questions about water birth

KariNeilson

has anyone here done or considered water birth? I'd like to know a bit more about it. I was just thinking, I've heard it is supposed to make you more relaxed, and I LOVE taking warm baths, it is SO COMFORTING for me, so I feel like it would be a good choice, but I also hear you can't have an epidural, which I don't know if I could do. Any answers out there??

tastyburger

well, you COULD do without the epi.  the question is, do you want to.  Do lots of research (there are even youtube water birth vids to watch), talk to your doctor, and see if it would be a right choice for you.

good luck!

emilysbeaulieu

I have not done one, as a first time pregger, but the water birth and the tub are used as a coping technique in the place of an epidural.  It is even sometimes called the midwives epidural. 

I dont know if I am going to deliver in the tub but I definitely know that I want to labor in the tub when I start feeling like the pain is getting to be too much.  The birth center I went ta said that most people that labor in the tub end up having water births because they dont want to get out, lol. 

MrsTiara

I'm planning a water birth for this time.  I had planned a water birth last time, but I got to the birth center ready to push and too exhausted to get into the waiting tub (they asked me several times, but I just wanted to lay down on the bed!).  I did labor in the tub at home, but instead of filling it, I just turned on the warm water for each contraction and had it wash over me, it felt so good.

You can totally have a birth without the epi, I'd recommend hanging out here more frequently and start doing some research.

blueLu25

I have had two natural births- the first I labored in water until I started to push, and the second was a water birth. I love love loved being in the water. The water really takes the edge off compared to laboring without it, mostly once you get into transition, etc and the contrax really get going. I REALLY recommend it!

The thing is, if you want to go natural, regardless of the water, you really have to have your mind made up about it. Its really a mental choice, and once you feel like you can do it, you will be able to. Its such an amazing experience, you just have to believe in yourself, and know you have the strength even though its tough. Great midwife and support people really help too! 

KariNeilson

thanks for all the information!! It helps. I really think I would enjoy being in the water, but I'm not sure if I can manage without the epi...I definitely need to do some more research.

mbh10220

blueLu25:

I have had two natural births- the first I labored in water until I started to push, and the second was a water birth. I love love loved being in the water. The water really takes the edge off compared to laboring without it, mostly once you get into transition, etc and the contrax really get going. I REALLY recommend it!

The thing is, if you want to go natural, regardless of the water, you really have to have your mind made up about it. Its really a mental choice, and once you feel like you can do it, you will be able to. Its such an amazing experience, you just have to believe in yourself, and know you have the strength even though its tough. Great midwife and support people really help too! 

Beautiful words- this just made me cry.  =]  Thanks for these thoughts BlueLu25 -  I feel much more confident about my upcoming birth experience now.

blueLu25

aww, you're welcome! Glad I could help someone!