Water Birth

westofhere · August 2014

If you are having a water birth, will your husband/partner be in the birth tub with you?

MuchlyGen · August 2014

I don't really care either way. I'm pretty self-reliant during birth. I would be fine with him getting in, and it would be nice in a way to have him to lean on...

But I genuinely don't think he would be comfortable with it. He handles it admirably in the moment, but just in general doesn't deal with the "bodily fluids" side of life that well, and being in direct contact with them probs would not be high on his list. I'm sure he would if it were important to me, but I highly doubt he'll feel /compelled/ to jump in.

marriedinaugust · August 2014

I had no desire to have a water birth last time. I'm undecided this time but still leaning toward no. I hate baths and being wet in general. In the very rare chance I get in my husband will not be joining me. He doesn't think I'll want a water birth but will support whatever I need but will not get in with me.

pixieprincss · August 2014

I was open to it with DS2, but DH was not interested in being in the water. That ended up being just fine because he was behind me on the ground (round tub) rubbing my shoulders, coaching, etc.

MsMacual · August 2014

I'm thinking he won't want to get in the tub, but he's welcome to if he wants. He didn't deal so well with our first son's birth, which was really surprising to me b/c he's been in the OR to observe med device placements a million times (he's a med device engineer). I think that open heart surgery is more gory than giving birth!

mb314 · August 2014

I'm not allowed to give birth in the tub at our hospital, but I did labor in the tub. DH brought his swim suit, but in the end, I wanted to be in there on my own. DS was more useful to me on the outside, spraying warm water on my back, getting me ice chips, etc. When I was pushing (on "dry land") I didn't really want him touching me other than holding my hand.

Honestly, you may not know what you want until the moment, so I would have your DH be prepared to be in the water with you if that's what you want in the moment.

JCWhitey · August 2014

While I won't birth in water I may try to labor in it again and DH will not be in there. The tub in the suite is designed for two people with your SO sitting behind you, but I didn't want him in there with me. Laboring in the tub was "me" time. I kicked everyone out and shut the door and asked that no one enter until I called for them.

mrsblueeyes · August 2014

I labored in the tub by myself. It was very comfortable, for one person. I ended up putting a washcloth over my face and just holding DH's hand. That's about as much contact as I wanted

drpayne · August 2014

mrsblueeyes said:
I labored in the tub by myself. It was very comfortable, for one person. I ended up putting a washcloth over my face and just holding DH's hand. That's about as much contact as I wanted

This. I wouldn't have wanted anyone constantly touching me.

And no one talks about it but you might poop in the tub. At least warn the guy

RobynB13 · August 2014

I can't because of stupid medical stuff (it's hard enough getting OB's to agree to the ball and to accept that if they come near me with a catheter, I'm going to probably send them downstairs to the ER... not a fan of those.) but I get grossed out just feeling the whoosh of fluids during contractions post membrane rupture... even in full blown labor I almost gagged seeing them change out some of the blue absorbent butt-sheet thingies... but I just don't think I could stomach knowing I'm in my own labor-soup

(I'm not saying it's gross though!! I think it's beautiful and such an amazing way for greet your new addition... I just have a gag reflex for certain things, and that's one of them)

rmwt001 · September 2014

We were planning water birth with both girls. With DD1 there wasn't time (long story). With DD2, he was planning on getting in the tub, but when the time came I didn't want him taking up an ounce of the water. FYI - not sure if anyone else had this experience but when it came time to push I pretty much begged to get out of the tub. Turns out I didn't want to be buoyant trying to push a baby out. LOL. It wasn't easy, but they did get me out of the tub mid pushes.

jennypolkadots · September 2014

I am not really planning to deliver in the tub but will labor in it. Ours is not just an inflatable pool thing, it is a real home birth jetted tub and has plenty of room and support for both of us. DH is not the least bit weirded out by bodily fluids (mom and sister are RNs) and I know he won't be looking at that anyways. I know right now the most comforting thing in the world is leaning against his chest and I will feel so much safer with him there with me.

One thing I know for sure that we have discussed is he will be shirtless and so will I. I want 100% skin to skin family bonding time for that whole first while after birth.