Speaking of water births (need info)

[Mallori]

Does anyone have a link to a site with good info about what happens during waterbirth, if the mom needs any special monitoring, etc? Also what happens to the baby in the process.

I am due to give birth in a few weeks-april 5 to be exact. This is my third baby, and the first time i'm refusing induction. Our town has a brand new hospital, and I recently visited the birthing suites. While they do not have actual "birthing" tubs, they have a larger than normal tub in the room, deeper than a standard. When I was there the nurse commented about seeing her first waterbirth a few months before hand, and how peaceful it was for mom and baby, and that she had hoped that someone would want to try it there. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.

I have so many questions about it, but I really would love to try this, and avoid other interventions.

[TurboClaudia]

Barbara Harper's website for Waterbirth International at www.waterbirth.org is an awesome resource. You can also call Barbara and she will help you with resources for your physician/midwife/hospital. Start talking to your care providers NOW if you are interested in birthing in water because different care providers have different levels of experience and comfort with birthing in water.

warm birthing vibes,
claudia

[georgia]

Also, Barbara's books Gentle Birth Choices and (uhoh, forgot the name) but she also has a waterbirth book....are great resources. So is "Choosing Waterbirth" by Lakshmi Bertram (sp?) Lots of great videos, too. gentlebirth.org might have some waterbirth info as well.

Best wishes achieving the birth you deserve!!!

[Eman'smom]

No links or anything, but I had an amazing hospital waterbirth. It was great, go for it. Dd did wonderfully, great heartrate, started breathing well right away, didn't even get "bulb suctioned".

[anothermama]

Ya know, my research for this (we'll probably waterbirth this one) has been the videos of the other births my midwives have done. Birth is pretty normal and natural and for the most part it seems like you can just let it take it's course.......there isn't anythign special that needs to happen. All the babies I've seen waterbirthed seem MUCH calmer and less traumatized........I've seen a dozen babies who didn't even cry right away........it all just seemed calm and normal.