Water baby...

We've been discussing birthing 'plans' - I say 'plans' because I'm not going to have this elaborate thing drawn out as I'm likely not to use it anyway. Or so I keep being told, especially by complete strangers. Oh well, always grateful for their tuppenceworth. I just don't like the idea of being this demanding mum-in-labour, although who knows what pain will make me do!!

John has been really supportive in choices over drugs and pain relief, although neither him nor my mum are too keen on the epidural thing and I have to say, I'm a bit scared of the idea too. We have said that pethadine and gas and air are the most likely candidates!

Since our little visit to the labour ward, I have been swaying more and more towards the idea of a water birth. I even had a dream about it last night, which must mean I've been thinking about it more than I realised. And fyi, it was perfectly painless. Ha ha ha! I've done some research on water births as we're looking at all areas right now, just so we have an idea of what to expect with whatever happens. The pros of water births?

• You are less likely to need any pharmalogical pain relief- the water works as pain relief.
• The buoyancy will help your pelvis open allowing your baby to move and rotate easily to be born.
• Allows better circulation of the blood and better contractions of the uterus, making the whole process less painful, and providing a better oxygen flow for the child.
• Research does suggest that you are less likely to have 3rd or 4th degree tears, but you may be more prone to labial or 1st degree tears.
• You can still use entonox if needed in the pool.
• Babies are born into a calm, relaxed environment.
• Your partner could also get in the pool with you if you wanted this, let him feel more involved...I'm not entirely sure how comfortable John would be actually getting into a pool with lots of gross things going on but it's down to him!!
• For the baby, they will be more familiar with the water environment than an air environment. As a result, the baby will feel more security and assurance.

The cons aren't even worth listing as they're so unlikely. I'm a convert! But we'll see what the midwife suggests.