Waterbirths

[miko_latte]

Anybody considering or having or had a waterbirth?  And can you request a waterbirth at a hospital. yesterday a lady suggested having the baby in water. At first I was like "no way..." and my baby's dad was actually in favor of it. He though it was pretty cool, he said we'd be the first in the family to have a baby in the water, and I think he liked that idea, lol. Also i have heard that it relieves the pain more. I'm switchin doctors, and he specializes in waterbirths...I'm meeting him for the first time on Monday so I'll be asking him questions too, but I just wanted to know from a woman's perspective and opinions. I've been googling it, but it's not really giving me the answers I'm looking for. If anyone knows a specific website, let me knwo too. THANKS!!

[mommywa]

Found this-- my fears may be unfounded since it sounds like a small percentage actually have problems considering how many birth.

One review identified 16 articles reporting a total of 63 neonatal complications attributable to water birth, including drowning, respiratory problems, cord avulsion and waterborne infections.

[wannabamommy]

I love the idea of a water birth. That is what I am aiming for so I hope my doctor will go for it. I've heard it relieves a lot of the pain and helps you to stretch more to allow the baby to pass without an epsiotomy. I've never heard of a baby drowning. It's impossible unless like chantel said the baby comes out of the water and back down. They breath through the cord until it's clamped or they hit air.

[chantal21]

I have never heard of babies drowning when you give birth. The only way that would happen is if the baby's head comes out of the water and goes back down. As long as they are under the water, the mom is still breathing for the baby. That's so weird! I guess with any birth, there is always a slight chance of complication.

[mommywa]

I have heard the stories where the baby drowns or gets pneumonia.  I am so not in favor of water births.  I saw a baby story where the woman was hurting so bad and finally managed to get into the water and then the midwife found that the baby had passed meconium and they had to get her out of the water so the baby wouldn't aspirate it.  Poor woman--I was hurting for her.
Just my opinion.  Guess I have heard too many of the bad stories.

[miko_latte]

Yea, the hospital I'm going to has a special unit that's a waterbirth unit. That's why I'm really considering it, I can't give a waterbirth at home, but since the hospital has that special unit, we thought it would be pretty cool since it's just right there you know? I'm going Monday to check out the place so we'll see, and I'll be meeting my new OB then as well. I definitely want to be comfortable with my OB and this new place I'm going to. We'll see.

[rachie204]

thanks!

[chantal21]

Oh I see. It's weird..there are several birth centers fairly close to my house...I didn't know there was one 10 min. from me! My mom somehow found it or heard from a friend about it. I was so happy!! But then the midwife there was in a car accident and now has to retire. I have a new midwife now and she only does homebirths...thankfully we have persmission to use the original facility! Next time I don't think I will be able to, so I am going to switch yet again! lol. I'll try to look around for you...ya never know!

[rachie204]

i have looked.  I live in augusta ga but have yet to find one near here.  If anyone knows differently please let me know.  I have always wanted to go to a birthing center....esp since I want to go natural when we get pregnant again.  

[chantal21]

Do you have any birthing centers near your house? That's where I am going for mine....I am not brave enough to have a home birth...plus my husband just thinks that would be gross...lol.

[rachie204]

i would love to do a water birth....only i don't want to do a home birth and I don't think any of the hospitals around me do water births.  :(

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

I thought about it but DH doesn't like the idea.....

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I'm with Lois, I'm not a big fan of water/tubs.  I'm not a bath person and even if I do soak in a tub I shower after.  Even giving my kids baths I run fresh water to rinse them.  I'll stick with the traditional foot in stirrups pose.  As for epidural or natural, well that's up to you...I"m a big weany with pain too but I managed through a natural birth...nevermind the fact that my then 7 yo heard me from the waiting room screaming "GET IT OUT" but after all was said and done I didn't even remember the pain, I was completely lucid and mobile to enjoy my new baby and my recovery was quicker, easier and less painful.  

[loismwallace]

I'm not for it or against.....I watched one on TLC, A Baby Story and it was kinda gross and it didn't seem to be any less painful....Infact the lady looked like she was about ready to come out of that tub. Then it left just nasty blood stuff all in the water and you're sitting in it. I'm sure with all the excitement you don't think about, but it's definately NOT for me.
I don't even like taking baths. When I have to soak in the tub, I let the water drain while I take a shower.......ok? LOL

[mamaofonetrying42]

COntractions feel like a really bad period cramp! I would love to try it without the drugs but Im a baby and I get so mean people. I just want to enjoly the labor not be in pain the hold time......

[nikko*ttc]

I was thinking of a water birth and au natural as well. I have a 42 inch by 5 foot jetted tub and it is my favorite relaxation time, so that would be just heaven if you ask me. I just don't know if they do water births at the hospital close to where I live. If they do, I am all in.

[miko_latte]

Oh yea, the past 2 days I've been having sharp pains in my upper belly, more like right under my diaphram area, it lasts for a looong time, and I was telling my baby's dad, IF CONTRACTIONS FEEL ANYTHING CLOSE I WANT THE EPIDURAL!!!

[chantal21]

go for it Miko!! =) That's what I am aiming for here. I will be the first in my family to have a waterbirth also. Exciting! =)

[mamaofonetrying42]

I think it would be cool. but I need my drugs! LOL