Water birth ?

[lizzy12]

Anyone ever try it?

Did you go to a place or rent a tub?

I hear it can be drug free and less pain. Is this true?

what are the risks ?

Is it less or more expensive then a birth at the hospital

[Guest]

A friend of mine did it. She rented a tub. It is drug free but pain is relative.

Lots of risks - usually you do this at home. There are limited resources at home if ever something goes wrong.

The expense is also relative - you can go big bucks or you can go simple. It can be cheaper than the hospital or it can be more. Health insurance does not cover tub rental, etc. It only covers the midwife.

My friend had a water birth for her first child but something didn't go right, so the midwife took her to the hospital. She had a c-section.

They tried a water birth for her second child and it went through without a hitch.

[MarginOfError]

Anyone ever try it?

Did you go to a place or rent a tub?

I hear it can be drug free and less pain. Is this true?

what are the risks ?

Is it less or more expensive then a birth at the hospital

Is there something you're not telling us? When are you due?

[lizzy12]

okay. thanks. Anyone have any other comments?

I'm considiring water birth for my first child. I don't want to have her in the hospital however i'm kind of a wimp and i hear that water births are less painfull.

I understand that no medication can be used while during water birthing and as much as i hope i can do this without medication and be able to bring my daughter into the world without help of medication i don't want it to go wrong.

[Just_A_Guy]

I'm considiring water birth for my first child. I don't want to have her in the hospital however i'm kind of a wimp and i hear that water births are less painfull.

I'm skeptical that a water birth would be less painful than a hospital birth with an epidural.

[Elgama]

my hospital has one and I fully intended to use, however first 2 I was induced so couldn't. And my third arrived before the tub was ready so never got to try it, I did sit in the bath for him not sure it helped much pain wise at the end I find the pushing the worst bit.

However would suggest a hypnotherapy CD or tape. My hospital doesn't do epidurals, and I can't take gas and air or morphine, I did find it helped me be relaxed and cope. If you can afford a hypnotherapist then some women I know have been do report very manageable and sometimes pain free births. I used a TENS machine with my first two if its put on the moment your labour begins its quite effective, my third I forgot it lol

Edited July 7, 2010 by Elgama

[Guest]

Hi Lizzy, just so I understand you completely, you are still 16 years old right, and just asking out of the hypothetical?

[Wingnut]

Like someone else said, pain is relative. Water gives the addition of buouyancy, which gives an illusion of weightlessness. Once you get out and being your recovery, you're still going to be sore.

Also, just because you have a vaginal birth in a hospital doesn't mean you can't do it without drugs. An epidural is optional.

Third, more and more hospitals are adding facilities for water births in house. I'm pretty sure that my hospital has rooms that can quickly and easily be adapted with a birthing pool. When the time comes, look into that option in your area.

Also, when the time comes, depending on where you live, you may not be allowed to plan a home birth. My sister-in-law is in her third trimester and recently moved to Alabama. She would love to have a water birth at home, but in that state, midwives are not authorized to deliver babies at home.

[Just_A_Guy]

Third, more and more hospitals are adding facilities for water births in house. I'm pretty sure that my hospital has rooms that can quickly and easily be adapted with a birthing pool. When the time comes, look into that option in your area.

Bear in mind, too, that just because a hospital has the facilities doesn't mean they'll actually let you use them. The hospital where my 3 were born has a birthing tub, but they won't let people use it--out of sanitary concerns, they say.

[Wingnut]

Bear in mind, too, that just because a hospital has the facilities doesn't mean they'll actually let you use them. The hospital where my 3 were born has a birthing tub, but they won't let people use it--out of sanitary concerns, they say.

When I took the hospital tour, they specifically pointed it out and said that it was available should we want to use it.

Why would they have it and then disallow its use? Weird.

[Elgama]

i wasn't that sore when I got out of the labour ward either, my consultant did say the less you took during labour in his experience the faster your recovery, which was certainly my experience, I came out the labour ward feeling fantastic because you get the adrenallin rush., labour is such an individual experience but honestly I think fear causes more problems than anything because you tense up. But then I only had labours of a few hours each time. More women have good experiences than bad, you just are more likely to hear the story of the poor woman who was in labour for 42 hours than someone like me who managed 5, 3 and 2. I found with each one the point at which each one became totally unbearable the baby was nearly here.

A natural labour without drugs walking round or in the water is more likely to result in fewer stitches. Also things like snacks if you hospital allows them really help with energy levels. Labour is becoming much easier than it was for our parents generation, you have more choices

[Elgama]

When I took the hospital tour, they specifically pointed it out and said that it was available should we want to use it.

Why would they have it and then disallow its use? Weird.

possibly because you don't have a proper midwifery system? at least my SIL didn't in California. Here we have a whole team of dedicated babycatchers, you only see a Doctor if something goes wrong. They kind of say hello at the beginning of pregnancy see you for a scan or two maybe and then if you go over 40 weeks for induction.

[lizzy12]

okay. thanks.keep the comments coming. I'm rrly considiring this.

[sensibility]

I hope this isn't of imminent concern for you . . .

I haven't, but I'm booked in to have one at a midwife-run birthing centre -- hopefully quite soon, since I'm due tomorrow. You aren't allowed to use the tub if you've had drugs other than laughing gas, so yes, it's drug-free by definition. Water is considered a form of pain relief in and of itself; whether that's just because the water relaxes women so they don't tense up as much or what, I don't know, but I would say 99% of women I've spoken to about it said that being in the tub was much less painful. (Also, the midwives have put up a disco ball above the birthing tub. That pretty much clinched it for me. )

I have spoken to a couple women who said the water didn't actually make much difference for them, though, so there are no guarantees.

Why don't you want to go to a hospital?

[lizzy12]

well, i'm not one for hospitals, and the idea that i can bring my baby into the world without medication is very appealing to me.

I've always loved the water, and it sounds like a good natural birth option.

[marshac]

well, i'm not one for hospitals, and the idea that i can bring my baby into the world without medication is very appealing to me.

I've always loved the water, and it sounds like a good natural birth option.

Before you totally write off hospitals, you should at least look at a few of them first- often the birthing areas look more like a family room than a clinical office. Also, you have trained staff, equipment, and OR at the ready should they be needed. After you give birth, you can rest a bit knowing that people are checking in on you and your baby- and if you're having problems breastfeeding, lactation consultants are on-staff. Also, just because you're in the hospital doesn't mean they're going to pump you full of drugs- it's your choice as the patient. My wife didn't receive any drugs* for our kiddo.

*she did receive some pitocin after the delivery to help stop the bleeding- as a husband, that's the most frightening thing to see- your wife bleeding a lot.

[Guest Alana]

They are very popular in my area, both home and hospital. Our main hospital has large tubs available and there is also a 'birthing center' at our local 'surgery center' (you can have a c-section there if needed, planned or emergency.) The birthing center is fairly plush, four poster beds in all the rooms with nice wood furniture and they really cater to the mom who wants to do it 'her way'.

When talking to my OB/GYN about how I don't want an epidural this time the first thing she said was 'well, maybe if we get you in the tub that will help you to relax and with the pain'.

I'd just say that when it comes to birth, there are things that are needed and things that aren't. If you're very clear with your Dr and talk about what is practical and what they are willing to do, you can have a very free and nice delivery at a hospital.

If you're induced or have meconium in the water, then there are things that they HAVE to do. But for instance, I like to have the baby put up on me right away (lot of hospitals always do this), I like to wait a few minutes before they put the antibiotic in their eyes. I like the lights low, I don't want any counting when I'm pushing, as long as things are progressing well, I like pushing at my own pace (last time was one push so there really was no need for insane blow your eye balls out pushing), I like to give the first bath, etc. Positions for pushing, etc are all variable. I also found that having a midwife who delivers in the hospital gave me even more options.

I personally wouldn't like being all wet and slippery in a bathtub or larger tub during delivery. But, I can totally see how it would help you relax, sooth muscles (contractions involve a lot of muscles) and be a great way to reduce pain. Whatever you do, remember that you can be in charge, at home or hospital, as long as you educate yourself about things that need to happen and things that are options and what youre midwife/dr is comfortable with.

[talisyn]

To be completely honest I think that the last thing I'd want during labor is to sit in a tub of water. After delivery, sure. In fact, after delivery that just sounds wonderful. But during the whole delivery process being a soaking wet mess sounds like one more distraction

[pam]

Bear in mind

No pun intended right when referring to delivery? Such as bear down.

[applepansy]

Lizzy are you expecting?

[lizzy12]

Lizzy are you expecting?

I would rather not comment.

[Moksha]

Some Nurse Practioner Birthing Centers have in-room hot tubs for water supported delivery.

[Dravin]

I would rather not comment.

Which is generally the response people give when the answer is in the affirmative or they want to play games with people.

[What_Would_Angles_Do]

I'm sure this thread is packed full of reasonable explanations complete with counterarguments and well constructed rebuttals.

But I think water birth is just weird.

Not weird in that cute sort of I can get over it way. But weird in that creepy, uncomfortable silence inducing after you mention it at a party kind of way.

[Wingnut]

Which is generally the response people give when the answer is in the affirmative or they want to play games with people.

I agree. However, Lizzy's history on this board would suggest that the answer is not a "yes." It would also suggest that she's not one to play games.

Obviously she doesn't want to answer the question. Perhaps she will at a later time. Until then, I think it would be the most kind thing for us to all stop asking the obvious or hinting at it.

Edited July 8, 2010 by Wingnut