Water Births

Hello Ladies,

There's a question that's been swilling around in my mind about water births, and I'd love your input.

I'm nearly 29-years-old and am exactly 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant with my first. During the Parentcraft Classes, I asked for the midwife's thoughts on water births.

She explained if the pool was available, and if there was a midwife working which was familiar and happy to assist with water births, AND if I was doing very well physically, a water birth could be arranged.

She also mentioned depending on how long my labor persisted, I could be sitting in a tub of my own funk for hours on end. She said there are people who bring in scoops to remove said funk from the tub. Ugh.

My ultimate goal is to not prolong the delivery more than humanly possible. I was told not having enough food in your system, exhaustion and meds can prolong and/or stop labor altogther. I don't plan on going through the process painfree, and the idea of a water birth appeals greatly. However I get the mental image of gunge floating to the top of the pool and once I'm in I'm stuck. Ew ew ew.

I'd love to hear your opinions regarding this.

Cheers!

Laura

I didn't have a water birth, but with my midwife she explained that she wouldn't let you get into the tub until it was time to push.  I sat in the tub during the early stages and it felt so good, but siting still like that can slow things down.  So if you want a quicker labor you will need to walk around alot and then get into the tub during the end. (Less funk that way too).

Ive been thinking about doing this. Im going to talk to my midwife on Tuesday about it.
Anyone know what the chances are of me being allowed to have a homebirth with my first pregnancy?

If you are a low risk pregnancy they should allow a home birth - but it will depend how willing your GP & midwife are to do it since they obviously have to come to your home.  I was discouraged from having one because I am over 35   

I'm going to try for one in hospital.  You get in once you are 4 cm dilated.  Midwife says women seem to dilate beautifully once in the water.  I'd like to see if it helps me with pain relief. 

It's worth a shot and everyone I know who's had one raves about their experience. 

As for 'funk', honestly, they've seen it ALL before.  Trust me, once you have this baby you'll get over being horrified at 'funk' or any modesty you had before.  9 times outta 10, the girth of the baby's head that far down in the pelvis will having a pinching effect on your lower colon and you won't have any accidents.

I had a water birth with my second child, born this past June. It was fantastic. Don't you worry about your funk, believe me no matter how you give birth, in water, on land, wherever, you are going to have all sorts of funk, and you will not give two hoots about it, if you are even aware of it. Your midwives/doctors/nurses have seen it all and your partner/husband more than likely will also be unaware as he will be paying more attention to a) your pain and b) the coming baby. And as soon as the baby is born, all is forgotten.

If you can get a water birth, go for it. There is something magical about it, and it is relaxing and soothing as far as childbirth goes. I am not sure how much easier it is for a first born, I think that's gonna be tough no matter where as everything is being newly stretched, and I am fairly sure that my labor this time around was much better because it was my second, but if I could have had both underwater I would have in a heartbeat. And if I have another, I will go for the waterbirth again.

Anyway I much preferred floating in the warm if funky water than writhing on the medical bed thing in a funky sweaty nightgown. Even with the pain, it was far more peaceful. You go into your own bubble in labor, anyway.

Good luck!

Don't you worry about your funk.

Hey guys,

Thank you so much for your feedback. The midwife didn't mention anything about going into the pool once you're somewhat dilated. Duh, that does make sense!

I'm not shy if the people at the hospital see me naked or see gunk floating by. The way the midwife spoke about water births, she gave me the impression I just didn't want to sit in it for 12 hours. I guess if I felt sick or if the labor was too protracted, I could always get out of the tub.

For giggles I may ask about it when we have to go to the hospital. Only 10 more days to go!

Laura

I have not had one personally, but my SIL just did and said it was amazing.  She would do it for the next one too but this time at home.   Good luck!

Check your hospitals regulations.  Some hospitals don't allow for water births if labour has to be induced. 

The way the midwife spoke about water births, she gave me the impression I just didn't want to sit in it for 12 hours. I guess if I felt sick or if the labor was too protracted, I could always get out of the tub.

You will likely start out in a tub until the labor progresses towards the real deal (I forget what all the stages are called). You more than likely will not be in the birthing pool for 12 hours!!! And you can always get out and walk around or whatever if you need to or want to. If things are going well, you will probably not want to get out of the pool, but the option is there. As long as things are progressing well and there is no danger to you and/or the baby, your midwives will guide you but let things go with the flow. As the water is a form of pain relief, you'll probably stay in as long as you can (it does feel good).

Again, my water birth was with my second child so things moved faster anyway, but I was only in the birthing pool less than 2 hours. Water births are supposed to go quicker, generally.