The "how to" and the benifits of water-birth discussion thread. - Page 5

[pamamidwife]

I usually tell women to get in the tub whenever they want. Some women find incredible relief before ever being 8cm (and not to mention the fact that I don't routinely check women, so I never know where they're at) without it slowing labor down.

[sarajane]

8 cm? Do you have to wait that long? I am planning a waterbirth and haven't even thought of this really. Just figured I could be in and out whenever I wanted and it not hurt anything. I wouldn't think I would get in during very early labor but I guess to me 8 cm sounds like a long time to wait. I have never given birth before so have no clue how long it takes to get to 8 or what it feels like.

I was also wondering if maybe I might get too hot in the tub. I am so hot all the time that I am worried a hot tub might make me get over heated. But then again, when I take a bath sometimes I get cold but the bath tub doesn't even cover my belly very much so maybe that is why I get cold.

[pamamidwife]

Sara, I'd suggest you go with what feels right for you - both in regards to when to get into the tub as well as the temperature.

[Alexander]

Madly agreeing with pamamidwife

On a TV program I saw of a French Dr., he allowed the ladies under his care to get into the pool as soon as they began to feel they needed, (before excessive pain).

We did this for my children, and the relief was substantial. There is no point in waiting till the baby is about to drop! The water birth experience is not just for the child, but for the mother too.

Hope this helps

a