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RE: Water Births?

online-editor — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:42:45 GMT

Hi Kellygirl.

Thanks for the update. Might you want to blog about water births and your upcoming hopes and fears about you own upcoming water birth experience on our blog?

If so, please post here, add a comment to the blog - Blog.ParentsCanada.com or email me at lisah@parentscanada.com.

Cheers,

Lisa

RE: Water Births?

kellygirl — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:22:46 GMT

You can have a water birth at home or in a hospital, check with your hospital if they have them available. I am having mine in a hospital. You basically give birth in a large bath tub or birthing pool that is filled with warm water. Because you are not lying on your back but sitting/floating in the water you can get your body in a more comfortable position.

Since you are in water, you body stretches a bit easier to accommodate your baby coming out. It is suggested that it is more relaxing as you are in basically a warm bath and blood pressure levels are said to be lower. There is also less chance of an episiotomy which is a big factor for me, as I had a nasty one the first time around. My mid-wife has had many clients that have had an episiotomy the first time around but were able to avoid one the second time around during a water birth.

Although I can't say that my first childbirth experience (natural in a bed) was bad, it wasn't. My labour and delivery were relatively quick and of course the fact that my beautiful daughter was born overshadows everything else. With that said here's a few things I didn't like about it:

The nurses kept pushing my legs waaay back, which became painful, they also kept stretching my vaginal opening which hurt way more that anything else I experienced during child birth, it felt like there were playing tug-of-war. Also, it might sound silly but they kept putting cold clothes on my face and chest which I found distracting and made me just plain cold. The doctor ended up doing an episiotomy and while he was stitching me up complained to me that I was bleeding on his shoes. The episiotomy was such a crap job that I am still having problems close to 5 years later.

Anyway, I thought I would give it a try, I realize it is not for everyone and I have gotten some "raised eyebrows" when I have said that I am having a water birth. To each their own.

Check out www.waterbirth.org

RE: Water Births?

ejsmom — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 21:49:14 GMT

what is a water birth? do you do it at home or in the hospital? you are very brave but it sounds lovely and peaceful.

please fill me in and good luck!

RE: Water Births?

online-editor — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:30:39 GMT

Good for you Kellygirl. I so admire women who have natural childbirth and especially water births - so calm and peaceful.

Both my good friend and my husband's cousin had water births at home. Both babies were born healthy and happy. Did you need specific info?

Water Births?

kellygirl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:10:16 GMT

I had my first child through natural child birth, no meds and I am looking to do the same this time around. I am actually planning on having a water birth. I have heard and read lots of good things regarding water births and thought, why not. My midwife is also a huge advocate of them and highly recommends them.

When I told my mom that I was going to have a water birth, she completely freaked out because she thinks that the baby is going to drown. I have tried to explain it to my mom but she just doesn't get it. LOL Good thing she doesn't live close to me.

Anyone else planning on having a water birth or using other alternative birthing methods?