Gavin's Waterbirth Story

My DD came surprisingly at 36 1/2 weeks, so I couldn't go to the birthing center to have the waterbirth I had been dreaming of for months! I was bummed. But she was healthy, so I was ok with that. But it reinforced my determination not to ever give birth in a hospital again!

When I got pregnant with my DS, I was determined to have the waterbirth I had wanted so badly with my DD. So, I was put on bedrest at 34 weeks when I starte dialating (to 3 already!) to get me to 37 weeks so I could go to the midwife center and have my waterbirth. Well, after a week off of bedrest, he finally decided to come! I had him after only 1 hour, 45 minutes of labor in the jacuzzi tub. It was fantastic!! Here's the gist of my waterbirth experience:

As soon as I walked in the door, I had the midwives strt filling the tub. I got in as soon as it was full enough, and instantly I felt relief from the pain! I had felt so out of control when I was in labor with my DD, that it was amazing to feel completely in sync with my labor in the water. I could feel him descending through the birth canal, and felt so much more in control during the labor. Plus, it didn't hurt nearly as much. Don't get me wrong, it still hurt during the contractions, but the water really helped to calm me between contractions. I just loved the entire experience!

This time, I am seeing the midwifes again, and we are all on the same sheet of music as to what I want. They didn't even have to ask this time! I am so looking forward to having another waterbirth, and will be happy to answer any questions anyone might have about my experience.

Submitted by Christen