Water births

[Lila_in_Love]

Hi I was just wondering if anyone has had a water birth?

My midwife makes it sound like such a good experience and I'm now thinking of having one.

If you have had a water birth I would love to know about your experience or what your opinions of water births are.

Thanks so much

 

[blondey]

I was in the water for a good couple of hours. It was heaven on my back ache and would defo recommend it.

I didn't have LO in the water though. After 1hr and 20mins of pushing MW made me get out and I think getting out via the stairs and walking to the bed, gravity worked as she was here 5 minutes later.

I really liked it as I could float about and when I got tired my mum and hubby were holding me under my shoulders (from outside the pool) and I was floating and pushing!

They do take a while to fill up though

Not sure what pain relief you're allowed in the pool either, I think it's pretty limited.

Good luck xx

 

[amerikiwi]

I had a water labour and almost had a water birth. I ended up having to go on dry land for the pushing with my daughter but really hope to birth in the pool this time. My new midwife is much comfortable and supportive of a water birth.

The pool was brilliant for labour. I def felt the contractions much stronger when out of the water.

PS: I didn't bring a bath pillow/inflatable neck pillow the first time and really wish I had. This time, it's in the hospital bag.

 

[Lila_in_Love]

Thank you for telling me your experiences. I would really like to have a water labour and try for a water birth. I know there are less options for pain relief but I've heard being in the pool is supposed to help with the pain and I want to try and do it with just gas and air. I've got an appointment with my midwife next Tuesday so I will discuss it with her and hopefully I can have a water birth.

 

[Jaysmummy]

I did. I got to the hospital at 6cms and they asked me if I wanted the pool filling up (even though they weren't sure if they would have time to before baby arrived!) I had to take my tens machine off before getting in but was allowed gas and air. Plus the water was a nice relief too.

I sort of hung over the edge so I was on my knees iykwim??? Was only in the pool for around 45 mins before he was born. He was born so calmly he hardly cried.

I also believe it helped with tearing as he was 9lbs 10ozs and although I did tear and had stitches it healed very quickly.

Only thing was I wasn't prepared for a waterbirth so I got in in my bra so will def be taking a bikini top this time

I would def recommend it

xx

 

[Minnyb]

If you're the sort of person that relishes a warm bath when your feeling ill or have PM cramps. backache etc then I'd definitely recommend it. I had one with DD2 and DD4 with no real problems and no tears etc. I do however now have to actually deliver standing/leaning out of the water as bizarrely my girls have all breathed before fully emerging (just head out) and DD2 inhaled a lot of water as she emerged. This is highly unlikely to happen to you though and I think virtually unheard of! lol

 

[hope4bump]

I had a waterbirth and would definitely recommend it. I was also half on my knees in the water which made it easy for Hubby to massage my back through contractions. I only had gas and air, but found the experience one of the best of my life. Active labour lasted 2 hours...