I recently decided that I want to have a water birth (wb). Everyone speaks so high of wb. There are less ?

Question

tearing, less pain (i dont want to use any drugs), and less foetel distress. But then someone told me that I would be stupid to consider this, because there are so many complications that can arise from giving a wb. The baby can gasp for air and drown, I can get a water embolism etc, the cord can snap etc.

I would really like some input from mothers that already had a wb, and of those that had friends that had one, and I would like to know what sort of complications there was. I am 32 weeks pregnant, and need to make a decision soon!

Answer 1

hi there, I'm not sure where your from but with my first baby i wanted a drug free birth too. i tried walking, squatting etc. you name it i tried it. then one of the midwifes asked me to try sitting in the birthing pool, it really was a great relief, the contractions were just as strong but it really helped with the back pain. that's about all i can tell you I'm afraid as i wasn't allowed to actually have the baby in the birthing pool, they made me hop out to push. not sure if that's what happens now or if that's the norm, (it was 9 yrs ago), but it sure helped me a LOT.  

Answer 2

In the town that I live, there is only one hospital that will do water births.  Not sure why the other seven hospitals (and my doctor) refuse to do them.  

I did have one friend who was from Europe and planned a water birth, but when she was in labor and tried to get into the tub, she couldn't.  

Have you discussed this with your doctor?  He/she can tell you more about the pros and cons of a water birth.

Answer 3

Oh honey dont listen to stupid people! You child will never gasp for air and drown in water birth. This reflex does not occur until your child's nose hits air, and they still receive oxygen from the umbilical cord. The cord does not snap... its quite pliable and simply does not snap. Water embolism is no concern, infection does not occur and it is proven to be safer than regular hospital births for a low risk pregnancy.

No complications that would otherwise not arise would happen simply because of water birth. It just does not work that way. I get why some mothers are afraid, its natural, but not necessary.

I gave birth to all of my 5 children at home by choice, after extensive research. It is safe, comfortable and not all that painful. There definately is less tearing, especially if you are on your hands and knees (5 kids, not a single tear).  

Answer 4

Hi

I had a waterbirth delivery, it wasn't planned and I hadn't even given it a thought. The reason why was I tried gas and air and was instantly sick, so my midwife suggested it.  My thoughts? Fantastic. I had no other pain relief I was comfortable and warm and didn't have any complications till the very end when the cord was around my sons neck, all they did was make me stand up to give birth. But lets be honest that could have happened to anyone.  I was in the pool for 8 hours my son was 8lb 4oz and i didn't tear, didn't have stitches and no pain relief.  Afterwards I got out and on to a bed to deliver the placenta.  I would definately recommend it.

You need to make up your own mind I dont believe its dangerous.  www.babycentre.co.uk is a really goodsite that has a vast amount on info on waterbirths, enter waterbirth on the search box and happy reading.

Goodluck with your birth however you decide to do it.

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