What do you think of 'water births'?

Question

Has anybody ever given birth in a birth pool? And would you recommend this for a first time birth?

Answer 1

Well I have 4 sons and a little girl on the way and with 2out of the 4 boys (the other 2 are twins) I have done waterbirthing.... it is so relaxing, and most people allow you husbad,boyfriends,what ever get in the tub with you....which make me even more relaxed..... helps ease contraction ALOT!!! I would recommend it, and for this birth I'm doing an at home watebirth... unlike the other ones were in clinics....

Good luck With The Little One!!!!

Answer 2

Unfortunately, no, it wasn't an option when I had my girls. But I gotta tell ya, if it had been, I'd have been all over it! But then, I'm a person who finds a soak in a warm tub to be the ultimate in relaxation so for me, it makes so much sense.

As to recommending it for anyone else, especially a first child, I'd have to ask - how nervous/afraid of childbirth are you? A wise OB (who was dept head of OB/GYN in a major
OB based hospital with a natal ICU and had been in practice for many many years) once advised me like this:

Unless the mother has very strong feelings against using pain relief, for the first child, accept it. Anxiety and fear of pain and the unknown can exacerbate the pain and cause unnecessary misery during what could be much easier. This also allows the mother to relax and enjoy the birth. His main belief was that the mode of birth be the one the mother is most comfortable with, period. I took his advice, had an epi with my first and have never regretted it - my second, 2 tylenol after the fact was the extent of it and have never regretted that either.

So, trends in childbirth come and go, but the fact that the serenity of the mother is crucial never changes. So, do what feels right to you and don't let anyone pressure you.

Answer 3

I wanted to have a water birth until I was told about how unclean it is. The concept is awesome and I would encourage you to ask about their cleaning practices. The thing is that these tubs harbor bacteria (the flesh eating kind) in the jets and pipes and it is VERY expensive to clean them after each birth, so many facilities don't do that great of a job. Thourough cleaning involves disassembling the tubs including the jet parts and pipes and sterilizing everything.

Think of them like the foot spas they use at the manicurist. I stopped going after a severe rash that had to be treated with antibiotics. Some people have gotten such a bad infection from these tubs they have died, had scars for life or had to be amputated.

This is why hospitals use showers instead of tubs.

I would research as much info as you can before making your choice. Good luck.

Answer 4

I have never had this experience, because this is my first pregnancy, but I watched a show on them and they looked heavenly! Of course, this is coming from someone who adores hot tubs, jacuzzis, etc. anyway, I think they are the most relaxing things on Earth, so I can imagine it would be extremely relaxing during a trying time like labor to be in a tub full of warm water. Unfortunately, I won't be having a water birth myself, however the hospital I am delivering at does at least have a Jacuzzi bathtub in the room with you, so you can hang out in there during contractions if you want! I am looking forward to that, even though I can't do the whole water birth experience!

Answer 5

I think it sounds wonderful! I really wanted to do it for my first birth, so I chose a birthing center near me that had this option. Unfortunately, my water broke at only 35 weeks, and they couldn't do it, because of the risk of infection.

But if you are interested in it, go for it! Talk to your doc, and make sure you are planning to go to a facility/hospital that has the birthing pools. Ask how many are available, too, and what will happen to you if they are all being used when you go into labor! That can happen, too, since water births are becoming more popular.

Answer 6

one of my best friends had water birth last year and said it was great.
I'm 35 weeks and plan on having one too. a
after some research Ive found theres so many pros with having one and the only bad thing can be that if you get in before your at least 5cm then it can slow down labour.
but its supposed to be an instant pain relief and also apparently takes the sting off the crowning.
so yes i would recommend it but wont know for sure how good it will be for another 5 weeks.

Answer 7

I have many times considered a water birth. Unfortunately, when I get ready to push, the last place I personally want to be is in a pool. I know women who have done them and my midwife has attended quite a few. They are very peaceful and wonderful. It is definitely a great option.

Answer 8

I think water births are really natural I have never had a baby but if I do I would definitly like to have my child born in the water! And I hear that standing will giving birth is more confotable then ur legs up in the air !!

~ GOOD LUCK AND CONGRADULATIONS~

Answer 9

I think it's a great idea...but too "new agey" for me.
I'm planning to use the whirlpool in my birthing suite.

Answer 10

i didn't but i know someone who did and she absoluelty loved it she said it is soooo relazing and alot less painful i would do some research on the web and talk to your dr see if you can find others near you that had one and see what they say!