Those who've had a water birth, how would you feel about not being able to have one again?

[agradecida]

Previously had a home water birth, and although it still kinda hurt like hell- cuz, you know, labour - I'm really dreading (well actually terrified) as I'm not able to have one this time around.

Due to moving, my only option is a hospital birth. Water birth is definitely not an option in hospital and wouldn't be at home either. Plus I'm now 1hr+ from the local hospital, so wouldn't be comfortable with a homebirth, and there'd be no pool anyway.

I think I just need to get over myself- of course, with my last birth I was absolutely prepared to transfer to hospital if needed, and who knows if this pregnancy will be straight forward anyway. Thousands of people give birth in hospitals everyday.

The things I'm dreading are:
Being in the car to the hospital in labour (and knowing when to go!) - staying at home seemed so much easier.
Stress of getting to hospital and being in an unfamiliar environment slowing things down.
No water!
Being on my back
Being in hospital after - on a ward, having to stay over night, partner not able to stay

Please tell me I'm being ridiculous and a hospital birth will be absolutely fine.

The vast majority of mothers give birth in hospitals and manage absolutely fine but to address your points:
*HYPNOBIRTHING will help (can't recommend too highly)
*Headphones with hypnobirthing tracks and eye mask for the car journey, focus on your breathing ignore the route etc.
*Have you checked the hospital facilities? Lots of delivery rooms now have at least a shower, which could help? A few have baths or birth pools.
*There are very few reasons you'd need to be on your back. Labour in whatever position is best for you.
*Unless there are complications the hospital will try to discharge you a matter of hours after the birth, so staying overnight may not be something you have to deal with.
Good luck!

I wasn't expecting a water birth but was happy when I arrived at the mlu and the midwife said I have filled the pool for you if you want. I was fully dilated when I arrived so only had the pool for the pushing stages. The water helped but I think the position I was able to stay in whilst in the pool helped more - on my knees mostly upright occasionally leaning on the side of the pool. I think if I was to do it again this is the bit I would try to replicate with or without the pool.

When to go into hospital is a tricky one, I left it quite late but had the luxury of only being 10 minutes from the hospital. I went in the first time at 2 cm (3 contractions in 10 minutes and lasting one minute each) before I was sent home I was asked how far away I was and how easy it was to get back in. As you are an hour away I would definitely make them aware of this as I think they factor this in their decision to allow you to stay or not.

How quick was your last labour? Mine was a little over 3h and my midwives have warned me that next time might be quicker and to head to the hospital earlier.

I had to stay in for 72h for monitoring whilst I would have preferred to be at home, it wasnt as bad as I was expecting. We did have fairly good visiting (8-8) so it was only over night that my partner couldn't be there.

Being the car whilst in labour isnt the best feeling in the world. In the earlier stages it was uncomfortable but manageable and in the later stages it was bordering on unmanageable but so was being at home. Having something to grip hold of helped (I used the handle above the window). Try to use a route that has the least bumps/speed bumps and any stop/starts if possible even if it is slightly longer. I think the motion of the car helped and it was worse when we were stopped at junctions.

I didn't but other mums from my antenatal class took things in with them to make the room feel more like home - smelly room scent sprays, battery operated candles, fairly lights music. I think they are more aware these days that there is a difference between being at home and being on the ward and that small things can make the difference.

I had a water birth (in hospital) and hoping to have one again. If I found out I couldn't... yes I'd be disappointed as it was so relaxing and definitely helped me with the pain. But I think you have to accept it, move on & focus on having the best birth possible without it. Yes it will be different but you can still have a good birth. Definitely agree that hypnobirthing helps & you won't necessarily be on your back either.

Google "Labour hopscotch". I found it very effective during my induced (post dates) Labour with 10lb baby. Ended up with an idyllic labour and birth. Oh, he was back to back too! And I did hypnobirthing.

I'm not sure being 1h away from hospital is a reason in itself to bin homebirth. You had a homebirth last time with no complications. If you go into hospital you will do the vast majority of your labour at home on your own - if you homebirth you'll have a midwife with you for more of your labour. Going into hospital means you risk giving birth on the side of the road rather than at home with a midwife.

I was in a similar position and went for homebirth. Friends chose hospital and gave birth at the side of the dual carriageway. I know which one I think is safer. Depending on your labour you might not get an hour's notice - I went from 1 contraction every 8 mins to every 2 mins, to having my baby 1/2 hour later.

Not trying to scare you, just putting another perspective out there.

In answer to your original question though, I wouldn't worry too much about no pool - 2nd time around I was only in it for 10 mins tops. Also as said above, you don't need to labour on your back if you don't want to.

Best of luck with whatever you decide

I found my waterbirth much, much more painful than my out of the water birth.
The "dry" birth enabled me to walk around, bounce on a ball, use a tend machine, and just feel generally more free and in control.

I had a water birth with my first.. I was unable to have one with my second due to too much blood loss when waters popped.. and I had one with my 3rd.. I am now pregnant again and very much hope for a water birth!!

Thanks everyone. I think I just need to get used to the idea. Just disappointed it's not an option, but will think of the positives- unlimited gas and air . And getting the baby out safely is the most important thing.

Last labour was around 5 or 6 hours, but I was never examined so no idea when I was however many cm dilated.

The hour's drive is also worth thinking about too in relation to homebirth and getting to the hospital on time.