Special Beginnings water birth question

[Shell]

My honey and I are hoping to get pregnant in the next couple of months, and have begun to explore our options. I've been going to Special Beginnings for my annual check-up, and really love the facility. It is also a mile from my home, which is quite convenient! We recently watched some videos of waterbirths that were done there, and we both thought that the momma's looked cramped in the tubs. I've seen photos of other tubs that look much bigger and much more comfortable.

Anyone out there have any feedback about this? We are also thinking about homebirth and renting or building a tub. But with Special Beginnings being so nice and so close... it seems like that would make sense for us right now.

Your thoughts/experiences are appreciated!

[Monica]

I had a waterbirth there exactly one year ago on the 20th of July. The tub is more an oval garden style with jets. I am sure if you wanted to do a dry run and sit/kneel in one you could. I ended up not laboring much in there because my body got used to the water temp and it was no longer soothing to me. Also, I soloed it. Dh never got in. I moved to the shower for most of my labor. I did however deliver in the tub. I liked the size because I could support my body on the sides of the tub. It really helped me to lift my butt off the bottom of the tub during contractions. If you have anymore questions about birthing there, please ask or pm me if you want more personal info. I would be happy to chat about anything.


PS: I had a 9lb 7oz baby with no tear in the water! It was fabulous!! Are you thinking about Bradley classes and/or a Doula? I can recommend a good one!!!

[UltimateSerj]

Hi! i had All 3 of my children at special beginnings! all 3 water births, actually my oldest was there very first water birth!! unbelieveablly a little more then 5 yrs ago!!
Yes there tubs are a little Small but comfy to me , my hubby also did NOT get in and i liked it better that way, he sat behind me out of the tub. i'll tell you that water birth was the way to go!! BUT its not for every women, do whats comfy for you at the time! i Really love SB they are all so awesome i think of them as family!! (hehe, it helps the My mom Is there IBCLC there now too!)

i had the choice of home birth with my last one , i have a much bigger garden tub here at my house AND I just moved 2 hrs away from SB and i still went back there to have him!
have any questions at all feel free to ask!
Susan

[lotusdebi]

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[Shell]

Thanks so much for all the good feedback! After I get pregnant (hopefully within next few months -- need to sort out some career/financial stuff and then get trying...) I may contact you individually for some more specific questins/feedback/advice.

Interesting point about having my husband outside the pool to take care of miscellaneous things. He is very good at anticipating my needs and I could see how that would be useful. On the other hand, I could see him wanting to be there with me, experiencing as much of the birth as he can. I'll have to ask him what he thinks!

Meanwhile, I have not heard one bad thing about SB, so this is very encouraging to me. I feel really lucky that they are one mile away.

Thanks again, and keep the comments coming!