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wanting a water birth...

OnTheLanaiOnTheLanai member
in Natural Birth

For the past 2.5 years that we have been trying to have a baby, I just *knew* I wanted to deliver at our local hospital because my BFF had and she had two very successful labor/deliveries including water birth there. But then, I started researching all the interventions they(general they, not this specific hospital) do after birth to baby, and I am getting more and more uneasy with those things.

There is a brand new birthing center in our state and its about an hour away, if you risk you..you deliver at their local hospital. I feel like I'm really not sure what to do! I want a safe delivery for me and baby. I dont want baby to be taken from me to go to the nursery, and I wanna make sure that our wants as far as baby is concerned are met.

Thoughts? Opinions? Did you have a natural birth at a hospital, birthing center, home? I really just need to hear more opinions and experiences on all of this. FTM and I don't know how the heck to make this kind of decision!

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Re: wanting a water birth...

  • FinallyMrsBMWFinallyMrsBMW member
    I had a natural birth at a hospital and had a great experience. I labored in the tub and was set to do a water birth with my OB but I decided to get out while I was pushing because my DD was stuck strangely because she was transverse and I couldn't get in the right position in the tub. It is completely doable to have a successful natural birth at a hospital as long as you surround yourself with people who support your wishes. 
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  • KateLouiseKateLouise member

    With my first I had a great natural birth in a hospital with a midwife (with my second we had an unintended homebirth with DH doing the delivery which is a whole other story)

    i think a lot of your hospital experience depends on the protocols of yoru hospital.

    i think a lot of having a successful natural birth is about feeling as relaxed as possible.

    For me feeling relaxed meant having medical help on hand if needed. for others being relaxed means being in their own home environment. It's all very personal and I don't think anyone can tell you what is "right" for you, assuming you are a low risk pregnancy.

     

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  • couliegirlcouliegirl member

    I'm a FTM too and this was a pretty overwhelming decision to begin with. I'd talk to the hospital specifically about what their procedures post partum are. The hospital I'm birthing at sounds similar to the one your friend had her baby at. They are very NB friendly, have birthing tubs, and encourage skin on skin time directly after baby is born (as long as there are no issues). They also offer rooming in if you don't want your baby to go to the nursery.

    Then I'd talk to the MW group that you would be delivering with for the most part talking with my the gals that could be helping me deliver has really set my mind at ease. They even offer a standardized birth plan for those of us who don't know where to begin. You can just choose from the options or use it to make up your own.

    My personal opinion on delivering an hour away is this: If I had a hospital closer where I thought I would receive good care, I would not drive an hour. It would make me too nervous that I would either be unbelievably uncomfortable for an hour or that I would deliver on the way.

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  • pinksweetpea2pinksweetpea2 member

    I had both my babies at home in the water.  There are very few hospitals and birth centers that allow water births in my area- most that have tubs will only let you labor in them...if that.

    GL 


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  • LesleyTLesleyT member

    It took me 2 1/2 years to get and stay pregnant too- so I completely sympathize. I'm doing a water birth at the hospital- but I'm lucky to have one of only a few docs in my area that does water births- and my hospital is one of a select few that does skin to skin policy as well as flexible birth plans. I think it really depends on the hospitals in your area and their procedures and how flexible both your OB and your hospital are with birth plans. 

    I never intended on a natural birth until I learned more about epidurals, vaccinations, and all kinds of other "goings on" related to baby and birth. Now I'm 110% for it! 

    I would talk to your OB, and go on some hospital tours, as well as look into hypnobirth classes, water birth classes, etc- there's so much info out there- but you have to find IT. I would also consult with a local Doula/Mid-wife in your area.as they would know more about your local options.

    I say - DO IT YOUR WAY. Even if that means you have to do it at home or a birth center. Good luck!  

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  • OnTheLanaiOnTheLanai member
    Wow thanks ladies! The past two nights Ive had nightmares of situations where I NEEDED to be at the hospital which is making me way nervous. Im thinking of going on a hospital tour on Saturday morning so that we can see everything in person and find out the policies. I didnt even know there was skin to skin policies in place in some places. I will definitely have to ask!
    Thanks so much for the encouraging words! I am hopeful that I will get to have the birth of my dreams! But definitely trying to stay realistic and mentally open.
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