calling all water birthers - Page 2

[gravida]

 I had a waterbirth and I can't imagine doing it any other way! DH's job was to keep the water nice and warm so every now and then he'd start a siphon and drain out some water then add a bit of hot. It was always perfect and I was in the tub for 6 hours. 

 As for the blood bit we decided that I would try to get out of the tub before the placenta came. If it worked then great, if not then DH (who has a weak tummy) would deal with the blood best he could. So we had a waterproof layer under the sheets on our bed and chux at the ready. I did end up hemorrhaging so being out of the water was probably a good thing anyways. I'd plan to do the same thing next time if I could. It wasn't rushed at all, my midwife just asked if I was ready to move and everyone helped get me out of the tub and onto the bed (they were literally touching so it was not a long way to go) and about 5 minutes later the placenta came.

[ShwarmaQueen]

I labored after 8cm and delivered in the fishy pool (the largest size because I'm 6'0'' tall), it was perfect! Up until then I used the shower and the hot water rocked for back labor. I would ONLY do it again this way!

[labortrials]

Here's a link to the kiddie pool I bought to labor in.  I didn't get to use it last time, but I'm planning on it this summer.  I fantasize about laboring (hopefully quietly) in that tub in my backyard under my lovely tree that's just off the porch.  I plan to construct some sort of "room" for visual privacy.

Here's a related question - what do non-nudie birthers wear in the pool?  I don't know that I'll feel the desire to be completely naked, so . . .

[noahs.mom06]

Originally Posted by labortrials 

Here's a link to the kiddie pool I bought to labor in.  I didn't get to use it last time, but I'm planning on it this summer.  I fantasize about laboring (hopefully quietly) in that tub in my backyard under my lovely tree that's just off the porch.  I plan to construct some sort of "room" for visual privacy.

Here's a related question - what do non-nudie birthers wear in the pool?  I don't know that I'll feel the desire to be completely naked, so . . .

I have made birth skirts for my clients in the past, using swimsuit material. I'm planning on making one for myself as well, and will probably just wear either a sports bra or a swimsuit top for the top half.

[MarineWife]

A swim skirt is a good idea. I have one. I'll have to keep in mind to use it. With my waterbirth I just wore a large t-shirt. Because my lower half was in the tub I didn't feel exposed. I wouldn't have felt comfortable in just a sports bra. Plus, I wanted to be able to nurse right away if baby wanted and didn't want to have to fight with getting a wet sports bra off. It's hard enough for me to get in and out of one of those things on a regular day.

[noahs.mom06]

Originally Posted by MarineWife 

A swim skirt is a good idea. I have one. I'll have to keep in mind to use it. With my waterbirth I just wore a large t-shirt. Because my lower half was in the tub I didn't feel exposed. I wouldn't have felt comfortable in just a sports bra. Plus, I wanted to be able to nurse right away if baby wanted and didn't want to have to fight with getting a wet sports bra off. It's hard enough for me to get in and out of one of those things on a regular day.

True. I think I'll go for a nursing version of a sports bra, since those end up being my favorite to sleep in after the birth, anyway. With as hot as our house gets in the summer, and birthing in July, I think wearing much more for clothing will be uncomfortable (I've actually birthed mostly naked in both of my previous births... the nurses kept asking if I wanted a gown, and I was like NO!).

[Funny Face]

most women i know who tried water therapy in labor LOVED it and there have been a few who i've heard say it was not for them AT ALL and hated it. i would say it is worth the investment just to have the option in labor. seriously. i've had two water births and this last time dh was having a hard time getting the tub filled. i literally almost panicked at the thought of not having water as an option. thankfully he got it set up and everything was fine. 

the water was soooooo good for me in labor. really helped me relax, move easily and (i think) dilate faster and with less discomfort. we had low heart tones during pushing and midwives wanted me to get out. i said absolutely not because i knew how well i could push in water and that changing to dry land would completely throw off the rhythm i was in- and i was right. i was able to maneuver and push baby out much better in water.

good luck with your birth! :D

[labortrials]

Originally Posted by noahs.mom06 

I have made birth skirts for my clients in the past, using swimsuit material. I'm planning on making one for myself as well, and will probably just wear either a sports bra or a swimsuit top for the top half.

Great idea!  Do you have a favorite pattern for this?  I suppose making some sort of an elastic wrap style that can "fall open" for access might be nice.  What does yours look like?

On top - I have a pretty good pregnancy bathing suit top (super cheap from Kmart) that I bought when I was pregnant with the twins.  It ties at the neck, so I'll be able to nurse easily with that.

I just CAN'T get the idea of laboring (not necessarily birthing) under my tree in the backyard out of my head.  LoL, but it's a winter wonderland out there ATM!

 

[noahs.mom06]

I don't really use a pattern, I just buy 1 1/2-2 yards of swimsuit fabric (based on mama's size), fold it in half the long way, cut it down the middle, and then round the corners at the bottom and angle it in towards the top (maybe a 45 degree angle). Then I take a strip of the fabric from the other half (about 2-3" wide), and cut the ties as long as I want them to be, and sew them onto the top edges of the skirt. So it is a wrap skirt, and it hits just above the knee, so you can labor on your hands and knees without mooning everyone in the room. And since it's swimsuit fabric, it dries really fast.

[Sharlla]

I only sat in mine for about an hour and oddly enough the weather was in the mid 60"s when I had her so I didn't need to have more warm water added.  I got my tub here on the FSOT.  DH and I were just naked :P