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Childbirth in the water, as if you were there
“I lost my water on the sofa. It was a Monday morning, around 9:00 a.m. I told myself that I had time because, for my first two deliveries, the babies were in no rush to come out. I took a shower and my husband then took me to the hospital. Fortunately, my sister was with us and she looked after the children … When I arrived at the maternity ward, I was welcomed with open arms in a very family atmosphere.. Besides, all the staff were familiar with me! I immediately felt confident, unlike my first two deliveries which did not go well at all. So I took the opportunity to tell them about my wish to give birth in the water. I didn’t want to relive the over-medicalized side of childbirth. In addition, I have a phobia of needles, which does not help … “
The contractions are long overdue, then …
“I was installed in the study room and I was asked to monitor. There, surprise: the midwife tells me that the baby is sleeping and that the birth in the water is not for now … At noon, she has the gynecologist online and, as I still had not contractions, he advises me to get up and walk. What I do… ”16 pm. “Always nothing. My husband decides to return to the apartment with the children. It was then that the midwife offered to bring them back with him, explaining that childbirth in water is a family event and that all relatives, including children, can attend. I was surprised but, in the end, I found it very good.
My husband had just left when the contractions started. They became intense very quickly and it was with great difficulty that I returned to my room. I was already 4 cm dilated, but not yet enough to go into the relaxation pool… ”
It’s time to give birth in the water!
“In the meantime, the midwife suggests that I do exercises on a ball to relieve myself, but without success. Back from the toilet, I collapse in pain in front of the bed. They examine me and there, no more doubt, my baby will arrive soon! Without wasting time, the midwife calls her colleagues, pulls my bed into the hallway, go to the birthing bath ! The baby is arriving and I don’t even have time to go to the jacuzzi pool anymore… They help me get into the birthing tub because it is impossible to lift my leg. I sit in the position that suits me best and once in the water the pain becomes much more bearable, I no longer feel the weight of the baby.
To my great pleasure, I have no infusion. The midwife puts on soft music. Everything is done to relax me. Hot water, piped music and a pleasant environment. The medical equipment, which can be used for this birth in the water, is also well camouflaged. I know that in case of need everything is there, at your fingertips. “
I manage my childbirth as I feel it
“The gynecologist arrives and tells me not to push. We have to wait a little longer because otherwise I risk being torn. Yep, I didn’t have time to go to the jacuzzi pool, the purpose of which was precisely to relax the tissues before giving birth in the water …
And then it’s time. Everyone watches me and guides me wonderfully between my times of pushes and rest. The doctor lets me manage the work and only intervenes when necessary. For this childbirth in the water, I am lucky to have two midwives, just for me ! The first sucks up the small dirt from the amniotic fluid, and I instruct the second to “strafe” the scene with my camera so as not to lose anything. Then the doctor takes my hands and places them on the little head of the baby who is starting to come out. I touch her hair, it’s magic! He guides me, but it’s me alone who gives birth to my baby.
My childbirth in the water, an unforgettable experience
“In the water, he is as he was in my stomach, with his mouth and eyes closed. It’s so impressive that at this moment I am completely overwhelmed. The doctor helps me get my baby out of the water because the placenta can only oxygenate it for a minute, after which it loses its effectiveness. And when he puts it delicately on me, I can’t believe it. After the childbirth in the water, I am placed on a table, next to the birthing tub, and there I have the right to a stitch because of a slight tear. But really nothing compared to my two previous episiotomies! The doctor takes care of everything with a master hand… I really had to deal with real pros during my birth in the water and throughout my stay in the maternity hospital. The care for young mothers, as well as breastfeeding assistance, was optimal, and always in a very warm atmosphere. JI also recovered faster physically and psychologically from my childbirth in the water, compared to the previous two. Today, Gary has grown up and he is a real loving baby, smiling and super zen! Her birth was a wonderful moment and for the next one, for sure, I will give birth again in the water! “