for that reason!

1 MLU water birth - loved it.
1 home water birth - loved it.
Can't imagine giving birth without a pool.

My waters didn't break until just before DC was born, so the water wasn't manky. But I really wasn't thinking/worrying about that at all at the time!

Spent the last couple of hours in the pool where I gave birth. Loved it and no ring of fire. Would recommend.

I thought I would love it, but didn't. Found it too hot, and didn't float - I sank and couldn't find a comfy position. Glad I tried it, but was much happier out of water much to my own surprise.

My first 2 were normal births but my 3rd was a water birth in a midwife led unit.

The pain itself wasn't any better however in between contractions I found it so relaxing and was able to rest a little, so would definitely recommend it.

There were 2 midwives the whole time and one had a little fishing net type thing to scoop things out of the water but to be honest I didn't think too much of it at the time.

The only thing I didn't like was at the end when I had to get out of the water after the delivery for the after birth - it was freezing and felt very uncomfortable climbing out and then walking across the room to lie on the bed to then deliver the after birth & that part wasn't very pleasant at all.

I had a water birth three months ago and my god it was bliss! (As blissful as a birth can be anyway) I had contractions for about an hour and a half when I got to the hospital and was 4cm, jumped straight in the pool and had him in half an hour! I pushed once and my waters broke and his head came out at the same time, second push and he was out. Just gas and air and required no stitches. I went to the loo after and nothing even hurt, it was crazy, especially compared to my first birth which was mediated (pethidine) and I had a second degree tear. If you can have one, I really urge you to as it changed my whole outlook on childbirth and I already want a third! The pain was completely manageable

I would highly recommend a water birth if you can have one!!

I had my baby in a pool and it was sooo relaxing that I even fell asleep (which was surprising as I hate baths!) I only have one DC so can’t compare to anything else but I would definitely be going for one again. I kept my eyes closed the whole time otherwise I felt the pain more (weird I know 😂). I got through with just gas and air and the ‘ring of fire’ others talk about I didn’t have and I think this is due to the water!

I can’t remember the water being mucky until after the birth but they get you out pretty quickly but as a PP said I didn’t worry about this at the time.

Good luck! X

I really wanted a water birth but when I got in (at 9cm dilated, so very established labour) my contractions stopped dead. None of the midwife’s tricks worked to get them going again and I ended up needing a syntocinon drip and significant further interventions. I learned afterwards that it’s rare but not unheard of for some women to respond in this way.