Discovery Home & Health

Hi I'm due in September and planning on having a water birth in a midwife led unit.

I just wanted to see if there were others who are planning or considering on having a water birth too and can share thoughts and ideas.

Or maybe you've previously had a water birth and can share what it was like.

Also, it would be good to know if there are DVD's or books on water births too?1?

I'm hoping for a water birth with my first too. I haven't seen this video but am thinking of getting it.
http://www.gentlebirthmethod.com/products.html
how to prepare for a safe and easy waterbirth
Shona 11+6 xxx

I'd really like a water birth too but the only thing that is slightly worrying me is the fact the midwife might have to seive out blood clots and .....[:I][:I]poo[:I][:I] which is a grim thought. Apart from that though it sounds like a great idea. I've always found warm baths relieve even the worst period pains and although I know birth will be loads worse, it should at least help a bit. I don't like the thought of feeling drunk and dizzy on pethadine or not being able to move with an epidural either. The hosp I'm having my baby only has one pool though so can't guarantee it'll be available so I can't fully set my hopes on it.

Let me know if you find out any more info!

Maz - 15 weeks today!! xxx

wow..15 weeks mazz!! congrats!

Hello..

I'm planning on a water birth in hospital mainly because hubby and I are water babies and feel it would be good for pain relief along with gas & air of course!! I don't like the thought of pethidine or having an epidural but am keeping an open mind as my hospital is the same as Maz's - only 1 pool so no guarantees it will be free when I need it and of course everything has to be absolutely perfect for labouring in the pool. []

I know of only 1 person that's experienced the birthing pool and she said it was fab.

Paula xx
34wks today []

Hi,
I would love a water birth too. My problem is the same as yours Mazzle - only one pool in the hospital. During my last labour 4 years ago, they didn't even have a bed for me let alone a pool. I ended up in a make shift bed from a ward and a bath - no toilet either!
What do people wear? I would feel uncomfortable being totally naked. Perhaps a modest bikini top?

Chele
26wks

The midwife unit called to say they received my GP's referral letter. So I'm halfway towards getting my water birth. They're were so nice over the phone so I can't wait. They've also said that I can take a look around, which I'll do when I get my appointment there.

SHONAM Thanks for the video tip. I might Google it and see what reviews it gets.

MAZZLE That's really funny. I think I'd rather poo and stuff in the water than glooed to me on a bed. I'm not too keen on pain relief either, I must be mad, but have heard that the water helps with pain. My midwife unit has one pool and about 5 midwives who are trained to use it, so fingers crossed. At least I'll get my own room either way though.

HOPEFUL It's great that you at least have that personal feedback on what the water birth was like. I think I have to remember to keep an open mind too, because nothing is predictable when it comes down to the little cherubs. What did your friend have to say about water births? I think I like the idea of gas n air, although I hope it doesn't make me dizzy or anything.

CHELE Oh my gosh, what an ordeal you had. I hope things have changed!! I researched my midwife unit through a website called Dr Fosters. It tells you how many pools there are, how many midwives are trained to use it, how many people choose to have a water birth at that unit etc. On TV, most of the ladies I've seen do water births wear a big old t shirt or go naked. I think I would go naked, because stuff clinging to me would drive me crazy.

*********HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE*********

Autumn 17+2wks

Hi
I am hoping to have a water birth, i too am a water baby and would love to bring my child into the world in the water, my hospital have a special antenatal class that they talk through what would happen and reasons that you may not be able to have one, or why you might have to get out before the baby is born.
I knoow you have to be 37weeks + and have no complications whatsoever. I'm 32 weeks on sunday and so far so good if everything stays the same then hopefully i'll get the water birth i'm hoping for and i hope all you girls do to!
Good luck girls
Laura
31 + 5
x x x

lauradette Thanks for your comment. I hope all goes well for you and you get to have your water birth. Sounds like you are having really good antinatal classes. []

Do any of your hospitals let you hire pools and bring them in with you? I have heard of this but imagine space would be a problem... might be worth asking though.
xxx

SHONA I'm waiting for my booking apointment, but it's a great question to ask. Hopefully it's possible.

I've heard that some hospitals hask you to bring your own pool lining, which costs about �50.

It has to be worth a try if it means guarenteed pool and exclusive use. There should be plenty of time for setting up with a first baby (can't decide if that is a plus or a minus.... first birth jitters anyone?).
Shona xxx 12+6

SHONA I think I'm so concerned with every little twing and pull etc, along the way, that I haven't even thought about the actual giving birth bit. I think my only concern is preaclampsyia, because my mum and sister got it with their first.

Autumn 18+2