want a water birth in SA

[melamo1]

I really want to try and have a water birth as has been told its the way to go but am unsure if its possable in SA.
I was told if you find a hospital with a deep water bath then you can ask them that if it come to the time of birth and you dont want to get out will they let you stay in. has anyone done it this way or is there somewere you can book in for a water birth?
I cant have a home water birth as need to have back up of hospital as I have a cronic back injury and a pain contion (fibromalalgia)oops have got the spelling in front of me!
I would like to have the chance to do it even though you do get some not so supportive comments from family and friends.
Any advice?
Mel:xmas:

[the_queen]

Try the midwifery group practice at Womens and Childrens - there are some fabulous midwives there.

Depending on what suburb you're in, you could be able to birth through the Northern Women's Midwifery Group, they are FANTASTIC, absolutely FANTASTIC and they are happy to be with you and home or hospital, and my MW said that if anyone tried to stop me birthing in the bath (because hospy midwives have been known to pull the plug :thumbsdown: that she would absolutely kick them out of the room :yelclap:

(I didn't end up with a WB because I had a walking epidural, but my middy's support never waivered.)

[Mummy2R&K]

Hi there, the Flinders Medical Centre Southern Group Midwifery Practice lets u have a water birth in the Birth Suites - ie natural. I think they are actually trying to promote it more!

I was intent on staying in the bath, but DS had other ideas and he wouldn't come out so ended up having a vontouse.

All the midwifes i dealt with were fantastic.

[melamo1]

thanks for the imfo I will contact them and see what I can find out. Im in Craigmore so the northern womens midwifery might be a go.
The Queen... what is a walking epidural? does that mean you had a epi and still had a water birth??

[the_queen]

No, I planned a homebirth but ended up transferring for pain relief (he went posterior and I have a very bad back), so I wasn't in the birthing suite. I had a very low-grade epidural which meant I could still move my legs, still feel things, and it wasn't topped up at all, so when I pushed him out I could feel everything. I had to have a drip so you couldn't have one of these with a waterbirth.

[melamo1]

bummer! :crying: does that mean that with all epi's you have to have a drip meaning that you can't have a water birth? :(
They think the chances of me being able to give bith without one would be very slim but I really, really, really want a water birth:hissy:

[the_queen]

Yeah, epidural = drip in the arm.

But look - I didn't have a birth pool at home, my idiot ex was very very unsupportive (ie he told me off when I decided to transfer, that "if we were going to just go to the hospital anyway, why did we have to go through all this sh!t" notice i said he's my EX ;)

From what every waterbirther I know has told me, the pain relief from the water is immense - it is so wonderful. Some people wait until the contrax are almost unbearable, and then get in the water, because the relief is immediate and wonderful.

You can do it!! :smiliedance: Find a care provider who will support a natural birth (have you contacted Northern Women's? They are MAGNIFICENT and will help you in every way you need)

[sirhokko]

Unfortunately from today you can no longer choose your place of birth in SA. There is a 1300 number that no matter what hospital you phone you will be put through to and they will zone you by your postcode.

with a chronic back injury an FM I wouldn't recommend you had an induction or augmentation. a homebirth sounds like your best solution. and a guaranteed water birth too.

[melamo1]

I can't believe you can't choose your hospital :confused:
Why?????
I agree that with my back nd with FM it would be really bad say if I had to have a c section because I would suffer 3x more than someone would normaly recovering from one and Id much rather be looking after my baby!
I think a home birth(with pool) would be great but My DP and family are just so concerd about my back and FM that they are sure I wont manage and will need a epi and that if im at home and then do need it it will put as both at risk :(
I do understand their love and concern and do also realise at the end of the day it our choice but i would like to be able to concider it without them being so sure it would be a bad thing.
Has anyone else had to deal with family and friends saying no to a home birth?

[sirhokko]

I can't believe you can't choose your hospital :confused:
Why?????
I agree that with my back nd with FM it would be really bad say if I had to have a c section because I would suffer 3x more than someone would normally recovering from one and Id much rather be looking after my baby!
I think a home birth(with pool) would be great but My DP and family are just so concerned about my back and FM that they are sure I wont manage and will need a epi and that if im at home and then do need it it will put as both at risk :(
I do understand their love and concern and do also realise at the end of the day it our choice but i would like to be able to consider it without them being so sure it would be a bad thing.
Has anyone else had to deal with family and friends saying no to a home birth?

Lots of women who decide to birth at home have some sort of problem with family. At the end of the day your baby your body your birth.
I would be happy to put you in touch with others in the same position.

I have also birthed with a client with a back injury who ended up a section the first time and had to have a general as the injury stopped her from having an epidural or spinal. They can compound the problem. The second time she had a homebirth in the water. I'm sure she would be only to pleased to talk about her experience with you.
You can ring me at home if you want to know more 83391241 or my mob 0439802937.

The homebirth network have a meeting this friday at goodwood community centre on rosa street at 10am if your interested too.

I am one of the independent midwives in SA.
Lisa Barrett