|
Can I have a
waterbirth?
You could choose to have a waterbirth at home or in the
hospital. You would need to be 37 weeks pregnant or more.
Your baby would need to be in the head down (cephalic) position.
Preferably a trouble free pregnancy and a labour that progesses
well.
When can’t I have a
waterbirth?
If your baby is in the breech position (feet first)
If you or your baby have a temperature
Your waters have been broken for more than 24 hours
Certain drugs such as pethidine can prevent you entering
the pool
Do all hospitals have birth
pools?
Unfortunately not, although most have at least one. To
guarantee yourself a pool you would need to arrange a homebirth
with a pool. Speak to your local maternity unit about their
policies on using thir birth pool.
Does water help in labour?
Studies have suggested that entering the water in the 1st
stage of labour can:
- Help shorten the length of your labour
- Help you relax and cope better with your contractions
- Help you feel more in control
- Reduce need for pain relieving drugs (reduce adrenalin
levels and increase endorphin levels
- Provide you the freedom of movement via the weightlessness
provided by the water.
What pain relief is available
to me in the pool?
The only pain relief metod available while in the pool
is entonox (gas and air). Pethidine and epidural are not
used while in the water.
What happens if I change
my mind and want to get out to deliver my baby?
You can of course get out of the pool whenever you want.
Some women choose just to use the birth pool as a form of
pain relief and deliver on dry land!
What do I wear in the pool?
Its completely up to you, although most women choose to
wear a bikini top.
Can my partner get in the
pool with me?
If your labour is progressing well and your partner wants
to offer additional support then this is usually completely
acceptable.
What should I consider if
I want a waterbirth at home?
- Think about where you are going to put the pool (downstairs)
ensuring that there is sufficient room around the pool for
you to get out safely and for the midwife to set up a delivery
area.
- Ensure there are no electrical sockets nearby.
- Is there a tap reasonably close?
- Try to keep the immediate area free of clutter
What equipment do I need
at home?
- Pool!
- Hosepipe
- Tap adapter
- Thermometer for the pool
- Hand held mirror for the midwife
- Torch
- Lots of towels
- Cheap shower curtains or something similar to cover the
floor around the pool area.
- Old sheets to prevent any slipping
- Plenty of warm water
How much hot water will we
need?
You need to make sure you have plenty of hot water readily
available as the pool will often need topping up throughout
the labour. Initially filling the pool is the equivalent
to filling four standard baths (depending on the pool in
use).
Where can I get a pool?
Baby Dolly hires birth pools for a 6 week period with
collection in your 36 week. We hire the community pools
and the price is £52, this includes: pool, pump, liner,
mirror and thermometer. If you want to know more or wish
to hire a pool then please just give us a call or send us
an email
|
