Has anyone done/are you doing a Water Birth?

Schnebs · October 2011

Hey everyone! My husband and I are trying to conceive our first baby, and I have come across the water birth option in my research. Has anyone opted for this, or do you have a reason that you avoided it? For anyone that has had a water birth how did you feel about it? Would you again?

I swore for years that I would never try anything but a hospital birth with a large amount of medication, but now that I am trying to have a baby, the research that I have been doing is leading me to think more about a natural birth, or something other than a hospital, etc. Thanks ladies!

iris427 · October 2011

I loved having a water birth. The water helped make the pain a lot more bearable. It also made it easier to labor and push in an upright position without tiring out as fast. I would definitely want another water birth if I have another baby.

You can always labor in a tub and get out for delivery too. And laboring in the shower is another good option.

TrendyTina · October 2011

My H and I are hoping for a water birth, but we're are also realistic about the likelihood that we will be able to have one. Since our birth will be in a hospital, unless everything is 100% perfect with me and baby, the OB will pull us out of the water.

DH is so funny about it. He says he is going to get a waterproof camera, a snorkel, and flippers. He' s just kidding of course, but it makes me happy that he's on board and wants to be in the water with me.

frlcb · October 2011

I had a water birth in a hospital. I loved it, it was very helpful with my pain, and I enjoyed being in the water.

annabelle.27 · October 2011

I'm going to give it a shot, but I'm not confident it'll be for me since sitting in the tub when in labour with my son was hell. I'm told that's not normal, though- most people say it helps to relieve pain.

KateLouise · October 2011

I didn't actually birth in the tub (although I didn't plan to either)

I was in the tub for pain relief, and I was pushing and I wasn't really bothered if LO was born in the water or not, but then my midwife had me get out because she was worried LO was getting stuck and she wanted better access to have a look.

I found the warm water in the tub, and before that in the shower, to be fabulous for the pain relief.

I spent most of my early labour at home in the shower, and it was running out of hot water that was part of our reason for going to the hospital when we did.

Good luck with your decision. The great thing is that on the day you can do what feels best, and if warm water is working for you then great, but if it doesn't then that's no big deal either.

natalie202 · October 2011

I had a water birth at the hospital (my care provider was a certified nurse midwife). Water, counterpressure, and staying off my back were the three things that helped make labor bearable for me. When we have our next LO, I'll definitely want to try the water again (keeping in mind that next time, it may be something other than water that works for me).

jerseybroadwaybaby · October 2011

I had a waterbirth in the hospital with DS and I am planning on doing the same with the baby we currently have on the way. It was so relaxing...to me anyway! Try watching the business of being born. It gave me a ton of information and made me want to have a natural birth!

Mrs.Greeko · October 2011

I had a hospital birth with my first (no drugs) and as soon as I walked out of the hospital I swore I would never again give birth in a hospital.

My second was born at a birth center in a birth tub. It was a much better experience. The water felt great to me and seemed to really help. I hadn't really given much thought to actually having the baby in the water, but when they told me I could get in the tub if I wanted to it sounded good and I didn't want to get out. It really surprised my DH as I was pretty sure I wouldn't have a waterbirth. My friend gave birth at the same birth center a few months later and she was sure she wanted a water birth and when she got there she did not want to get into the tub so she didn't. You never know what will sound good in labor and what won't so don't get too married to the idea of a waterbirth, but look into places where it is at least an option.

GoldenPeaches · October 2011

I'm having a birth at the local freestanding birthing center. They have large tubs to labor and deliver in if that's what the mother chooses. Who knows what will happen in the moment but if I had to decide right this second, I would definitely choose to give birth in the tub. Studies show that being in the water is an effective form of pain relief, speeds up labor, and aids in the changing of positions during labor. All of that is good enough to have me on board.

Schnebs · October 2011

Thank you all for your input! I will definitely try to find a location in the area that has options later on.

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