Need info on water birth

[Macca79]

Get in contact with your local Childbirth Association or the like and see what classes on birthing are available to you. Most hospitals offer something but many of these are not actually classes on how breath, move and position yourself in birth. In order to let your body work as it is made too you need to be able to move around as you see fit (remember that in all this you are doing the work so its important that your wishes are heard). You have every right to say no to internal examinations and monitoring. If in doubt question what the medical staff want to do to you and don't be afraid to ask why. Having a doula can be of great assistance (birthing attendant who advocates for you and your wishes).

Another perfectly good option is homebirth with an independent midwife. Homebirth is also an option for waterbirth.

[organicem]

Nepean hospital currently doesn't have a policy to allow water births. There are midwives who know how to waterbirth who work there but the manager of the birth unit frowns on any "accidental" waterbirths which may occur. There is a policy in the pipeline to allow waterbirths for hospitals in that area health service (Auburn, Nepean, Blacktown, Westmead, Katoomba and Lithgow) but the bigwigs at the top keep delaying approving it despite lobbying by midwives within these hospitals.

I was offered a water birth a Blacktown Hospital through the midwives clinic but ended up needing medical intervention.

I had a water birth at Westmead public in April, they definately support it and the facilities are lovely and new!!

The only place to have a waterbirth is at home with a private / independent midwife. No hospitals in your area support it

[Midwife Melissa]

I was offered a water birth a Blacktown Hospital through the midwives clinic but ended up needing medical intervention.

I had a water birth at Westmead public in April, they definately support it and the facilities are lovely and new!!

They have baths and they do "unofficial" waterbirths, but it's not the policy of the hospital and it would be unfair to suggest that it's a possibility when really it depends who's on duty and who's not on duty. Blacktown hospital no longer offer waterbirths

[Cricket]

Hi! I've had two hospital "bed" births, and one home waterbirth. I had good hospital experiences, but I think the waterbirth was definitely nicest. Hoping to have another one. Excellent for pain relief and relaxation. By the way, with gas, everything still hurts, but you can relax, and you don't care. Water does almost the same thing - the pain is still there, but you'll be able to relax better, which helps you manage the pain and focus. And, you won't be groggy and will be able to remember your birth. (which I like!) Plus, nothing bad is going to your baby.
Epidural is a whole other ball game. Total pain relief, from what I've heard (which is appealing for sure! I haven't had one.) but a host of other possible complications, and a higher c-section rate. Make an informed choice, whatever you decide to do.

Here's a link to the BellyBelly articles on birth - all kinds of information on the choices and possibilities available to you. Some good information for your labour coach too!

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth

All the best for a great birth.

[Nelle]

First time mummy - I think it's so great you're looking into a waterbirth.

My first was a waterbirth (Angliss Family Birthing Centre, brilliant amazing resource), and it was wonderful in terms of pain management and focus and relaxation between contractions.

My second birth, I thought, it'll be fine as long as I can find a bath - I was hanging for a second waterbirth! I didn't make it to the hospital though, and had bub on all fours with my shower falling on my back. That was fine. So be encouraged a bit, that if you decide not to pursue the home water birth option (worth looking into), there are still ways to birth using water as pain relief/relaxation.
It might be worth asking if the hospital will let you push while under the shower - as Melissa says, you may not be inclined to move anyway at that stage, but ideally you'd have someone supporting you in that stage and not turning off the water and trying to move you.

I'm pretty sure the only option available to me during my waterbirth would have been gas. I assume on a low setting. It never occurred to me to ask for drugs though in the waterbirth (and there was no option for that at home ), I was taken by surprise by how efficient my birth hormones were in terms of helping me labour and focus and birth. Really amazing.

All the best as you continue to figure out your options! xo

[Lulu]

I hope you are getting through those articles ok. I had a fab waterbirth at the same place Nelle did. Don't panic if you can't get one - a few women do get out and give birth on dry land because they feel more comfortable.

One thing to remember is an Active birth is an easier birth, stay upright, bounce on a fitball (usually provided), walk, rock, sing and dance if you feel. Let gravity help you!

[organicem]

I think you would be best of the contact the midwives clinics at the hospitals to find out what their current policies are to ensure you have the most up to date information.