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

I wore a maternity vest with an in built bra. I wouldn't have been comfortable naked, even though I had my waterbirth at home I didn't get at all cold.

For me, the pool did nothing for the pain and I still had a 2nd degree tear. However, the buoyancy given by the water was fabulous and I also liked the feeling of privacy and containment offered by the pool. Far better than my 2 dry land births.

just been at 2 waterbirths in 5 days. Awesome!!! Our unit has Bradbury mattresses in the rool which allow for mum and dad to cosy up together when cuddling baby and offering first feed. I am a total fan! (not having had a wb myself but would intend on doing so if I ever had another child)

When mum is labouring I tended to sit by the pool so only my head or part of it was visible so mum would not feel overawed by bodies. She had her own space.

Had hospital waterbirth with my first dc in 2007. Didn't get into water until I was fully dilated - I got to that stage rather faster than expected. Had a bit of gas and air whilst pushing, but threw it away in the end as it was getting in the way.

Will never forget the feeling of lifting my baby above the water and watching him calmly blink and have a good look round. I liked that it was just me doing the work, no contact or examination from MW. I had a few stitches but have to say the pain was never unbearable - in fact not as bad as expected. Don't know if that was to do with water as I have nothing to compare it to.

The hospital I was at had 2 pools and held a waterbirth open night once a month, giving info and answering any questions. Would advise you to put waterbirth in your birth plan and on a post-it on the front of your notes. We were advised to tell delivery suite we wanted to use the birth pool when we callled to let them know we were coming in.

DC2 due in May and although we've moved to another county I still hope to have another hospital water birth.

BTW - I was naked and did not care

• Pool was in an ensuite to a delivery room with a bed and all the normal stuff. Had mats on the floor next to the pool.

Yes, I wouldn't rush into the pool in case it slows things down.

Babies emerge very calm and happy.