Tell Me About Birthing Pools

[Cherry Alive]

Have you used a birthing pool before? Did it really help you out a lot?

We have a wonderful birth center picked out, but have a small "dilemma."

We have the choice of 3 rooms. 2 of them are wonderful but for different reasons. 1 can come with a birthing pool, but it is smaller and located between the other two rooms so we may be facing more noise and less privacy.

The other room is big, *feels* nice, and is on the very end of the building so it is the most private. However, for some reason the birthing center doesn't let people use the pool in it.

I'd still have access to a lovely huge bathroom and possibly a jacuzzi, but part of me wonders if I'd be happier or more comfortable in a birthing pool. I've heard it's easier on the joints and discourages lots of vaginal exams (something one of my midwives was complaining about with it). Also, they have it continuously heated (I don't think the jacuzzi is—it's not that deep and is like a big bathtub with jets).

I am not sure which one to pick.

[MGBoutique]

I can only speak for what my experience was like in my homebirth with my son....but I really needed the water. It made all the difference in the world for me. The pain relief it afforded me was really incredible....however, I know not everyone feels that way about water.

If you're going to have lots of really good support in a room without the water, then go for it. But, if you think you might need the relief that water can give you, be where you can use the water if you need it.

Looking back on it, I would have sacrificed a bit of privacy for the relief of the water, but everyone is different. Good luck with your choice, and hopefully your birth will be awesome in every way, with or without the water.

[wbg]

I had 1 water birth out of 4 births. That was my last, and I have to say that now there is no way I would willingly give birth anywhere other than water! I felt it was a wonderful safe zone for me to labour in and whilst I honestly cant say I felt in any less pain than I did with my other natural births, I felt better equipped to cope! More importantly, I felt that my DD's entrance into the world was by far the most gentle of my 4. I believe that water was the best gift I gave her during the birthing process. That being said my first 3 births were also magical, painful and amazing so if you choose not to have a water birth you will still have an awesome experience. It is a very personal choice though. I have a history of short labours so the room size was less of an issue for me as there was not a big chance of me spending that much time there!

[dogmom327]

I'm not usually a water person so I'm really glad that when we tested the pool (ended up being the week before he was born), I spent some time floating around in it. It made me realize how nice it felt. Without that, I don't think I would have wanted to get in the pool once I was in labor. I didn't get in the pool until the very end (ready to push) but it was nice I guess. I think it was nicer for DS than anyone.

I have a La Bassine pool

[zoe196]

I had back labor and it was the birthing pool that saved the day. The mw tried to give me an examination with me lying on my back-- that started off ok but as soon as a contraction came laying on my tail bone was unbearable. So I never had an examination through-out my labor (which was my preference anyway). I would not want to give birth with-out a birthing pool; I stayed in it the whole time. Everyone is different but for me it was invaluable.


All the best for your birthing and motherhood!

Zoe, mama to Thomas 1/06

[MegBoz]

I'm pretty sure it's actually been scientifically documented that imersion in water is effective pain relief. I would not sacrifice the option of the pool. (Well, a jacuzzi still gives you the option of "hydro-therapy".)

I actually labored in my big in-ground pool in my own backyard. It was AWESOME! Fabulous. I just dangled from a raft & floated. Wonderful.

[momasana]

I labored in a birthing pool but got out and delivered my son on a bed. I didn't want to deliver in the water (I don't have any reasons why) and I felt like I had better leverage on "dry land". Either way, it was nice to have the option.

I say go for whatever room feels more comfortable to you and gives you the most options. If you think you'd like the pool, take the room with the pool. Even if you don't end up using it, it will be nice to have the option there for you.

[leafwood]

i personally loved the birthing pool. i went in at 5cm and got to just shy of 10 in about 20m. it was intense, but it was wonderful. based on my experience i would want the pool but you have to be comfortalbe with the space you're in.