Hey all,

This is my 2nd pregnancy. The first was natural with only gas and air as pain relief.

I have made a definate note to myself after last time that I am def having pain relief.

Just wondering if anyone has experienced a water birth and if so how was it for you.

I have thought about it but wanted to know what everyones views are on it

Hi there, i had one a few years ago at the Barratt, will post tomorrow when Ive got more time but suffice to say it was fantastic!

I'd really like more info about this too. I am a very keen swimmer and very comfortable and soothed in general in water. There is a pool at the hospital where I've elected to give birth but I may not be able to use it (you can't book it - it's first come first serve - and even then, only if there's no other complications with the birth).

My instinct is to go for it - but the only other thing you can have is gas and air.

This is my first pregnancy and basically I just have no concept or idea just how painful it is... the only thing that's making me feel slightly less panicked is that I used to have gallstone attacks (until my gallbladder was taken out) and I've heard women who've given birth and had gallstone attacks say the latter was more painful - (although obviously I have NO idea if this is true - and I can't imagine how it can be since the longest gallstone attack I had was 5 hours - leading to its removal - whereas obviously labour lasts longer).


eta - if labour is a 12+ hour experience as painful as a gallbladder attack, I think I'll need an epidural!!

I didnt get chance for the waterbirth I had wanted with my first and have decided against it with this one. I had my first with gas and air and I am considering having this one without anything but G&A on standby just incase I decide I want something.
If you want a waterbirth then go for it but do prepare yourself for the fact it may not happen for whatever reason. A friend of mine was heartbroken when she couldnt have the waterbirth she wanted and it caused problems with bonding between her and her daughter at first.
Personally I found labour suprisingly easy and count myself very lucky though I do have a very high pain threshold (happens when you have fallen off/been kicked by horses numerous times!) but I think i would encourage anyone to give it a go on just gas and air, by the time it gets bad enough for you to want something more its over in a blink

i am also considering a water birth,so will be interesting to find out others views!!

It sounds like a good idea (although impossible to gaurantee unless you have a home birth with no complications...), but I am worried about the lack of pain relief (ok, I am a coward ).

Part of me thinks that a water/active birth would be great, the other part of me thinks "just have an epidural and hopefully things wont hurt too much...

Needs more research I think...

QT

If it's as easy as this i would love to have one

thats an amazing video!! i had my hubby watching that then aswell he was like thats amazing!! i have always wanted a water birth! thats got me really excited now

OMG - that made me cry....

very nice..

This is my second pregnancy and I'm considering a water birth this time round but as someone else mentioned its also a first come, first served at our maternity unit as there is only one pool.