A few interesting facts about Water Birth that I have learned

As a few of you know I really didn't know if I would do a water birth- even though my midwife is a huge believer in them. But after taking some classes I thought I would share what I learned. There are so many of us that will be giving birth soon I figured this might help a few of you.
- Not everyone who wants a water birth can have one. You must have a steady fetal heart rate, no meds used, and no mecominume (sp?) in your fluid in order to qualify for the tub. the midwife said 20% of her patients cannot use the tub.
-You must be 5cms before you enter the tub.
-Normally a first time Mom will dilate 1 cm every hour (on average). In the water you dilate 1 cm every 1/2 hour (on average).
-You do not need to push the same way you do on a 'dry land' birth. You may need to do some pushing if you have a large baby for your body size or they need to get the baby out faster. But on average you do not push like they show on A Baby Story.
-Pain is considered a lot less in the water birth tub, even without the use of meds. it has to do with the water and the fact that you are not fighting gravity. The water also helps to soften your muscles and therefore episotomies (sp?) are not as common.

I am also taking my hpyno birth classes in Sept. and promise to do a full report after those too. Of course the real test will be when I post my labor story.

Very interesting, I always wondered about WAter Briths. Thanks

Thank you ..that was very helpful. I also am interested in the hypnobirthing when I saw some woman on A Baby Story did it. Please share that info when you get it!


Thanks again!

Michele-

How much water are you in? I'm wondering if you're waist high or totally in there...Are you standing, sitting, laying down?

Its sounds really interesting, but I just can't picture it yet. Thanks

Michele ... would you also share some info on the Hypno classes? This sounds interesting but I know little about it. I think I saw someone on A Baby Story using it, but I'm not sure if that's what you're referring to. I know that I have a very low threshhold for pain & am anxious about labor. This seemed like the ultimate relaxation method!

Thanks

The water birth tub is like a one-person spa size tub. It is actually quite nice looking. You can sit easily in the tub. They fill the tub up to cover you, but not up to your neck. You want the water up to your breasts or so. You wear a sports bra or bathing suit top in the water.
The baby comes out much easier than if you are lying in a bed.

Hypnobirthing is a self-hypnosis. You are not being put 'under a spell' or anything like that. You learn how to disconnect and put yourself in a very relaxed from of mind. It also includes a lot of fear release exercises- since tensing up one of the biggest problems that causes pain. I have seen it before and I have held it to be my saving grace. I do not do well on any medications- they make me very sick- so I am hoping this will help me prevent needing them. I will let you know after my classes and birth how it works.