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Conference moira::parenting

Title:Parenting
Notice:Previous PARENTING version at MOIRA::PARENTING_V3
Moderator:GEMEVN::FAIMANY
Created:Thu Apr 09 1992
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1292
Total number of notes:34837

288.0. "WATER BIRTH - what's involved" by SUBURB::TURNERL () Fri Aug 28 1992 15:53

    I have the option of having a 'water birth' for my baby.  Has anyone
    been through this experience, or could pass on some info as I don't
    know what's involved. (eg regarding pain relief, partner's involvement
    etc)
    
    Lucy.
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288.1Curious!AKOCOA::BOLANDFri Aug 28 1992 18:0412
    
    Lucy,
    
    I have no information to offer you, just lots of questions.
    This is very intriguing!
    
    Can you tell us what exactly is a 'water birth'. I expect it has
    something to do with birthing underwater, but I haven't seen the term
    before.  Where are you located that you have that option? 
    
    Curious, 
    	Rose Marie
288.2FREBRD::POEGELGarry PoegelFri Aug 28 1992 19:157
I heard that just recently the Peterborough, NH hospital started
performing "water births".  It is having the birth in which the baby 
comes out under water.  It's theorized to be easier on both the mom
and baby.

Garry
288.3SUBURB::TURNERLTue Sep 01 1992 10:367
    It's the basenoter again.  I'm actually located in England and I have
    the option of giving birth under water at a hospital in Oxford.
    
    This isn't very common over here - that's why I'm after anyone who
    might have any info on it.
    
    Lucy
288.4ECADSR::NUPE::hampTokyo 501s: $200 a pair!Tue Sep 01 1992 13:074
I believe a previous version of the file discussed this. (V1 or V2?).
Are those versions still available to read?

Hamp
288.5PARENTING Versions 1 and 2CSC32::DUBOISLoveTue Sep 01 1992 16:289
<I believe a previous version of the file discussed this. (V1 or V2?).
<Are those versions still available to read?

See notes 9.9 and 9.21 for the location of PARENTING_V1 and to find out that
PARENTING_V2 is *currently* unavailable.  However, we have been offered
a home for PARENTING_V2 and when it becomes online we will announce it 
in that topic.

   Carol duBois, PARENTING co-moderator
288.6contact the NCTMARVIN::MARSHThe dolphins have the answerWed Sep 02 1992 07:3727
    
    To the basenoter:
    
    As you planning to give birth in Oxford, I assume you are going to the
    John Radcliffe.
    
    I also planned to use the pool there, but ended up having a planned
    c-section as my baby was a transverse breech.
    
    Before we discovered Rebecca's funny position, I received a lot of
    information about the pool from both the hospital and my NCT teacher
    who had pupils who had used it. I suggest you ask around your local NCT
    contacts and ask to be put in touch with someone who has used the pool.
    
    As there is only one pool, don't set your hopes too high on getting it.
    A friend of mine was all set for a water birth only to find the pool
    already in use when she was ready to give birth!!!
    
    As I learnt with my birth plans - leave as many options open as
    possible. The John Radcliffe is wonderful, contact me if you want more
    information.
    
                 regards
    
                      Celia
                                   
    
288.7Whirpool laborDEVMKO::CULLENWed Sep 02 1992 13:4615
    Not sure of what happens in a water birth, however I have had the
    experience of labor under water.  When my daughter Rachel was born I
    was asked if I would like to use the Whirlpool bath at the hospital. I
    was only 4 cm and my water had not yet broken.  Labor pains appear MUCH
    less severe under water, and within an hour I was 8 cm.  The midwife
    broke my water and then I was just about ready to push.  I went into the 
    hospital at 12:00 noon, and delivered at 3:00pm.  Definitely the easiest 
    of the four labor and deliveries I have been through.  Always wished I 
    could stay there for the length of the delivery, but I haven't heard of 
    anyone in the US who practices water births.
    
    If you have that opportunity, I'd say go for it ... then let us all know
    how it went  ;)
    
    Donna
288.8ICS::HSCOTTLynn Hanley-ScottWed Sep 02 1992 14:575
    The previous reply prompts mine - I labored much more quickly standing
    in the shower. The water definitely felt good and lessened the
    intensity of the contractions. 
    
    
288.9GOOEY::ROLLMANFri Sep 04 1992 18:486

I recently heard of a midwife who gave birth while in water.  I think it was
at a hospital in Peterborough, NH.  (Heard it from my pediatrician).

Pat
288.10Yes, they do them at MCHMSBCS::JANSON_CFri Apr 09 1993 16:2652
    We're having our second baby  at Monadnock Community Hospital 
    in Peterborough, NH (due June 2).  They have been doing water
    births since April, 1992.  As of our childbirth class this past
    Wednesday, they had done 33 births underwater.  

    The instructor talked  quite alot about the water births, as everyone
    in the class was pretty interested.  They have one tub, so depending on
    who else is in labor and whether or not they want to use it, it may or
    may not be an option.  They consider a water birth an option,not a
    goal.  Their experience has been very positive.  There have been no
    complications (although one of the doctors told me that he had trouble
    with one birth where the baby was quite large and he had to actually
    get in the tub with the woman to help in the process -- believe me --
    the tub is not big enough for a woman nine months pregnant and a full
    grown man :-)).  

    A few people brought up fears of infection.  They said that there is
    nothing to point to any increased risk of infection.  They clean the
    tub with all sorts of chemicals before they allow the next person to
    use it.

    They showed us a short video on it.  It was really amazing.  The way it
    works is that the Mom catches the baby!  She then immediately brings it
    out of the water and cradles it.  In the video, the baby did not cry,
    but immediately looked right up at the Mom.  The instructor told us
    that has was the universal experience at MCH -- no crying, and baby
    looks right at Mom!  Everyone in the room was teary during the video.
    I'm not sure I'm really describing how this looked to see a newborn so
    peaceful and serene and obviously enthralled with it's mother.

    The nurses at MCH have gotten quite a bit of information from a
    birthing center in California, which also practices water births. 
    Apparently, there are very few place in the US that do this.

    Apparently, the labors are usually less stressful and painful (the
    instructor made it plain there is still pain as in any labor and
    delivery).  They feel that the water itself and the way you are allowed
    to have yourself positioned in the tub is ideal for birthing.  The
    pelvis can open wider and easier, making the whole process smoother.

    With my first labor, I used the whirlpool for about an hour and a half
    of labor.  It really was relaxing, but I got out when I got too wrinkled
    :-)  With the water births, you can get in and out as you wish, but
    they don't let you in the tub until you're 5 cm dialated.  They have an
    underwater doppler to monitor the heartbeat.

    I have some written information if anyone wants it.  They are now
    offering classes (I think once a month) at the hospital.  They are
    an hour and a half long and are free.  If interested, you can call the
    hospital's main number and ask for Parent Education.  
    
    Chris
288.11I've got a brill book!!MINNY::GOODTue May 18 1993 19:2514
    
    Hi Lucy,
    
    I hope you are still interested in water birth. I have a great book at
    home called Water Birth but I can't remember the authors name, so I'll
    get back to you on that one! Its really brill with all the info that
    you would like. It also has addresses of where there are birthing pools
    and where you can hire them if you would like the birth at home!
    Your partner is encouraged to be there and is also allowed to be in the
    pool with you at the birth or to join you after!
    
    Hope all goes well!
    
    jo.
288.12Book Details.MINNY::GOODSun May 23 1993 16:3644
    
    
    I have the book here as promised. Here are the details.
    The name of the book is 'Water Birth' and it is writen by Janet Balaskas
    and Yehudi Gordon. It was published in 1992 by Thorsons (77-85 Fulham
    Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8JB).  The ISBN is 0 7225 2788 8.
    
    It gives a number of 'useful addresses' including :
    
       The Active Birth Movement
       55 Dartmouth Park Rd
       London NW5
       Tel. 071 267 3006  Fax. 071 267 5368.
     
    For the USA and Canada, it says:
    
    'For a comprehensive resource list of midwives, doctors and birth
    centres throughout the USA, Canada and internationally, and also to
    obtain the video 'Water Baby' by Karil Daniels, write to :
    
       Karil Daniels
       Point of View Productions,
       2477 Folsom street, 
       San Francisco, CA 94110.
       Tel. (415) 8210435.'
    
    It goes on to give the following addresses also:
    
       Family Birthing Center
       1125 E Arrow Highway
       Upland
       CA 91786, USA.
       (714) 946 7001
       Contact Michael Rrosenthal MD.
    
    And:
    
       Water Birth International
       PO Box 554
       Sanata Barbara
       California 93150.