water birth stories please
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Topic: water birth stories please
Posted By: Mum2ET
Subject: water birth stories please
Date Posted: 02 October 2009 at 2:52pm
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I am thinking about having a water birth for this one, so would love to hear about others experiences of labouring/and or giving birth in water. TIA ------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
Replies:
Posted By: Inlove28
Date Posted: 02 October 2009 at 3:19pm
Good topic I would too love to hear some stories as I am thinking of changing my mind on my birth plan 
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Posted By: bifnlins
Date Posted: 02 October 2009 at 3:36pm
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I just had my second baby in the water - totally unplanned but an amaaaazing experience :-)
I had only planned to use the pool for pain relief - wanted to go drug free cos first time round I had an epidural and didn't even know the baby was out!! So, I didn't want to do that again and chose to go drug free and to deliver at Birthcare Parnell instead of in hospital The pool was great for pain relief, so much so that my contractions slowed down and I got a bit bored in the pool, just floating and waiting for the next one. I got out for a wee while and when I got back in it was literally 5 mins and he wanted out and I was pushing, bit of a blur thru the pushing to be honest but when he was born it was just a great feeling, my midwife 'scooped' him up and put him on my chest and we had a couple more minutes in the pool before we got out. DH wasn't in, don't think there was enough room plus I don't think he really would have wanted to be in there anyway!! I liked the freedom of movement the pool enabled - can't do that on a bed and walking around the room just isn't the same. I'm also a bit of a water baby myself, I love water and being around it so I loved the soothingness ( is that a word??) of it 
Would definitely plan a water birth for next time
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Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 02 October 2009 at 3:50pm
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Oh I had an amazing waterbirth.. Firstly, when I was 18 I watched my sister give birth to her first in a pool - It left such a lasting impression that I vowed that was the way I wanted to birth my babies.
Started my labour at home till contractions were 2mins apart, quick dash to the birthing unit where I had to wait for the pool to fill (roughly 30-40 mins). Started on gas just before getting in - didn't have any examinations but knew I wasn't too far off. It was such an awesome relief getting into the water - DH sat behind me on a stool (outa the water) and rubbed my shoulders. I felt relaxed and able to concentrate on working through my contractions. 45 mins after getting I started involuntary pushing, 20mins later she was born with me in the sitting position, it was beautiful! She was calm, let out a small cry but just wanted to take in the whole world, it was amazing! I opted for a natural third stage which took 25mins. A couple of pushes and the placenta was out, I then got outa the pool and cleaned up. She was then passed to DH for snuggles. Total labour 3&half hours. I felt fantastic, on a natural high. Best part would be how calm and relaxing the whole experience was - exactly how we wanted to welcome our baby. Second best part was I had no tears or grazes, which I attribute to my completely relaxed state. Good luck with your decision, I can't recommend it highly enough, it was truely an awesome experience! I will be opting for home water births for subsequent babies, circumstances permitting of course. I can't recommend it highly enough. |
Posted By: Andriea
Date Posted: 03 October 2009 at 10:07am
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I had my Babys #3 & #4 at home in the water. Both of them were pretty much the same, it was so comfortable being able to move around and it helped a lot with the pain, pushing was pretty esy as well. DH was in there with me and it was aweome when they were born my m/w just brought them up and I cuddled them on my chest, we stayed in there till placenta came out and then got out. Recovery for me was easier cause I didnt have the aching muscles Id had previously.
I cant recommend it enough. baby #5 for us had to be a hospital birth and we didnt make it in time for the pool to be filled so se was born in the shower, which was actually good pain relief to. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: Brenna
Date Posted: 03 October 2009 at 10:17am
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My first birth was a waterbirth (planned) and it was fantastic! No pain relief and such an amazing experience. I was wanting to do it again for #2 but it wasn't an option cause she was breech so ahd a c/s.
I'd recommend a waterbirth to anyone...well worth the experience -------------  My beautiful 2 girls...nearly 4 and 13 months
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Posted By: myonlineself
Date Posted: 03 October 2009 at 6:21pm
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Has anyone laboured in water and then delivered out of the water?
While I love the idea of labour in water, I'm just a bit concerned about the risks (although small) of delivery in water? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: JD
Date Posted: 03 October 2009 at 8:19pm
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I had my 2nd baby in the water and it was great. I have to admit, when I first got in the pool I was dissapointed because it still hurt full on (my contractions were right on top of each other which was hard). I had gas while in the pool which was nice. Once I was in there, I couldn't think of anything worse than trying to get out and dried etc.
I felt great afterwards, but I don't know how much of that is due to it being my 2nd child or the water. It was really good to be able to float around the pool rather that feeling heaving outside the pool. If it works out for you, Im sure you will be really pleased.....but, I do have a friend who was planning on using a birthing pool, but when it came down to it, she couldn't stand having the water around her. Good luck ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Daizy
Date Posted: 03 October 2009 at 9:01pm
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I am still undecided about my water birth. Totally unplanned with number 2.
I labored in the pool for a while which seemed to be working well as I wasn't in too much pain. Turned out the water just slowed right everything down until it almost stopped completely. I was sent home to try and sleep only to end up back lass than an hour later. The pool was still fill so just jumped back in and 10 minutes later had her. I guess it was good in the fact I was able to give birth to a 9lb 6 baby without any hassles. And the whole thing was so calm. Maddi came out, gave a quick screech then just fell back asleep. The things I didn't like were having to sit in the bath almost an hour later waiting for the placenta (looking back I would have totally just got out) The bath was getting cold so they were refilling it meaning it got deeper and it became difficult keeping the baby out of the water. Also I am really not a bath person and I found it quite draining sitting in the warm water for so long. If I were to have another baby I don't know if I would totally rule it out but would definitely see how I felt at the time. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 03 October 2009 at 10:05pm
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I laboured at home with Jackson as long as possible - when I got to the hospital I was 8cm dilated and wanted drugs but the MW asked if I'd like to give the deep bath a go.
I really loved it in there, I liked being able to just move into different positions easily, and the water was really calming. It just took away that "hospital" feel for me. DH and my mum were on the edge of the pool rubbing my back and giving me water. I ended up delivering out of the water, which I was quite disapointed about. MW was telling me to push but I was adament I wasn't ready, so they got me out on the bed to examine me (getting out of the bath sucked! I went from feeling like a lightweight to barely being able to stand) and see what was going on. She burst the rest of my waters and within seconds I was pushing and it was all go. I hated being on the bed - I went from being calm to darn right traumatised and scared! I felt like I had lost a bit of control as well. He was 9lb 3oz born, I got a small graze so I'm pretty sure it would have been worse had I not been in the water. |
Posted By: lovingmummyhood
Date Posted: 03 October 2009 at 10:10pm
Yep, the water was awesome pain relief It did take ages for the pool to fill, I remember it took much konger than just running a bath lol.
I stayed in there for my whole labour, but once I started involuntarily pushing my MW asked if i wanted to deliver in the water and I said no. I had thought about it when doing my birth plan, but at that moment I decided I didn't want to. Getting out of the pool was not easy! I ended up having DS beside the pool. It was good to lean on
Will definitely be using the pool for pain relief next time too ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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myonlineself wrote:Posted By: freckle
Date Posted: 04 October 2009 at 11:12am
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I laboured in the pool and delivered out of it... It was great for pain relief but it did slow things down for me... I was 6-7 cm dilated when we got there and the MW thought it would be over in a few hours as I had been dilating reasonably fast. I had to get out of the pool to be checked after 5 hours and Id made no progress which was pretty devastating at the time... ended up having to be transferred to hospital so couldn't use the pool anymore. I would still try for a waterbirth or at least labour again as it definitely helped with the pain more than gas or pethadine ------------- mum to 3 lovely girls :D |
Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 04 October 2009 at 1:22pm
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thanks for the stories guys- good to both the good and bad points. Still undecided as whether I would like to deliver in the water, so it was especially good reading the comments from people who got out of the water to deliver and didn't like getting out.
Question- does anyone know how many birth pools NSH have? and how hot the water normally is?
------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 04 October 2009 at 2:20pm
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I don't know about temp or anything but when we did a tour around NSH from memory there were 4 birthing pool rooms. I remember thinking it was worth having a water birth just to use those rooms cos they have the coolest ceilings, they have little led pinprick stars (y'know, like the ceiling of the Civic). Awesome mood lighting, must be very peaceful ------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 04 October 2009 at 4:40pm
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Oooh good thread I really want a water birth this time if I can. Great to read different stories! -------------   
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Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 05 October 2009 at 7:48pm
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thanks weegee, I remember those lights- they did look really cool
------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 06 October 2009 at 8:23pm
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lol, I hated being in the water with C , was ok up to a point with Ty, but that was just a normal bath at home ,once the contractions were closer I wasnt comfortable ------------- 
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Posted By: Jewel2
Date Posted: 07 October 2009 at 3:50pm
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I did home waterbirths with #3, #4 & #5. Doing it again with #6.
I found being in the pool to feel very safe & secure, I was in my own little world. #5 was born out of the water, she was 10lb & didn't want to come out, I didn't really want to get out of the water. She was born within minutes of lying down on my bed - just the change of position did it. Hubby definately didn't want to go in the water, he leaned over the side to put counter-pressure on my back when I needed it. I think that the water really helped to soften everything 'down there' - which was good. My babes that were born in the water & even #5, didn't cry when they were born (just a little grizzle maybe) my other 2 came out screaming, it just seemed to be a much more peaceful birth for them. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: rorylex
Date Posted: 07 October 2009 at 4:31pm
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1 out of 3 has been water birth hopefully this one will be a water birth but that just depends on how long it takes to fill the pool.
recovery after water birth was by far the easiest. ds1 was suppose to be a waterbirth but at 9.5cms he was still posterior so had to get out and didnt get back it. ds2 was water birth i was only in the water about 10mins as his birth was less than an hr long and i only just made it into the water b4 needing to push he was my biggest baby at 8lb 8oz and so far the only baby to not graze or nick me down there and i felt very normal not sore at all. ds3 i wasnt in the water at all, i got on the bed sucked the gas and was offered the pool but the meant having to move lol and i was happy where i was but i regret not getting in the water, but he was brow presentation til 7cm which wasnt picked up til mw did ve and he tucked his head in. so proberbly best i was out of the water. my labours dont tend to be very long and if this baby is in a good position at birth we may not have time to fill the pool, but since ill hopefully be at hope i will get in our bath if he seems to be in a hurry. ------------- Mummy to 4 boys Samuel - 18.6.05 Rory - 15.7.06 Mason - 13.06.08 Emmett - 24.01.10 Baby #5 - cooking |
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 07 October 2009 at 7:16pm
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There are 3 at NSH I so want the option to do this but its not looking likely unless I have a homebirth and I am not comfortable with that.
Oh and if your mw rings the hospital when you are on route they will start filling the tub for you so you can just get in as soon as you arrive  -------------   
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Posted By: happymumma
Date Posted: 07 October 2009 at 7:48pm
| this is a great topic - I was quite keen to try the pool last time but never made it to the hospital. Now this is making me think I'd be quite keen to try it this time. |
Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 07 October 2009 at 8:15pm
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I was at NSH and I used the pool for pain relief the first time around but ended up getting out, I think I was told I needed to if I wanted the gas....I can't really remember.
I didn't find it did much for pain relief and I finished my labouring on the bed, the whole thing ended in a c-section when Miss M got stuck. So while for me the downside was the lack of pain relief I'm not ruling out using the pool again this time. it was nice in the pool and the mood was nicer than in the normal labour rooms, especially with the lights. And quite frankly next time, if I do get in the pool I'm not getting out again because the walk from the pool room to the labour room was hell!!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 07 October 2009 at 9:40pm
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I have had two and since I don't have anything to compare it to I don't feel like I have a lot to say lol They both went well and I only needed gas as well as the water. I did tear both times so I'm not sure if it would have been different on land.
I did like being able to move to any position easy as. I actually started pushing sitting cross legged with Caprece until her head got in the way. I did remember getting a bit hot but having cold flannels on my head/neck while in the bath was amazing. They try to have the bath around 34-35 degrees (well that was the last recomendation I heard but it changes all time so double check with your mw) when baby is born but you can have it colder than that for labouring. Water birth babies are generally a lot calmer and sometimes have a pretty lax attitude to breathing when they first come out. Its almost too relaxing for them lol |
Posted By: Inlove28
Date Posted: 07 October 2009 at 9:58pm
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Wow, I really do think I will give birth in water after reading this... Will speak to my midwife tomorrow.
Question.... How long is the 2nd part of labour normally? As it does seem like a long time to be in water. I have heard its pretty good for softening things up down there too! |
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 08 October 2009 at 7:25am
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Lol Inlove, normal is anything from a couple of pushes to a couple of hours (or more)! Generally a bit longer for first births than later births, but you can't really predict it I'm afraid. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Zasha
Date Posted: 08 October 2009 at 10:24am
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After initially reading this thread I'm certainly keen to find out more, and borrowed a book on water birth, it has made for some interesting reading, to me there seems to be more pro's than cons, I think (for me) it might be the way to go as long as everything goes along without complications. ------------- 
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Posted By: Mum2ET
Date Posted: 08 October 2009 at 12:05pm
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good tip thanks ------------- Mum to Ella (5) and Tom (2) |
Posted By: Jewel2
Date Posted: 08 October 2009 at 6:23pm
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Yeah RachandJack - #4 was born in the water, I held her in my arms, she was so peaceful & relaxed, it was amazing - the mw tapped her gently on the cheek several times to get her to take a breath.
From what I have read, the more relaxed you are (not fighting contractions) the less pain you have (like even none), so if you can totally relax, that is your pain relief. So I guess that is why folk may have different results from waterbirth - it really depends on how much you can relax & let go - but most find that the warm water & the privacy of the pool does facilitate relaxation. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 08 October 2009 at 6:40pm
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I'm so glad I read this thread. This is my first baby and was a bit worried about the pain relief side of things as I'm a bit of a wuss! But I don't like the idea of C-Sec or Epis! Would love to have the birth as natural and calm as possible. Has anyone here had water birth at St Georges? I'm booked for St G's and hoping to use their water birth facilities there. Would love to hear any feed back. -------------  
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Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 9:21pm
| St Georges has an awesome birthing pool (and a TV in the room lol). I had my babies at Burwood but I have seen St Georges and its really nice and big in there. |
Posted By: angel4
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 9:44pm
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nzlisajo - st georges water pool is new. They do tours regularly (cant remember if its every other week or every week) i would recommend going on a tour.
RachandJack how did you find burwood? I had planned to have henry there but ended up at womens because of early labour. Am hoping to go there this time. Someone mentioned that the toilets being seperate being a problem did you find this? How did you find your stay there too? |
Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 9:53pm
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angel4 I also had my girl at Burwood - I thought it was great! I didn't think that the communal toilets and showers were a pain - didn't really think twice about it. Staff were super friendly and offered to help whenever although were just as respectful when I said I'd rather do things myself. (postnatally that is!)
Anyway, birthing wise - I loved the birthing room, enough room for my support team, everyone was made to feel welcome and although she was born just after 11pm, they weren't hurried along. We all chilled out in the lounge with bubs till we were tucked up in bed at 2am. Only thing I suppose could be annoying is you can hear the buzzers going off and the poor baby next door screamed for what seemed like the entire night (night DD was born) but that didn't seem to worry me as I had her cuddled up in bed with me and just watched her all night! All in all I think its a great place! Anyway, HTH - and sorry to jump on in 
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Posted By: angel4
Date Posted: 09 October 2009 at 10:05pm
thanks. When i went round burwood last time i really liked how friendly they were. Hopefully i will get a water birth this time 
sorry for taking over your thread mum2ella |
Posted By: Richie
Date Posted: 10 October 2009 at 8:01pm
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St Georges is where my MW has recommended. She has done a lot of water births there. Good idea about going on a tour there. Will give them a ring on Monday to see when next one is.
Just a matter of convincing DP that water birth is the way to go. He's kinda traditional so thinks it's a bit of a weird concept lol. He's like 'nah, why can't you just lie on a bed and push her out'. I was like 'honey, its 2009.... I have options now!' lol -------------
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Posted By: kmarie
Date Posted: 11 October 2009 at 8:40pm
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I had every intention of having a water birth with Bethany but, like anything with labour and birth, held our 'plan' fairly loosely. I laboured at home for about 30hrs before going in to birthcare, at which stage the contractions were coming hard and fast. Being in the water was amazing. DH joined me and I leaned on him for support and was able to totally relax into the contractions. That's not to say they didn't hurt, but the pain was manageable cuz I felt suspended in the water.
Once I'd hit the second stage for a while my mw felt that getting on the bed would achieve more so I went with that, it was hard getting out of the water and the pain certainly increased but that's just the way it had to be and it didn't worry me too much. I just wanted my baby to be born! About 30mins later Bethany arrived. I didn't need any interventions or pain relief and only got a slight graze, I think that can be tributed to both my long labour and the length of time I spent in the pool. We'll def be aiming for the same for #2.
Just want to say though - we can all plan all we like but we can never predict exactly how things will go, so whatever you decide make sure you hold it loosely so you can relax and be flexible if your mw needs to make a different call on the day. It's all part of bringing your precious wee one into the world, and it's an exciting, exhilarating (not to mention exhausting!) experience I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when all DID go to plan, as I honestly didn't think it would for me ------------- 
twins in heaven Oct07 Is 40:11 "He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." |
Posted By: T_Rex
Date Posted: 12 October 2009 at 7:34am
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Ok, potentially a weird TMI question here
Does giving birth in water wash away some of the natural lube that comes with baby? And could this make it more painful to give birth? Or is there so much *slime* that comes out with baby that it really doesn't matter?  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 12 October 2009 at 8:52am
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It depends on the baby ;) But I found water birth no more uncomfortable than giving birth on 'dry land'. And yes, there can sometimes be a lot of muck that comes out along with baby anyway! ------------- 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: Rachael21
Date Posted: 12 October 2009 at 10:19am
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LMAO slime, lol yeah theres a lot of that anyway. Water can actually help loosen up things to make it easier for baby to come out.
Yeah Burwood is lovely, I think you will find crying babies and buzzers no matter where you go. Lincoln and Rangiora are very similar to Burwood too but a bit smaller. I think St Georges pool its the best I have seen but Burwoods is like a nice big spa bath. I didn't find the showers/toilets a problem and I'm pretty sure you have to share everywhere except woman's (and they won't let you stay there anyway if you have a 'normal' birth). |
Posted By: kakapo
Date Posted: 12 October 2009 at 9:25pm
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Great topic - I'd love to have a waterbirth this time round. Last time I stayed in the birthing pool up until transition, then got out for the pushing part. The water was fantastic pain relief - doubt I could have managed a natural, drug-free labour and birth without it. Just thought I'd let people know that you can purchase your own birthing pool (kit includes all related accessories and instructions), to use at home or hospital, and reuse later as a pool for the kids. Check out the http://www.h2ohbaby.co.nz/ - H2 Oh baby website for more details. At the moment I think the company has an agreement with Taranaki Base Hospital, that the pools can be used there, but they are keen to work with more hospitals and encourage them to allow women to bring their own pools with them. That way you'd know you wouldn't have to take luck of the draw on the day and miss out if other women were already using the hospital birthing pools. I'm still trying to decide whether to buy one of these or hire our local homebirth pool - quite like the idea of being able to keep it afterwards though |
Posted By: BessieBear
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 2:38pm
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I had a waterbirth for Ryan it was fantastic. I don't have anything else to compare it too though. ------------- Sarah Mum to, Boy 07/2008, Girl 03/2010, Boy 05/2012, Angel  07/08/2014
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Posted By: Mamma2N
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 4:28pm
Isn't it crazy!??! I remember standing there starkers, looked down, grabbed my belly, started shaking it & commenting on how funny it felt (I swear it was the gas ) all the while my mother & DH's parents were standing by.
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Posted By: Inlove28
Date Posted: 13 October 2009 at 5:45pm
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lol above
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