water birth stories please

Good topic I would too love to hear some stories as I am thinking of changing my mind on my birth plan

Oh I had an amazing waterbirth.. Firstly, when I was 18 I watched my sister give birth to her first in a pool - It left such a lasting impression that I vowed that was the way I wanted to birth my babies.

Started my labour at home till contractions were 2mins apart, quick dash to the birthing unit where I had to wait for the pool to fill (roughly 30-40 mins). Started on gas just before getting in - didn't have any examinations but knew I wasn't too far off.

It was such an awesome relief getting into the water - DH sat behind me on a stool (outa the water) and rubbed my shoulders. I felt relaxed and able to concentrate on working through my contractions. 45 mins after getting I started involuntary pushing, 20mins later she was born with me in the sitting position, it was beautiful! She was calm, let out a small cry but just wanted to take in the whole world, it was amazing! I opted for a natural third stage which took 25mins. A couple of pushes and the placenta was out, I then got outa the pool and cleaned up. She was then passed to DH for snuggles. Total labour 3&half hours. I felt fantastic, on a natural high.

Best part would be how calm and relaxing the whole experience was - exactly how we wanted to welcome our baby. Second best part was I had no tears or grazes, which I attribute to my completely relaxed state.

Good luck with your decision, I can't recommend it highly enough, it was truely an awesome experience!

I will be opting for home water births for subsequent babies, circumstances permitting of course. I can't recommend it highly enough.

My first birth was a waterbirth (planned) and it was fantastic! No pain relief and such an amazing experience. I was wanting to do it again for #2 but it wasn't an option cause she was breech so ahd a c/s.
I'd recommend a waterbirth to anyone...well worth the experience

I had my 2nd baby in the water and it was great. I have to admit, when I first got in the pool I was dissapointed because it still hurt full on (my contractions were right on top of each other which was hard). I had gas while in the pool which was nice. Once I was in there, I couldn't think of anything worse than trying to get out and dried etc.

I felt great afterwards, but I don't know how much of that is due to it being my 2nd child or the water. It was really good to be able to float around the pool rather that feeling heaving outside the pool.

If it works out for you, Im sure you will be really pleased.....but, I do have a friend who was planning on using a birthing pool, but when it came down to it, she couldn't stand having the water around her.

Good luck

I laboured at home with Jackson as long as possible - when I got to the hospital I was 8cm dilated and wanted drugs but the MW asked if I'd like to give the deep bath a go.
I really loved it in there, I liked being able to just move into different positions easily, and the water was really calming. It just took away that "hospital" feel for me. DH and my mum were on the edge of the pool rubbing my back and giving me water.

I ended up delivering out of the water, which I was quite disapointed about. MW was telling me to push but I was adament I wasn't ready, so they got me out on the bed to examine me (getting out of the bath sucked! I went from feeling like a lightweight to barely being able to stand) and see what was going on. She burst the rest of my waters and within seconds I was pushing and it was all go. I hated being on the bed - I went from being calm to darn right traumatised and scared! I felt like I had lost a bit of control as well.

He was 9lb 3oz born, I got a small graze so I'm pretty sure it would have been worse had I not been in the water.

I laboured in the pool and delivered out of it... It was great for pain relief but it did slow things down for me... I was 6-7 cm dilated when we got there and the MW thought it would be over in a few hours as I had been dilating reasonably fast. I had to get out of the pool to be checked after 5 hours and Id made no progress which was pretty devastating at the time... ended up having to be transferred to hospital so couldn't use the pool anymore. I would still try for a waterbirth or at least labour again as it definitely helped with the pain more than gas or pethadine

I don't know about temp or anything but when we did a tour around NSH from memory there were 4 birthing pool rooms. I remember thinking it was worth having a water birth just to use those rooms cos they have the coolest ceilings, they have little led pinprick stars (y'know, like the ceiling of the Civic). Awesome mood lighting, must be very peaceful

thanks weegee, I remember those lights- they did look really cool

 

I did home waterbirths with #3, #4 & #5. Doing it again with #6.

I found being in the pool to feel very safe & secure, I was in my own little world. #5 was born out of the water, she was 10lb & didn't want to come out, I didn't really want to get out of the water. She was born within minutes of lying down on my bed - just the change of position did it.

Hubby definately didn't want to go in the water, he leaned over the side to put counter-pressure on my back when I needed it.

I think that the water really helped to soften everything 'down there' - which was good.

My babes that were born in the water & even #5, didn't cry when they were born (just a little grizzle maybe) my other 2 came out screaming, it just seemed to be a much more peaceful birth for them.

There are 3 at NSH I so want the option to do this but its not looking likely unless I have a homebirth and I am not comfortable with that.

Oh and if your mw rings the hospital when you are on route they will start filling the tub for you so you can just get in as soon as you arrive