Have you ever had a water birth?

@maximax8 (31046)
United Kingdom
April 11, 2007 6:56am CST
I am planning to have a water birth in my own home. Two midwifes will be there to help me. When I had my son 11 years ago I was only allowed to have the first stage of labour(pushing) in the pool. This time I hope to be allowed to stay in the pool for the second stage (the baby coming out) as well. Have you ever had a water birth? Are you thinking of having one? Do you think water helps with the pain?
2 people like this
3 responses
@mistye (3)
• United States
5 May 07
Yes! I had a water birth with my son almost 3.5 years ago. I used an out of hospital birth center and was attended by a midwife and an in-training midwife. I can't imagine birthing any other way now that I have been through the experience. It felt so good! We worked to induce my labor over a weekend due to some high blood pressure issues and eventually had to break my water. I almost dove into the tub when I arrived. A darkened room with candles for light, my husband close by and my sister as my doula, both of them taking turns pouring warm water over my back as I labored on my hands and knees.....ahhh...it brings back memories!My son slipped from my body into the hands of my husband and myself and I was able to pull him right up to my chest. We were all able to stay warm and cozy for a bit in the tub. I highly recommend this method of birth. I don't know anyone with regrets and I look forward to having the opportunity to do it again someday.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
5 Dec 07
I am glad that had a wonderful experience with your water birth. My second baby was born too suddenly to do this. Many thanks for your excellent response.
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
7 Dec 07
Hi maximax I dont have children so of course I wouldnt have a water birth. I just wanted to comment on it. I think thats so wonderful your planning on doing that. Ive heard its really a wonderful way to have a baby and I want to wish you luck with it. How much pregnant are you? And when is the baby due?
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
7 Dec 07
Many thanks for responding to this old discussion. I had my baby son May 2007 so I am not pregnant anymore. But I think a water birth is a great experience for any pregnant woman.
• United States
11 Apr 07
I have never had one but when/if I have another child, this is one of the options I would explore. I think the water will help with relaxation which of course helps with the pain. I would think that it would also help your focus, because you could meditate on how the water feels against your skin, etc. Having had three babies in the "traditional" style, being basically trapped on my back in a bed, I can see how these more natural ways of birth would be so much more beneficial to you and your baby.
@maximax8 (31046)
• United Kingdom
5 Dec 07
I had the water pool put up in my lounge two weeks before my due date. One night I woke up in labor, but it was so quick the water pool was still filling when my baby son was born. Many thanks for your superb response.