I'm not pregnant yet :D, but I'm already thinking about birth. Last time I had a wonderful homebirth. This time if we're blessed again, I think that I'd like a waterbirth.

Just wanted anyone who's had one to share experiences.

And um, a TMI question, if you're in the water, how does it work with involuntarily passing BM's? That is probably one of my biggest reservations about waterbirths.

TIA for sharing. :D

I've had 2 in the water. I birth MUCH more easily/pleasantly in the water than on dry land. I just didn't even *think* about it with my first, didn't think about it/have time with #2, then didn't have the facilities with #4.

It is a huge relief for me. The pain is so much more bearable. I can work right through it. I can really allow my body to do what it is trying to do. As opposed to fighting every contraction. On dry land, that's easier said than done sometimes, ya know?

I have never felt the 'ring of fire' in the water either. I don't know if that's directly related to being in the water or not though, as I didn't feel it with my other two land births either. Only with my first.

As for BMs in the water, no sweat, 'fish' it out. Hub can do that ;) Just one of those little fish tank skimmer net deals.

Just remember to not get in the water 'too' early. It's relaxing properties can slow things down if you get in too early. But, if the water calls you, go. If things seem to slow down, just get out and walk around for a bit to get things going again. Hasn't been an issue for me, with my quick labors. It's like I START in transition. :p But I know it *does* happen.

Also, know that you may *think* you want a waterbirth, but when it comes down to it, you want nothing to do with the water. Or...you only want it for laboring, but want out on dry land to actually birth. I've heard many of those stories as well. For me, like I said, fast labors, so once the water calls me, that's it, it's over. I'm generally pushing within moments of being in there. Last time we weren't even 'submerged' yet! :p

Waterbirth has been nothing but a WONDERFUL experience for me. I would choose to have that option at every one of my births. I had to 'regroup' when I realized I wouldn't have that option with #4. Her labor was a good 3 hr longer than the previous one too..I can't help but think that was hugely because of my lack of water.

Anywho, great experience here. I totally recommend it. At least having it available. It's better to have the option and not use it, than to not make it available (when you can) and then desperately want it. :)

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I have to agree with you Tara, I thought I would like a waterbirth with Em, was open to not, but thought I wanted one. I refused to pee in the tub because my contrax were so close together, so my midwife made me get out and sit on the potty. I LOVED sitting on the toilet. I was pretty much complete by that point, and actually did some of my early pushing in there. Em's heartrate kept going down, so midwife stimulated her during pushing, which she really couldn't do in the water. I ended up pushing on a birthing stool because of her heartrate. Once she was about to come out, my midwife asked if I wanted to get back in the water, but I just wanted to push her out! Totally from the Lord! Em's placenta detached a few moments before birth and I bled A LOT! If I had been in the water, I would have had to get out with a huge head sticking out down there! Haahaa!!
I LOVED being in the water laboring. Did it with Em and Noah. I had to get out of the water with Noah for obvious reasons, but would do a waterbirth if it's how it went.
Along with the slowing things down if you get in too early, it can speed things up too. My midwife wanted me to wait unitl she was closer to my house for me to get into the tub....I finally said "forget it" and hopped in, and OHHHHH the relief!!!

About the poo, like Tara said, usually if you rent a birthing tub, they send the fish net with it. I would try and NOT have dh do it.....that's why the midwives are there!! dh would be repulsed!!!! haahaa

Blessings,
Amber

oh...yeah...:giggle: with a midwife there, yes, she or her assistant would deal with poo in the tub
I was just thinking in UC mode, sorry :p

SOOOO many people think water births are much better for them, but Tara is 100% correct when she says have a backup plan/area for a dry birth once you are in the 'moment'....I thought the water was going to be awesome after reading up on it and tried...and I SHOT OUT OF THAT TUB LIKE A CANNON BALL, contractions and all! LOL....I couldn't stand the water and it made my intensity worse for some reason....
So go for it....but have another 'dry birth' area all ready to go if you change your mind! ;-) Good luck!

Oooooo I love this thread!!!! I'm so glad I popped in today!!! I have always, always wanted a water birth but had that same fear about poo in the tub! HA! I'm so easily embarrassed when it comes to bodily functions! I have NO idea why. You would think being in labor that it would be the LAST thing I worried about! Ha! My midwives will allow us to get on a "first come first serve" for a tub in our birthing room! I just pray we get one, because I would LOVE to experience that. Great thread gals!!