Use of water during labour

[pebilz]

Hi there

I'm just wondering what people's experiences are using water in labour. When I gave birth to my 14mth daughter I wanted to use the bath until it was time to push as that was what my midwives would allow however she ended up being posterior so I couldn't move from the bed as I needed an epidural and then a blood patch (joy!) and hence was very disappointed.

This time around (I'm 18 weeks now) I really want to spend as much time as possible in the water and so would like to know from other people's experiences how being in the water whether giving birth in there or not helped or perhaps even hindered their labour. I guess primarily how it affected contractions and perenium tearing.

Thanks everyone

[poshBecks]

Water was marvelous for me.

I showered for most of my 2nd labour. Had a towel around my belly & my lower back & the hot water on the towels kept my back & belly warm constantly. I stayed in there until I physically couldn't sit anymore. ( I laboured throughout the night, and got so tired) I asked if I could lay on the shower floor... !!

Water by far is an awesome source of pain relief!!

[cheezelkat]

I used the bath and shower. It helped take the edge off the contractions.

[SammyD]

When my DD was born (a long time ago now!) I really wanted to make use of water but I found that the bath made me feel woozy and nauseous (maybe it was too hot?).

[SuperWoman]

My midwife made me up a lavender bath during labour and it was so wonderful. It really took the edge of the contractions and relaxed my whole body for a while. It was beautiful, fully recommend it if you can have one!!!