Waterbirth?

[mum2b09]

just been thinking about having a water birth if possible in my hospital anyone got any previous experiance of a waterbirth? any regrets or opinions? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

bump

Me too so bumping for you

Used pool for pain relief at birth of DS1. Very effective for that reason, but found it hard to move around after I got out, as I was very tired and had possibly stayed in a bit long. As a result ended up with a forceps delivery, and didn't both with the pool for DS2. However, other friends have had them and found them good. Do read "Waterbirth" by Janet Balaskas, which is very useful and comprehensive.

Had water birth with dc2 and loved it so much that i did it again with dc3. You are not committed when you go in the water to actually have a water birth and can change your mind and get out whenever you want to. Trust your instincts and if you try it but dont feel comfortable then get out.

It is great for pain relief as it takes all the weight off your hips and back and you can rock yourself around in the water in a way that you could not out of the water.

Also water can help soften the perineum and help reduce chance of tears. This worked for dc2 - only had minor grazes and no stitches. But dc3 was quite fast and shot out after 2 pushes and ended up with 2nd degree tear and stitches with him!

Feel free to ask any questions and I will try and answer .

ps meant to add both my water births were in hospital pools - not tried it at home.

did you actually give birth in the pool with dc2 and dc3 or did you use it as pain relief and give birth on the ward? xxx

Both born in the pool - under water and i lifted them up to the surface - nobody touched either of us.

I didn't manage to deliver in the pool with my ds as he didn't want to come out and as it was hospital they wouldn't let me stay in indefinitely - but it was wonderful for pain relief. Also more private and less 'hospitally' than a delivery room. I thoroughly recommend it for as much of labour as you can.

sorry got to nip off for a while will check back later!

I have had two home water births (previous one had been an epidural). I reckon it reduced pain by 50% or more and cossetted the perineum nicely so there was hardly any damage. It meant I could float like a frog and open my hips really wide, making second stage a lot easier. I would always recommend you give it a go if the pool happens to be free, and see how you get on from there.

yeah i think i definatley want to look into it abit more. do i just mention it on arrival to the hospital or is there something you have 2 fill in beforehand? xxxxxxxxxxx

I think you can just see if it's free when you get there and ask to use it. Perhaps mention it on your birth plan?

yeah definately i will write it on my birthplan have 2 discuss it abit more with my bf beforehand :D anyone know what you have 2 wear in the pool do ya go in a swim suit or the buff :s xxx

Usually in the buff - nobody sees anything anyway. Obviously a swimsuit would get in the way

yeah i dont mind being in the buff atall just wondered if they preferred you to wear a top half or anyhting until your pushing etc :D im sure my bf will think its utterly hilarious me floating round like a frog haha xxxxxxxxxx

bikini/tankini thingy top - obviously nowt on below!

I had my dd last year in the pool - no other birth experience to compare it to - but i thought it was fabby! just used gas and air over the side of the pool

yeahh iv got a mw appointment on wednesday think ill have a little mention of it when im there see what she thinks :d xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

had both my boys in water.
I was at home and it was brilliant.
would do it all again tomorrow.

oh one thing thought uno if i am in really bad pain will i be able to get out and have stronger pain releief if i need to ? xxx

Oh yes, you can transfer out at any time. You probably won't need to though.

do you know what hospital birthpools tend to be like are they in a room with a bed if i need to be transfered or would i have to walk down into the labour ward i supose it depends on the hospital just trying to get a general idea before i really start considering a water birth i would love one tho im most comfortable when im in the water and feel completely relaxxed.. oh and the temperature im not guna be freezin am i haha xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Midwives have seen it all before. They just want you to be comfortable. You would probably be more comfortable in buff - if you have something on top half and it gets wet it can make you feel a bit chilly. You could always wear bra or tankini top or bikini top if you feel self conscious. But as you don't get into pool until more than 5 cms dilated usually by that point you are past point of caring!

Most hospitals that have a birth pool usually offer an ante natal tour/talk to discuss their policy and so you can have a look around. Worth doing even if you are not sure if you want a water birth yet.

yeah going to book a tour for this week i think :d xxx

Birth pool rooms don't tend to have a bed - but they would have mats on floor. Sounds a bit basic but idea is you would get out and be able to be on all 4s etc. They do have all the normal kit for the baby though that you would find in a regular delivery room.

our local hospital birth pool rooms have a lovely big space - with mats on floor and a bed as well as the pool and ensuite bathroom