I Am Going to Try a Water Birth, Any One Done One?

I had my first water birth this past June. It was the most amazing, "off the charts" experience you could possibly imagine! All the labor and efforts to bring such a joy to this world makes the bond that much more intense. He came into this world in the state of sleep. We waited for him to awake and take his first breath on his own, and it was so awesome to witness this happen. And, since he was so very much at peace into his arrival, he latched on to my breast like a pro. Best of all, my other children were with me and I was able to go to sleep in my own bed, in my own home. I highly recommend the experience to anybody considering. My midwife's name was Amber Clarkson, and her website is www.midwifenewbraunfels.com . She also serves the San Antonio and San Marcos areas. Take Care!

Hello L.! I am VERY excited that you are considering another home water birth. I have had 2 and loved both experiences as well. The large garden tub will be perfect to bring in your new baby. The main thing is the depth of the tub. It just has to be deep enough to keep your bottom and the baby coming out under water. My second waterbirth was done in my daughter's kiddie pool =) Here are a few websites to check out as well as resources from my midwife's website in CA. If you have any more questions, I would be more than thrilled to offer any ideas. I hardly know anyone else that is willing to bring their baby into the world the natural and gentle way, so big hugs and high-fives to you, you Superwoman!!! =) Take care, G.
http://www.homebirth.org.uk/water.htm
http://www.waterbirth.org/mc/page.do
http://gentlebirth.net/resources.html

I don't have experience with water birth myself due to complications with my first pregnancy but a friend of mine has 4 kids (3 home water births - 2 of those unassisted with just family there). She has a website with all her birth stories and pics of the kiddos as well. Beware, there are a couple of "iffy" pics that may make a few folks blush but it's fabulous to read the miricle of birth! She's got links to all sorts of information as well! And for a unashamed plug for her (only b/c I use it and love it - she makes "slings" called Kozy Karriers that are fabulous! Her website is www.entergently.com.

I haven't done one, but I've had 2 homebirths with midwives. Anyway, a really good resource is the mothering.com forums. Go to mothering.com then click on "discuss". In the homebirthing section on the forums, there is a ton of info about waterbirths, and plenty of people to talk to who've had one. The water made labor worse for me with my first one, so I didn't even consider going near water with my second one, but I think the people who it helps are so lucky :)

I just have one question. Why would you have your baby at home in your bathtub instead of a hospital? What if something goes horribly wrong? You would have no doctors, no operating room for an emergency c-section, no way of stopping uncontrolled bleeding.....there are so many things. I was just wondering.

L.,
I have never had a water birth but, it sounds a little interesting. I have seen them, on the discovery health. I had a midwife with my first baby and I loved it. I was delivered in the hospital though not the kind of midwife that delivers in the hospital. Now that I am in Texas there isn't a midiwfe here in the area that I am in. I miss having a midwife. My second baby was delivered by military doctor. I hope that your water birth goes successfully for you. I am going to have this baby regualr like with a epideral and stuff like that..... I am,also 33 weeks pregnat and very excited bout the upcoming birth of my 3rd child.

my girlfriend had her son in the tub and he did get a small amount of water in his lungs which landed him in the hospital (just what my friend was trying to avoid with a homeirth) for 3 days for observation. I don't know what she could have done differently. Sorry to be negative, but you should know the risks, right?
HTH
T.

hi L.!
i had both of my kids in the water with my wonderful midwife and it was amazing! i was committed to not having any pain meds and being in the water made a huge difference for me. and it is so much nicer for the baby...going from water into water rather than such a shocking change from water to air. do you have questions or were you just kind of looking for some other waterbirth voices? let me know if you have questions--i highly recommend water!! try looking at www.waterbirth.org or www.waterbirthinfo.com for more reading. good luck--
K.

Are you using a midwife? Doula? Some sites with good info are,
www.waterbirth.org
www.waterbirthinfo.com
www.birthbalance.com

I have been with several moms that had water births, they were wonderful.
Good luck