How many of you have actually had a Water Birth and how long did you manage to spend in the water? Did your partner get in with you?

I would of loved a water birth, but had dia-morphine so wasnt allowed in the birthing pool

A friend of mine did and her partner got in with her which she was quite surprised about. He kept saying that it was like a huge bath lol

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The relaxing effect of water, with its support and warmth, can help you through your labour. Your contractions may lose their rhythm if you become tense. This means your labour may stop and start without moving on. Being bathed in water is likely to help you go with your contractions, so that they are less stressful for you and your baby.

Being relaxed also helps you to breathe calmly. It means you're less likely to take short, shallow breaths, which can make the pain of contractions worse.

I am really fancying a water birth but not too sure I am going to be allowed one due to my hypertension. I guess I will start to talk more about this with the midwives from now on as I am 21+3.

Im 20 weeks pregnant with my first, and i am seriously considering a water birth. What other forms of pain relief can you have if your in the water?? Also at the hospital where im booked in to give birth, there is only 1 birth pool...so i don't want to get my heart too set on it.

I had a water birth with my first son Matthew (who is now 7 years old) it was soo relaxing, and as he was back to back in me they said it was the best way to give birth as the water would ease my back pain and relax me and it certainly did that. I really recommend it if you get the chance (with the gas & air). I wanted to have a water birth with my 2nd son (now 1 month old) but he came too quickly and someone else was already using the birthing pool, he couldnt hold on for them to come out he was here in 30 mins

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I spent 4 hours in the birthing pool and at the time i didnt realise my partner could come in with me so he just held the gas & air for me instead whilst i just layed there floating and nearly out of it.

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I'm really thinking about a water birth this time, but still unsure. Do you have to get straight out to deliver placenta, I don't want to be rushed about and feel uncomfortable?xxx

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