Water births

[Kizzy454]

Hey ladies popping in from 1st tri to ask a question.. I had a normal delivery for my DD but thinking water birth for this one. Anybody had a waterbirth and could share there wisdom? Xxx

 

[Tampa]

Can maybe offer a little insight, but not totally helpful I'm afraid! I really wanted a water birth too, but due to premature rupture of membranes, wasn't allowed one. Have to say though, that my wee guy was back to back, had horrendous back contractions spreading down my leg for about 24 hours before I was offered a "normal" bath by a midwife. It was just a bog standard bath tub in a bathroom on the ward. She filled it with bubbles and hot water and it was the only thing that helped the pain. Also, because of his position I couldnt pee and my bladder pain was terrible (id been drinking lots cos it was so warm). As the mw predicted as soon as I was in the bath I could pee! A bit disgusting, but dignity is left at the door when you're in labour - it was bliss!

Totally slowed down my contractions unfortunately - but next time I'll definitely want to try a water birth if I can. The 2 water births ive seen on OBEM are a great advert for it too. Hope you get your wish, and you have a lovely delivery - good luck! X

 

[Pielette]

I had a home water birth and it was fantastic, on my next one I will hopefully do exactly the same. My established labour started at 3am and I ended up in the pool at about 7am. I didn't actually have any vaginal examinations so couldn't tell you what stage I was at when I got in the pool, but I'm assuming I must have been reasonably far along as it didn't slow me down. It soothed me slightly and I loved being in the water.
Noah was born at 10.35am after about 20 minutes of pushing, and I think the water combined with me managing to keep it slow and steady at the end saved me from tearing. It was a very peaceful birth and he was very alert and calm when he was born. I'd highly recommend it.

 

[2RockinBoys]

I tried for a water birth with my first son. Got in the pool at 5cm, and 5hours later I was taken out of the pool at 5cm I was still contracting in the pool, but it had stopped me dilating, very frustrating. Being in the pool was fantastic though!! Made the contraction's alot more bearable and took all the weight off my bump/back (we were back to back but didn't know until he was born). Wanted to try again for my second son, but they'd taken the birthing pool away in our hospital so he was a dry lander.
It's definatly worth a go if you can though

 

[3011busyyear]

Make sure they do make it warm, the midwife told me they could only have it so warm but it want even as warm as a bath at home
I took my tens machine off to get in, BIG mistake, I had two contractions and got out!!
Saying that my friend had a water birth and found it fab. Guess you just have to try it and see how it goes, every labour is different I guess.

 

[Blah11]

I had a homebirth and a pool but when it came down to actually being in the water i didn't like it at all. Couldn't get comfy at all and as soon as I got in i felt the need to push and wanted OUT. I think I left it too late before i got in (I was over 8cm) so bare that in mind

My poor mum and OH took about 40 minutes to fill it and I was in it for about 20

 

[mum22ttc#3]

I had a water birth with LO and thought it was great. TBH I don't think it eased the pain but it did help me find a position to get comfortable in.

Again though I didn't get in till I was 8cm so perhaps if I had got in earlier it may have helped with the pain I don't know?

I would definitely have one again if we was to have another LO.

 

[jenny82]

I've had 2 and they've both been amazing! First one was very tough but the second one was a breeze in comparison

I didn't have any complications with either baby though. I stayed at home for as long as I absolutely could. Both times, by the time I got to the hospital, I was 8cm. I don't know if I would've had as good an experience had I gone in too early and had to hang around the hospital for ages. I also did prenatal yoga with both pregnancies which helped me so much. I would highly recommend looking up a class in your area.

 

[hollie87]

I think I'd just keep an open mind and give it a go. i really really wanted a water birth but due to certain factors on the day couldn't, however lo was back to back and I tried getting in the bath for a bit and found the water intensified my pain so wouldn't have had one had I been allowed, though I will be trying for one again with the next one as every time is different

 

[hollie87]

I've had 2 and they've both been amazing! First one was very tough but the second one was a breeze in comparison

I didn't have any complications with either baby though. I stayed at home for as long as I absolutely could. Both times, by the time I got to the hospital, I was 8cm. I don't know if I would've had as good an experience had I gone in too early and had to hang around the hospital for ages. I also did prenatal yoga with both pregnancies which helped me so much. I would highly recommend looking up a class in your area.

OT but we do mum and baby postnatal yoga which is fab too! Definately recommended xx

 

[Moolia]

I had a waterbirth and all I can say is it was FANTASTIC! The water felt amazing and I had it really hot to start with which was lovely. It really helped me to find a comfortable position and I really think I would have had to have more pain relief than just gas and air if I had been on dry land! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or to do it again Good luck and happy and healthy pregnancy to you!

 

[XKatX]

I totally planned a water birth this time round, but she had other ideas a.d came far too fast!!

 

[Kizzy454]

Thank u so much ladies. I no I have a while to go but I really think I'm going to opt for a water birth. Any body done both? Had a water and dry birth? X

 

[fides]

I had a home water birth and loved it - able to move into any position i wanted

 

[Geek]

I had a water birth and it was brilliant, I found it really helped to relax me and I found the pain a lot more manageable. I would say once I was in the water it was more an intense pressure than pain that I felt. I didn't have any pain relief apart froma couple of paracetamol.
It really helps to support you weight so you can get in any position you want, I found holding onto the side and half floating on my side helped a lot.

I was 8/9cm when I got in the pool and had him 5/6 hours later (can't remember exactly lol) I was pushing for an hour and a half of that though. I was at 10cm for ages and in the end got them to break my waters and I needed an episiotomy in the end which they did in the pool. The other midwives I spoke to afterwards seemed surprised about that?
Next time I will definitely have another water birth if I can, it was an amazing experience.

 

[rolocully]

Hi there, I definately recommend trying a water birth. My first baby was born after a long labour with epidural on a hospital bed and ending up with forceps. My second born in september was a fantastic water birth. I was so frightened that she would get stuck like my first that i didnt even want to try it. However, my midwife said I should give it a go and i am glad she did. I found the water very helpful with the pain and in fact had no pain relief apart from the water. I definately found it much more calming and as i said before really helped me with the pain. Good luck whatever you choose

 

[linzylinz]

iv had 2 dry births the first one i had an epidural the second i has gas pethadin and tens machine,

my water birth i just had gas it was amazing and most enjoyable labour i wish i had all 3 kids in the pool, i got in at 7cm it was so much more comfy i loved that labour and would do it again if i had anymore xx

 

[AP]

I'd say keep an open mind too. It might not work out for you, so be open to other options.

I attempted it and it was fab, got out for a while and couldn't get bk in, the contractions floored me. In the end I wouldn't have been able to deliver her in the pool as we needed a ventouse (I'm apparently small ) but just getting a go in it was good after being in a mini panic getting to the hospital

 

[Odd Socks]

i had a waterbirth with lauren, though i started pushing 3 minutes after getting in the pool & she was out 7 minutes later, so no idea if it helped with the pain or not! it was lovely being in the pool though
xx

 

[Sussy]

Opted to give birth in the birth suite as instead of delivery suite as wanted a more natural birth and ability to be on floor and lots of space to move ( they have mats and balls instead of a bed) I had no interest in a water birth. During labour midwife offered me the use of the pool, my husband talked me into it and it was amazing!!! So glad I did. It helped with pain and was nice to have the change of pain relief (started to use gas and air as before used TENS machine)