Water Births?

Question

I'm an FTM and I've heard quite a lot of good things about having a water birth. I think that having a water birth myself might help me feel a little relaxed and ease my back pain.

I have had really bad sciatica this pregnancy, I cannot lay on my back at all and the thought of laying on my back to give birth, sends shivers down my spine cos I know the amount of pain I will have in my back. Having hot baths really eases the pain for me and I'm thinking that maybe having a water birth will do the same?

In the hospital that I will be giving birth at, they don't bathe the baby after it is born and I find that disgusting. I want a clean baby. So having a water birth will not only ease the pain but also give the baby a quick bath? :P

I just want to know experiences of having water births. Pro's/cons. The one thing that is stopping me from saying yes to a water birth is all the goo that will be in the water from giving birth. I know sometimes you poo whilst giving birth...that will be floating in the water (ew). Then the blood and everything else...

Answer

They will wipe your baby off. Most of the stuff comes off. The rest is actually good for babys skin. If you do poop in tub they have a little net they use to scoop it out. There really isn't much blood, just fluid and you can rinse off after. I loved my water birth experience. The water helped so much with the pain. My baby was born so calm and she nursed immediately. I would say dont worry so much about all the goo and stuff and just focus on whats beat for you and baby. It all works out. 😊

Answer

The vernix that the baby is born with is protective and moisturizing to a baby's delicate skin. A good wipe down with a towel does the trick. Your baby will not smell from it either. I was planning on a water birth, but ended up having her out of the pool. I labored in the tub and it helped take a little bit of edge off.

Answer

Labor in the pool may be beneficicial and help you relax. Delivering in the pool has no proven benefits and has several potential risks: You or your baby could get an infection. The umbilical cord could snap before your baby comes out of the water. Your baby’s body temperature  could be too high or too low. Your baby could breathe in bath water. If an emergency happens, it may be more difficult to maneuver you and/or your baby to a safe place to treat it.

Answer

Just a question but do you know why they won't give the baby a bath ? Have you told your dr that's what you want? I want my baby cleaned off after I give birth. ( after skin to skin of course) I feel like I would be weirded out by the cheesy feeling of the vernix. So we're in the same boat but my hospital will give him a bath.

Answer

The Bernie the baby is born with is amazing for their skin. I  refused a bath for my baby after she was born so she can have that vernix on her. You should do more research on it. I didn't bathe her until a week later. At the hospital they did a wipe down and I not had them clean her hair. She didn't smell. Or anything.

Answer

I laboured and gave birth in the pool. It was amazing. I really recommend it x

Answer

They aren't dirty.. maybe you should do a little more reading LOL! You can't be too prepared.