Water birth?

alissaw43 · March 2013

Starting to read up on water birth and its something I might be interested in. Will most hospitals and OBs cooperate with this or is this more of an alternative method typically only used with a midwife? I wasn't sure. Thanks!!!

tate62610 · March 2013

We actually covered this at my initial visit. It's not typically what they cover but we just got on the subject somehow. Anyways, at this particular hospital out here that is not something they do. They have a couple rooms that cater to all sorts of methods but water birth is not one of them. She said that is something usually done with a midwife. Maybe check with a few hospitals around you and find out what they offer

JuneBug86 · March 2013

At the hospital I delivered in they had big tubs to labor in but you couldn't deliver in them.

Labarre5 · March 2013

I have looked in my area and there are nine close unfortunately :

It is alternative you would typically have to find a midwife or an OB at a birthing center. Being high risk I am work inclined to stay "traditional" even thought I would love to at least labor in a tub

las7838 · March 2013

If you want a water birth you need to research your local options in my old city it wasn't available, living where I do now I'm sure I could find a place but now I'm a csection momma.

jkuns7ty · March 2013

I am planning a home water birth this time around. Last time, I really wanted a water birth too, but DH was insistent on a hospital that time. While I was allowed to labor in the tub for an hour, it was limited to that. And, as PP said, most hospitals will not let you deliver in the tub. As I understood it, a time limit is imposed because they cannot monitor the baby's heartbeat while you are in the tub, and they don't want to worry about your body temp rising. Since DH knows what to expect now, I have talked him into a home water birth this time.

jkuns7ty · March 2013

jkuns7ty:
I am planning a home water birth this time around. Last time, I really wanted a water birth too, but DH was insistent on a hospital that time. While I was allowed to labor in the tub for an hour, it was limited to that. And, as PP said, most hospitals will not let you deliver in the tub. As I understood it, a time limit is imposed because they cannot monitor the baby's heartbeat while you are in the tub, and they don't want to worry about your body temp rising. Since DH knows what to expect now, I have talked him into a home water birth this time.

I should mention that we have to pay for this out of pocket, so if you can find a hospital that does them, and insurance would cover it, I would absolutely go for that option.

Scientist23 · March 2013

I'm in Canada and have a midwife, but if I want a water birth I have to cover the cost of the tub rental.

Gwyneddlesliegrace · March 2013

Most hospitals only have labor tubs.

Also, I labored in the tub last time and HATED it. I HAD to get out. But many many woman love it.

blathnat · March 2013

There are some hospitals and birthing centers that will allow it. The hospital about 30 mins north of me theoretically allows it- but you really need to do your research- how many tubs do they have? what would they exclude your from a waterbirth for? how many waterbirths do they actually do?

The hospital where I delivered my son only let you labor in the tub. You had to get out to push. I kept asking to use the tub, but by the time they got it ready for me I was about in transition- so I got about 20 minutes before they made me get out.

I am planing a home water birth this time.

kimbo1216 · March 2013

JuneBug86:
At the hospital I delivered in they had big tubs to labor in but you couldn't deliver in them.

Same at my new hospital. I wouldn't think a water birth is something most OBs would go for. I'm guessing you will most likely need a midwife at a center for that.

EmJ&B · March 2013

Like PPs have said - my hospital will let you labor in a tub but not deliver.

My doc also volunteers a birth center that I'm thinking about using if I meet all the criteria (low risk, etc) and they allow you to deliver in a tub (looks like a teeny pool)

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