Natural Birth

Water Birth in Hospital

I have a great hospital chosen for my (first!) birthing experience, and I really want to go natural and have a water birth. I've heard such good things about it, but I wanted to see if anyone has tips/advice! Did you like it, or no? Have any suggestions that could make it more comfortable?

Re: Water Birth in Hospital

  • Congrats of finding a great hospital! My hospital for DD was super natural north friendly, but allowed only laboring, not actual birth, in the water. So if yours does, very cool! The vast majority of home births I've heard of used water birth and all seem to have really like that. I labored (at home) a lot in tub, but didn't labor in the one in my room at hospital because I arrived fully dilated. Good luck!
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  • I have had three water births at a free standing birth center . I love laboring and giving birth in the water. During labor I tend to hit a point most likely transition where I can't focus and keep myself calm and relaxed inbetween the contractions anymore . That's when I get into the tub or shower if I'm at home . The water really helps take the edge off the contractions. I tend to labor on my hands and knees so two out of my three births I have delivered in the tub leaning over the side on my knees . My suggestion is to allow yourself to birth in whatever position feels the best to you it's going to be less painful and more efficient . If the tub doesn't feel right remember you can always try laboring in the shower . All around all my water births have been very peaceful . I'm 36.4 weeks right now and planning fourth water birth and can't wait . Its an amazing experience !
  • Awesome that you found a hospital that does water births!  My hospital only allowed water for laboring in, but it was great!  I definitely would have done a water birth if I could have.  In fact I was so comfortable that I 'labored down' for 1.5+ hours because I didn't want to get out and push!

    DH would pour water over my stomach during contractions which helped a lot. 

  • My best piece of advice, take it for what you want.. I havent given birth yet, is to still keep an open mind.

    I am planning a water birth at a free standing center, but my husband and I still researched, practiced, read and taken classes for other comfort measures. We educated ourself on Medications and interventions incase we transfer. I've read birth stories of women who planned to birth in water but for personal choices found more comfort doing other things. Others loved the water. And sometimes being in the water can slow contractions down, so I want to have other plans/techniques to use if that's the case. I was SO adamant about having the water birth option available that my husband actually teased me saying how I would probably end up giving birth on the toilet. Its true... Who knows what I will find comforting in the moment!
  • Funny story! I explored water birth with my first pregnancy. While talking to the NP at my first ob's office I asked about water birth. Her reply was that I could labor in the water but not birth in the water. She said that I could not expect the doctor to put on a speedo and get into a tub with me and my biologicals!! True story! My husband asked her if she had ever witnessed an actual water birth. She said she hadn't. We left and never looked back. I ended up finding a wonderful doctor and had to have a csection.

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