Water Birth Anyone???

Especially to those who've experienced a "non-water" birth.....please give me the details on what all was involved, how it was helpful to you etc. etc. etc. etc.

Thanks in advance!!!!!!!

[Andrea_G]

Welcome to our little corner of StorkNet!

You can find the full stories from my births in my signature. I've had two on dry land - one hospital and one birth center. My last was a home waterbirth.

If you're interested in even more information about waterbirth, I would suggest the StorkNet interview with Barbara Harper .

I loved being in the water during my labor. When a contraction would come, I could just let my belly float and it supported me all the way around. I didn't have the heaviness that I had felt in my first med-free birth with my 2nd baby. It made me weightless and allowed me to just let the contraction come and do its thing and leave. It truly was divine. It felt so good.

Some women feel claustrophobic when they are in a birth tub and wish for more space. Some find that they just can't find the right temperature and that variance bothers them. It's really only something you can determine if it is really going to be helpful when you get in there.

It's a wonderful option for relaxation. It certainly was for me!

[PaulaSue]

I haven't but I am actually going to a talk tonight about it. One of my friends from LLL is starting a group and this is the topic for tonight. I will also have to read the link posted when I get back.

I loved it. I can't imagine doing it any other way. Our case was a bit backwards though. Dh and I labored to 10 cm without the use of any water at all (except drinking). But as soon as I was ready to push I just KNEW I had to be in the water. It was like there was no other choice. The instinct to be in the water was so strong. I think it took about an hour and 1/2 - 45 minutes to push her out. The thought of doing a "dry" second stage frightens me. But who knows? Baby #2 is due in a couple of weeks and maybe my gut instinct will be totally different this time. Kitchen table, picture window? Yikes- hope not!

[Pilotswife]

For those of you that had it, did your insurance cover any of it or was the rental of the "pool" up to you? If you don't mind me asking, what was the cost of it?

Not that the cost matters on whether I would do it or not. I've always been very intrigued by them and find them a viable option.

[karin]

I didn't birth in the water, but I spent all my labor in there. It was wonderful, and I would do it again and hopefully stay in to push. Some doulas and midwives call the tub an aqua-dural!

Susan, my tub rental was $250. Insurance did not cover it-and I have pretty good insurance. It didn't cost a penny to have my dd. This company also delivers to hospitals, but if you are plannning any medicinal pain relief, once it is in place, they most likely will not let you in water because of monitors and/or cords.

[CatherineS]

I labored in the water, and it was wonderful!!! It relaxed my muscles and kind of "melted" the tension. If/when we are blessed with another, I'd love to birth in the water. The interview with Barbara Harper that Andrea posted is great!

[Pilotswife]

I wouldn't do the meds and the water. I was looking at the water as viable alternative to the meds. Unfortunately I will be at the mercy of the Army medical. Some of their hospitals are very progressive with midwives and such and then some are still stuck in the dark ages.

i wanted to be in the water for all of my labor, but since it was SO slow going, i wasn't allowed in until they broke my water at 7cm and i spent transition in there. (in retrospect, i should have been in the shower standing, but hindsight is always 20/20, especially when you're not in pain and can think clearly )

i was open to birthing in there, or not, whatever felt right. i felt like i needed to get out of the tub, so did not birth Aidan in there.

i birthed in a hospital, so they had the pool.

hth
amy