Qn re: waterbirth.

[Baybee]

Hi Ladies,
Just a quick question. Can you use gas if you have a waterbirth? I have heard conflicting stories.
Thanks, Claire

[FourAngelKisses]

I can't see why you can't use it. I was in the bath with most of my 3 labours and I was using gas.

[spiritedfamily]

It depends on where? If at home...there is no gas as there is no drug form of pain relief. The relief comes from water, natural remedies, ie:natural pain creams, evaporisers with oils, rescue remedy, bach flowers, homeopathic, etc...
If in you are lucky enough to find a hospital which allows waterbirth...then they do allow gas (this varies from hospital to hospital).

[jarrahsmumma]

i used gas and i birthed in water

[stellarella]

I intended to have a water birth and was told i could indeed use gas as much as i liked.

[Jamily]

You certainly can. I delivered DD in water and was offered gas - personally I didn't like it, but the mouthpiece was excellent to bite down on

[DQ]

I think what Damona was saying is that if you are birthing in water AND that water is at home, then you cannot use the gas. Is that right?

If you are birthing in water BUT NOT at home, then you can use gas.

[spiritedfamily]

Yep!!
Homebirth is a different process...its completely natural, no gas, no drugs...but hopsital and birthing centres allow gas

[lilpearl]

Except you can choose to have gas at a home birth. I'm pretty sure they can even bring pethadine along. Of course, it may depend on the midwife - but I've known people to opt for home birth and nitous as well.

[shed]

If my next is a homebirth I will be using gas.

They can bring it with them.

Re: the waterbirth, when I was in the water at the hospital I couldn't have the gas because the machine was fixed to the wall and wouldn't reach. Thats the only reason though.

I didn't like the water as much as I thought I would. I was only in there for a few minutes and wanted to get back out again. I preferred the shower.