Water Birth questions

[tahm563]

Anyone here had the experience of water birth? How was it?

A very stupid question: Does the water get filled with blood and become red?

[little bean]

I had a water birth and it was fantastic - I'll definitely be aiming for one again next time (in hospital). I felt more relaxed and secure in the bath (although it still hurt like crazy!!)

You only start to bleed after the baby comes out. I held the baby for a while and then got out of the water (in all honesty, by this point, you don't care what the water looks like!)

It was great - I'd recommend it.

[QTB]

i havent had a waterbirth, had one planned but didnt quite make it to the pool lol

but iv attended waterbirths as a doula and they are fantastic... as above, there is only blood after bub is out, even then its not all that much and the water doesnt really even change colour...

[TheEmpress]

I would love a water birth !!!
I tried last time but I couldn't stay in the bath I had to keep moving around so It didn't work for me but I will try again this time !!
I don't think your question is silly , I've always wondered about the water going red filled with blood etc :)

[nayasmum]

i never actually knew you were allowed to have a water birth??
Yes i may sound silly but its true! :confused:

[erinjacob]

i had a home water birth with my 3rd he was 9p an fell out i didnt have any stitches i did with the first 2 . i didnt have any bleeding after the bub cam out or after i birthed the placenta it was all very clean. i didnt bleed till i got into bed. even if you do bleed it dosnt look as bad as all over the floor an bed. oh ya an the water was so amazing for the pain would never birth on land again

[lilpearl]

I've had 2 waterbirths. They were both VBAC's, one in a birth centre, the last one at home.

Having only birthed in water, I simply cannot imagine giving birth OUT of the water. I will only ever birth in water (if I get my way and have another child that is ;) )

My first water birth, the midwife at the birth centre coached my pushing (which isn't a good idea, and I know that, as a doula, in retrospect), so I tore,a dn I bled a lot from the tear. So, yes, the water went a very dark red, and I had to get out so that she could assess the blood loss and the cause.

My last water birth was at home, and my midwife didn't touch me. I breathed my baby out, and didn't even graze. The water was clear and I floated, resting, for quite a while after the birth :)

[Steph83]

Hello
Just wondering if anyone knows the history of waterbirths? how long have they been around for? I like the idea of doing things that women have been doing for years as it has been tried and proven and was obviously based on natural instincts.
for example women used the birthing stools before they laid flat on their backs and as we all know now the squatting posistion is alot more useful.
any ideas?

[Jules16]

Wow these water births sound amazing. I'm already booked into a private hospital with an obstetrician. If they have a bath will it help if I ask if I can labour in the bath? I don't know if they would let me birth in the bath though.

[spiritedfamily]

Waterbirths are awesome :flowerz:
and a waterbirth at home is an unbelievable experience - trust me I've had 5 of them :sunshine:

[mel79]

Waterbirth is amazing - i don't have the best pain tolerance but i floated in water through 12 or so hours of active labour at home and felt totally in control the whole time. I expected to be screaming and swearing like they do in the movies but i was calm as anything.
If you'd like to read my birth story, here is the link: http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=127478&page=3&highlight=rowan

The water in the pool was clear until i stood up to get out and some blood came out then but water still wasnt very red.

[mamajess]

I had my two at home in water as planned, cant imagine birthing any other way...the warm deep water was the only place to be...had no tears, fairly big bubs (8pd+ and 10pd+)

dont remember the water colour the lights were low and it was the last thing on my mind, but dp tells me it was pretty soupy after (?)...great for the garden tho!

[hayleysmummy]

If your water breaks before you get in the water can you still have a water birth? I'm interested to know as I'm hoping to have a waterbirth for this bub thanx

[ck2b]

If your water breaks before you get in the water can you still have a water birth? I'm interested to know as I'm hoping to have a waterbirth for this bub thanx

I haven't had one - but planning on it and yes you can. They have to be broken or you can't give birth!! :yes:

[monkeytoes]

They have to be broken or you can't give birth!! :yes:

Many babies are born still inside the sac of waters.

[biscotti]

Many babies are born still inside the sac of waters.

:yes:
My baby was born with the waters still intact, were broken after birth.

This is my water birth story (http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/showthread.php?t=138593&page=4) :cloud9:

[mumofmaddi]

:yelclap: I had my baby girl 7 weeks ago. First baby and it was a water birth in a birthing center. Was amazing! Only labored for 6 hours, the water was so relaxing and I just layed back and slept between contractions. No stitches i really felt it was the water that helped me. I was asked to hop out of the bath to deliver placenta so I did. Water gets a bit messy but honestly like what was previously said you don't notice or care by that stage you just want the baby out!!!! Good luck:yes:

[mamaj]

Ive had 2waterbirths and deffinatly have one with this little bub. I have a slightly slipped disc from childhood and found being out of the water absolutly excruiciating on my back and bump. In the water you are weightless and can move into any postion you feel comfortable without worrying about someone having to be able to catch the baby and you having to move at the last minute. The baby just floats up to you as you reach for it and take it up for your very first cuddle together. The water doesnt get bloody, perhaps a couple of drops after baby is born but they quickly drain the bath. The bleeding only really starts after you deliver the placenta.

Cant wait to go back to the birthcentre, such a wonderful experience. Would like a homebirth but think id scare the neighbours,plus my house is impossible to find lol. StGeorge here I come lol

[christieemily]

I was just talking about a waterbirth with a girlfriend, and we wondered the same thing so glad you asked the question! We thought it sounded romantic, but in reality, it might not be as good. But these are all positive responses. Would be interested in hearing the history behind them too.