Info on water births
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Topic: Info on water births
Posted By: myfullhouse
Subject: Info on water births
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 12:15pm
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I am interested in finding out more info about water births for #2 I have had a search and there are heaps of threads but really about people's experiences. My mw suggested Janet Balasleas's website but I can't find it. Can anyone recommend and websites, books etc so I can learn more? ------------- Lindsey 
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Replies:
Posted By: monster
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 2:43pm
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This http://www.homebirth.org.uk/water.htm - site is aimed at people having homebirths, but has good info on the waterbirth part (which I assume would be very similar if you were at a hospital/birth centre with an independent m/w).
Hope it's helpful, though it's a UK-based site. -------------   
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Posted By: Blankney94
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 2:57pm
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I don't know if you are able to mention other websites on here - but if you PM me I have a good website I go to with birth stories etc. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 3:02pm
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SarahMM I have just pm'ed you ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 6:21pm
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Linzy - can I ask what you are wanting to know? I can probably answer (or try) a fair few of your questions on the topic... ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 7:35pm
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To be honest I don't really know what I want to know in particular, just I suppose any info as I don't really know how they work. That doesn't really make sense does it? The reason I am wondering about them is that I never really did much research before I had Jack and although I am happy with how his birth went I am wondering if there are other (possibly better) options out there. ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 7:49pm
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Off the top of my head birthing in the water can assist with a few things, such as supporting your muscles more so there is less pressure while you labour. There is also a reduced chance of tearing down below, and some people feel that it is a more 'natural' (sorry, can't think of a better word) way for baby to be born ie: less stressful... as they are transitioning from one watery, warm environment to another, at least briefly... before they enter the 'big wide world'.
As far as how it works, hopping in too early can *sometimes* slow contractions, I know that some midwives prefer women not to get in until they are at least 5-6cm dilated. With baby being physically birthed into the water, as per usual the head comes out first and some women might worry that the baby can't breathe - but they are still receiving oxygen and nutrients from the placenta so are absolutely fine until they break the waters surface and / or the cord is cut. Usually once the body is born baby is passed straight up and out and onto mum. I had a water birth with DD and loved it, though I know water birth doesn't work out or isn't comfortable for all women either. I'm planning to have another water birth with this bub, but at home this time. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Blankney94
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 9:19pm
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Hi Pearls - did you feel the water made a difference to the amount of pain you were experiencing? ie less. Also at what stage did you get into the water? I heard that too about hopping in too early. I'm about to birth in 6 days and think I will stay at home until I can't handle it any more and then hopefully slip into the tub at the hospital. Of course I may not be very dilated by that stage..... I think the water will give me a greater sense of security and calmness. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 14 January 2009 at 11:44pm
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Sarah - for me personally, it made an awesome difference! It still hurt, don't get me wrong, but it was heaps easier to cope with so didn't seem as bad, ya know?
I *think* I got into the water just before I hit 6cm, and stayed in there until after the placenta was birthed. I found it really supportive, relaxing, and comforting too... that's why I'd like to do it a second time. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: Blankney94
Date Posted: 15 January 2009 at 11:24am
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Thanks Pearls - I'm definitely intending to try the tub as a way of reducing pain and trying to remain calm. I'm a wuss and I think the cosiness of the water will calm me down some. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 15 January 2009 at 1:21pm
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Thanks for that Pearls. I tore with Jack, not bad but still I would like to try and prevent it next time. Plus I was pushing for quite some time so if the water possibly helps with that then it would be great.
I have had a look at a few websites and the only think that worries me at this stage is I wonder if I will feel really exposed i.e. naked. I know that is really silly as I only wore a hosp gown with Jack and that probably didn't cover much anyway. I saw a friend today and she has a book that I can borrow which will be great. I think DH may take some convincing if that it what I decide I want ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 15 January 2009 at 2:52pm
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I had a water birth and I guess I still have mixed feeling on it. I think I got in too early which completely stopped all contractions to a point where they decided to just send me home. Im not really a big bath fan so I guess the water made me quite tired. I was only home for 10 minutes when my water broke and everything was full swing, only just made back to the hospital and spent the 15 minutes of pushing in the pool.
I guess it was a very easy birth, no tearing or anything and the baby was incrediably calm after coming out of the water - she gave a tiny squak and then just fell asleep.
About feeling exposed, I just wore a T-shirt in the water. I guess I felt less exposed in the water as the mw just watched from behind, outside the bath. You could always just wear to bikini or longer tog top if you are too worried. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 15 January 2009 at 3:45pm
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In a lot of birth videos that I have seen women have laboured with a tank top or swimsuit top on, it certainly helps with 'exposure'... I wasn't too worried at the time as I couldn't stand the feeling of clothes against my skin, everyone is different eh! ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: kriss
Date Posted: 15 January 2009 at 6:01pm
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I hopped in a birthing pool at 7cm, but after a couple of hours my contractions slowed down, I couldn't dilate past 9cm and I was getting sleepy so I had to hop out.
I didn't find any differences in pain once I hopped out though.. I was wearing just a bra but hardly noticed at the time lol ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
 Little Angel, April 10
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Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 15 January 2009 at 7:24pm
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I don't even remember what I wore when I had Jack, I think a hospital gown. I didn't feel exposed then, probably too much else to think about. I suppose I am worried about the exposure as during my research all the pics of waterbirths have the mum completely naked. I think that people get to see enough of me without getting the full package ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: ellabellame
Date Posted: 17 January 2009 at 8:54pm
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i just scrolled down and didn't read the posts so sorry if i repeat anything anyone has already told you.
i had an unplanned water birth with maia and it was AMAZING, my first birth was very long and difficult and i really think that being in the water (and getting in at the right time!!) made maia's birth far more manageable. i don't think the contractions were less painful but they were definitely easier to deal with and i also felt alot more bouyed(sp?) up and weightless, it was very easy to move around and change position. i don't know about the difference in the actual delivery because with mikey i had an epidural so i didn't actually feel him being born but i didn't tear at all in the water even after having an episiotomy with mikey. also maia was far more relaxed after birth, she didn't cry at all and she latched straight on to my breast literally about a minute after birth. i hope this helped a bit, if you have any questions feel free to PM me.  ------------- |
Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 18 January 2009 at 10:19am
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Thanks for that. I think I will do a bit more ready, have ordered a book from the library and nhave a chat to my mw when I see her in a few weeks time ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: kmarie
Date Posted: 18 January 2009 at 5:38pm
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I almost had a water birth. It was the plan, but in the end I was in the pool for a few hours but once I started pushing it wasn't progressing as fast as it could so I got out for the last 40mins or so.
It was FANTASTIC - you go into your own little world when you're in labour, and being able to float and feel almost weightless was the best (and for me, the only) painkiller ever. I think it is recommended that you don't get in the water until you're a fair way through the first stage so that it doesn't slow your labour down. I honestly can't recommend a water birth strongly enough - that'll definitely be my plan for any future children ------------- 
twins in heaven Oct07 Is 40:11 "He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." |
Posted By: Ladybird84
Date Posted: 19 January 2009 at 12:06pm
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I am planning a home water birth which I am very excited about.
Something that has been playing on my mind is - how messy does the water get? When you see waterbirth pictures the water looks clean! Surley there must get blood and other bits and peices in it?? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
PCOS 3 Clomid Cyles Conceived on a Break Cycle while waiting for IUI |
Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 19 January 2009 at 12:38pm
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I was wondering the same thing Ladybird. I tore and bleed quite a bit with Jack and am wondering what happens if this labour is the same. It's on my list of questions for the mw ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: bluebird
Date Posted: 19 January 2009 at 8:35pm
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I've been reading up on different births, and am keen on the water birth too at home.
I've been reading http://www.unassistedchildbirth.com/ - this site which has some good information, you will need to pick an choose what you want to take on board though, it's very "out there". They talk about there being very little blood etc when the mother's relaxed and calm through the birth. ------------- DD1 10/10/04 DD2 10/06/09 |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 19 January 2009 at 9:50pm
Oh wow! I have to say thank you for that link Beth, I have been sitting here for nearly an hour now reading it... lots of inspiration and food for thought  ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: toniellis
Date Posted: 20 January 2009 at 1:42am
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I had a home waterbirth nearly 8 months ago now.
It was fantastic! Only really helped a little with the pain but I had no tears or grazes which I really think the water helped with. I was in for about 4 hours all up, mostly in my own bath but I transferred to the birthing pool when my membranes came out & popped. Water stayed clean right up until I pushed her out then it went red & icky. Thats when I got out LOL! From the birthing pool I moved to my couch. Was really great & would do it exactly the same again. Here is the link to my http://www.homebirth.org.nz/stories/antoinette.html - story ------------- Mum to Alex (11), Blaire (10) & Erika (8) and Damien (6) Successful HWB VBA2Cs! Soon to be surrogate |
Posted By: ClareB
Date Posted: 20 January 2009 at 9:14pm
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I've been planing a waterbirth and hearing your stories has really made me feel good about that decision thanks for sharing your experiances ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 11:35am
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I was starting to get nervous about a waterbirth because I don't really like taking baths but that is probably because I have them so hot as I am a cold fish! But I really lked being in the water at my aquanatal class the other night so am definately thinking this might be the way to go for me.
DH asked the other night if the mw would have to wear a snorkel and mask!!  ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 11:54am
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Im gonna be completly different and say that I HATED labouring in the water, hurt more in the water than out and I found the contractions more intense , and sped up ,plus I couldn't get comfortable .
I still tore and needed 4 stiches. This time , i will banish anyone who even comes towards me with a cup of water, i prefer to be out and walking around , tho in saying that, I may try a shower, if I get back and leg contractions and like C's birth noone is willing to punch me . But, in saying that , most people I know who had a planned water birth , (and in some cases not ) and the majority loved it and found it a relaxing special occasion . I think making sure the bath is at the right temp is also important , you don't want it too cold, or too hot ------------- 
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Posted By: monster
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 12:02pm
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Are you planning a home waterbirth or a birthing centre/hospital one? If it's a birthing centre it'd be easy enough to get out and try other methods if the water doesn't work for you. If it was at home that could potentially be a lot of preparation for something you might not end up using (birth pool etc). Did you use water at all (shower/bath) when you laboured with Jack?
My sister had a homebirth for her second, but didn't use water as she found that during her first labour she hated being in the water - even though normally she loved baths etc. Personally I found being in water - shower and spa bath - fantastic while in labour. -------------
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 12:07pm
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I had a look at some of the videos on that site Beth put up, did anyone watch that tv series on the living channel "maternity ward " the american one ? seemed like every birth was a c-section "sorry ,you've been in labour for 5 minutes, we need to do an emergency cesarean" -------------
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Posted By: bluebird
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 8:07pm
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Yes there are some strange things that go on in the USA. It's really sad. I try and remember that things here are much different (Attitude at hospitals etc) but we still have that expectation that things are going to go wrong.
I love that site, it makes me feel more possitive about the whole thing. Im not sure if I believe it IUKWIM but I want to try - pain free natural labour yes please! lol I am struggling to find much NZ related stuff, if anyone does come across it can they PM me? Edited to add: Oh not sure if it's been mentioned, but how do you go about arranging a water home birth? Do you hire the pool? How much does it cost? ------------- DD1 10/10/04 DD2 10/06/09 |
Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 9:20pm
I am definately birthing at the hospital, a homebirth sounds too scary for me. I want to be at the hospital in case something goes wrong. With Jack I do remember spending some time in the bath but it was just before I went to the hospital and I was about 6cm dilated at that stage. I don't really remember it helping but I don't think DH filled the bath very much ------------- Lindsey
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monster wrote:Posted By: monster
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 9:38pm
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In that case, you'd be sweet. You could always try it and if it works then great, if not, no problem either.
I'd say the only thing would be to make sure your m/w is confident about handling a waterbirth if the time comes and you're in the pool. -------------
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 10:00pm
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Beth , DD's step mum had a water home birth with her first baby , I can find out from her about cost and pool hireage if noone else on here gets back to you -------------
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 10:00pm
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Some midwives have pools that they can loan / hire to clients, otherwise there are some services out there that hire out birth pools - the one I'm using is here: http://www.aquabub.co.nz - www.aquabub.co.nz ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 10:03pm
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see? I knew that if said i would look into it , someone would post the info quicker (all part of the plan haha ) -------------
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 21 January 2009 at 10:26pm
 @ The Kelly!
I'm not sure about birth pool hire in Wellington though, but if you contact Helen or Duncan @ Aquabub they might know or be able to recommend someone down there for you. ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 22 January 2009 at 1:14pm
I only spoke briefly to my mw about it at the last appt because I hadn't thought much about it at that stage but she was ok with it. I believe that she has done quite a few. A friend had her as a mw with #1 and also now with #2, she was suppose to have a waterbirth with #1 but ended up with an emergency cs. Anyway, I feel confident in the mw so it should be good ------------- Lindsey
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Posted By: toniellis
Date Posted: 22 January 2009 at 4:52pm
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Hi Beth. For my home waterbirth my midwife supplied the birthing pool & the liner. In fact she supplied everything, I didn't have to organise much at all.
For homebirth info try http://homebirth.org.nz - Homebirth NZ they have some onfo, a list of midwives who are pro homebirth & some birth stories. The only thing I wished I could have had was the HUGE birthing pools they have at my local maternity hospital. It was like a big spa pool.... Would have been so keen to labour in that!  ------------- Mum to Alex (11), Blaire (10) & Erika (8) and Damien (6) Successful HWB VBA2Cs! Soon to be surrogate |
Posted By: bluebird
Date Posted: 23 January 2009 at 8:55pm
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Thanks guys.
My midwife is on that list so thats good. I will talk to her about it but haven't really had the chance yet as we've only had 2 appointments so far and haven't even mentioned birth plans, other that I wanted to birth at home. Those pools look nice and big, I wonder if you're able to test them out to make sure you fit properly lol. I laboured in the bath at the hospital with Mia and the water was fine. I really struggled with not being able to move easily though. They were those large triangular ones (Hutt Hospital). ------------- DD1 10/10/04 DD2 10/06/09 |