How safe are water births?

[butterflycake]

Hello everyone, I hope you're all well! Apologies if this has has been covered somewhere else in the forum - I did look but couldn't find what I was looking for!

I'm basically considering a water birth..... I've done some online research and overall am happy with the pros and cons I have come across (if that makes sense)

However, there is one thing that concerns me..... my understanding is that the baby needs to be held gently in the water until the his whole body is out and then he can be lifted out. I understand that this stops the unmbilical cord being stimulated and keeps the baby's dive reflex in place until he is out of the water and can take a breath. So how long after his head is out does the rest of him follow? lol! this part sounds very scary! How much assistance would I get from the midwife to ensure this happens safely. Also what happens if baby's head appears and the cord is round his neck (I was born this way!) Any advice or info greatfully received! I will discuss this with the MW next week but I was keen to get a broad range of feedback as I got the impression she wasnt wild about water births!!!! thanksw guys xxxxx

 

[chuck]

Water births are very safe, just keep your bottom under the water until the body arrives, its usually only a minute or two until you have another ctx and the body comes out not long.

If there's a nuchal cord the MW will do the same as she would do on dry land, try and slip it over their head or leave it be until the body follows. Tons of babies are born wrapped in their cord, its quite normal.

If you go into the home and natural birthing section you'll find plenty of threads about water births and a fair few ladies in the homebirthers and hopefuls thread who have had or are planning water births.

 

[NaturalMomma]

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