I'm due in 10 weeks, and really want a water birth. With my first the nurses made me get out of the water when I was 8cm displayed so they said it wasn't safe to give birth in the water.
I'm wondering how I can bring this up with the midwives and make it clear unless there are complications and I absolutely cannot, I want to be in the water.
Home birthing is not an option, I'm too scared something will happen (although we are only 5 minutes from the hospital, but it seems like a long way away when talking about birthing a baby 😂)
First bub I had 3rd degree tearing and the chord was wrapped around her neck, maybe that was why they made me get out of the water? I did get an epidural, but I really want to go without one this time.. the only reason I really got it was because I had to get put of the water.
Edit: my girlfriend birthed at the same hospital 18m prior and was allowed to have a water birth, but when I asked why I had to get out, I was told "because you have to" and that was it..
12 Replies
A lot of hospitals don't actually allow water births - maybe just ask your midwife what the hospitals policies are
I've had a lot of friends have water births in hospitals.. Would it be a risk factor?
Some hospitals aren't equipped for it, some it's just against policy, others would have pretty strict rules about who can waterbirth. If your baby had the cord wrapped around its neck it may have started showing signs of distress so they wanted you out so it was easier to monitor you. The only way to get your answers though is to speak to your doctor or midwife because every hospital would be different
I would say they had a reason to pull you out the first time, maybe you became at risk of complications as labour progressed or maybe there wasn't the staff required for a water birth. There might be a clue on your file if you ask your Dr next time, if not then it was probably something to do with staff. They wouldn't have known the cord was around babies neck until you started pushing unless ultrasound showed it but you would have been told.
I know all 3 of my local hospitals do not allow water births. Whilst you're in labour you are allowed in the bath, but you are not allowed to have a water birth (it's only for comfort use). It may be against your hospital's regulations (increased risk of sepsis, unsafe for midwives with slippery surfaces etc.) - legitimate hazards meaning it's unsafe for them to operate in a safe and professional manner.
A home birth might be your best option if it's something you really very much want.
That makes a lot of sense. When I asked why last time they said "Because you have to" so I was kind of like "but why do I have to?"
This makes a lot of sense. Increased risk of harm to all involved.
A girlfriend of mine went to the same hospital and they let her water birth. She had her bub 18m before me so maybe things changed in that time idk.
That's so frustrating that they didn't explain it to you properly or give you a valid reason. I can understand in the middle of a birth just saying because you have to but to not then further explain their reasoning as to why afterwards is annoying.
I'd definitely have a chat to them about what you are wanting and see if they can facilitate it, they may not have anyone trained for a water birth but if they don't, see if you can bring your own private midwife in who does have experience. If it's something that is important to you this time around, I would definitely find a way to make it happen if you can :)
At my hospital they allow you to labour in the water but once you are birthing you need to either get out or they pull the plug. It is their policy as the midwives aren’t trained in water birth apparently. If you need to get out, jump straight in the shower. Also highly recommend reading ‘hypnobirthing, the Mongan method’ as a way of avoiding another epi, it just goes into breathing techniques etc and it is how I birthed a 9 pound 12 baby with no pain relief 2nd time round.
Remember that it is your birth, so ask as many questions as you like before and during the birth to stay informed on what is to happen/ what is happening.
Goodluck
I will definitely look into it. If I can avoid the epi this time I would really love to. I just feel it may have been a reason my girl got distressed and why it turned into what the nurses classified as a traumatic birth. (I didnt feel it was that bad, I've heard some horrid birth stories).
I also feel if I had stayed under some form of water, I would have been more comfortable. I will ask about the shower. Thank you.
Considering the risk with your first child, it sounds like you were lucky they told you to get out. Which supports their view that birthing in the water is less safe. Don't focus on the detail... Focus on getting your child out safely.
Yeah but how many complications are caused by their interventions, and not allowing a woman to birth in a way that feels natural and comfortable to her? They take away women’s rights and infantilise her simply because she’s giving birth ....
I’d get a doula and birth at home.
Asking this question on a mainstream group like this isn’t going to help you much. A lot of fear mongering and ignorance
But if you think you’d be too stressed at home then go to hospital. Although you need to weigh up whether the staff’s attitudes and (at times unnecessary) medical interventions will cause you equal or more amounts of stress?