I'm planning a water birth, and this info is very helpful & concise. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and just completed your Built to Birth course. 10/10 recommend!! 🙌 I'm actually looking forward to labor and birth as a way to deepen the connection with myself and my baby. Thank you immensely, Bridget! ❤
I gave water birth to my firstborn the day this video was posted 🤗 Very keen to share my story as you Bridget is the main reason why it was so positive and peaceful. I knew I wanted a natural birth since I got pregnant and found your channel at the beginning of my pregnancy and your videos gave me the confidence in my ability to give birth. So the 12th of August was my due date and I went to bed around 9pm as I was exhausted from not sleeping well past few days. I had one of the best naps of my life and was waken by my contractions at 11pm. They were very regular so I started to time them and they were 3:1:1 (I knew your rule going the hospital is 4:1:1) so I decided to wake my husband and we were on our way to the hospital getting there at 2pm. Midwife needed to confirm whether I was in an active labor so I had a cervical exam and was 4cm dilated and the baby was super low (so they needed to get another midwife to check me again - I wish I said no the second time). By this time my contractions were 2 mins apart. Unfortunately I needed to get antibiotics as I was strep B positive (vaginal probiotics sadly didn’t work for me) so it took 30 mins to get it. My contractions were speeding up and at 4:30 I asked if I can get in a bath. Midwife said no as it is too early and my labor will be long (by that time I knew that she doesnt know how to read labor signs and I need to be in more control). So I looked at my husband and said I want to get into the bath now(!). My hubby (also educated by your videos) advocated for me and the bath started filling in. At 5am I was in a bath. My contractions speed up again but being in the water was a bliss. All this time from 11pm until the moment I started pushing I was comfortable exclusively in one position - leaning forward on the bed/birthball/bath on my knees. I tried switching positions but nothing was comfortable. And all this time I had no breaks or slow downs. At 7am my ob showed up and asked me to leave the bath to get another cervical exam and go to the toilet. I said no. They asked me again. I said later thinking there is no way I’m leaving or standing up. My contractions at this point were almost with no breaks in between and I started feeling the urge to push (not too strong though). Very quickly my contractions were on top one another and this when for the first time it was difficult for me to use de-stressor breath and I needed to switch to J-breath and things got loud and super tought. At this point I told my husband that I just need a break. I had no breaks. My ob asked me to start pushing and even though I planned to push on my own I got so tired that I listened and started pushing. After a few contractions my on suggested changing position to laying down on my side while holding to the side of the bath and to bend my top knee. After few pushes my son was born at 8am. He was born happy and healthy and looking pink with no vernix at all - he was very cute (I was mentally prepared to have wrinkled blueish covered in a white jelly baby). Because I pushed when my ob told me and not on my own I had a second degree tear but I don’t regret it cause I was too tired but the next time I’m not listening to anyone. After my son was born I was told to leave the bath and as soon as I lie down my ob just asked me to gently cough and my placenta was out. My son is perfect and my birth story is wonderful. Thank you Bridget for all the knowledge and empowerment!
Just had my second water birth on Tuesday. It is really the best, I had pretty zen birth experience for my third. My family and the midwives were like you make this look easy. 💕
This was very informative! I am considering water birth, and you made it sound so wonderful. I will be giving birth to our 3rd child, god willing, and this is the first time I'm considering water birth. I love your weekly videos. I am now 17 weeks, and have been watching since i found out I'm pregnant. Thanks for all the work you do! I can tell you are very passionate about all you do.
I had such a good experience with my home water birth for my first baby, and am planning a second water birth for November. I for sure found my contractions more comfortable in the water, and I spent almost my whole labour after 3cm in the water. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in it
@aqsaparvaiz3165 I had a 4th degree tear with my daughter, but her head was 38cm and she had her fist up by her forehead on top of that, and that was a big contributing factor. I just gave birth again last week in the tub, and this time (baby came VERY quickly), I had 3 pushes, two out of the tub and one in the tub where my water broke, and after that I actually didn't even have to push baby out, everything just slowed down and eventually his head and body just slid out on their own. I had a second degree tear along my old scar tissue, and I can say it's been honestly no big deal at all. Don't be afraid of tearing. I would recommend a water birth to anyone who likes being in water!
Had my 1st baby in water. 2nd baby on land. Both at home❤ Planning another homebirth for baby #3 in October. Loved both experiences, so we shall see what happens the 3rd time around!
I just had my first natural, unmedicated water birth last week! Water seriously helps laboring so much but also, it was my 3rd and very different labor /contractions compared to my first 2.
I had my baby at home in May and planned on a water birth. I was SO excited to get in the tub. After the first contraction, i immediately knew it wasn't going to work out. The anti gravity effect the water gave me actually made me so much more uncomfortable. I was shocked and a little bit disappointed. I ended up giving birth on my bed. My sister had a water birth and loved it.
Hi, any chance you’d talk about your experience with twin births as a doula? I’m 35 weeks and I’m facing so many doubts about whether I should get an epidural because it’s highly recommended for twins. I had a vaginal unmedicated home birth with my first baby so I feel very capable of doing it again. But I have to go the hospital route this time because of financial reasons and every OB in the practice I chose is highly recommending the epidural because of possible complications that come with twin B even if twin A comes out perfectly fine. I’m wondering if you’ve had experience with twin births and what kind of choices and outcomes those mothers had. It’s really hard to find much content on unmedicated twin births. I know this is asking for a miracle but just had to try.
I wanted a water birth but things didn’t go as planned unfortunately. It did help me though! I spent 4 hours in the water. Ended up in bed doing the McRoberts maneuver to get her out.
How did you know I was considering using the water to either just labor or to have my baby girl in the water lol. I’m 24 weeks and plan on having my baby at a birthing center
Just had my first home/water birth with #8 two days ago. I watched all the videos and my labor came so fast and intense all of that went out the window. The pain from the vety beginning was too intense and i really didnt get a break. It was THE most excruciating pain i vould have ever imagined. Maybe its because it went from 0-60 until the birth which by the way was horrific too. I am just giving MY experience. Id never do a natiral bitth again. Why go through unbearable pain? It just easnt worth it to me.
@@jamiroquai30 why wasn’t it worth it? I don’t even see pain management as an option. I’d never allow myself to use it. Every woman who came before us in this modern century had to go through natural labor and that’s pretty impressive. It is literally meant to be this way. I would be very proud of yourself if I were you.
I always thought I had high pain tolerance. Through my pregnancy I watched many videos, did all things possible to ready my self because I wanted an unmedicated water birth. The day came... I was able to labor at home the first 14 hours, then the pain got too intense I was already howling with 2cm dilatation! The pain was just from hell, I never imagined! I ended up begging for an epidural and later on a C-section... but truthfully recovering from the C section was NOTHING compared with the 2cm dilated pains😂 Moral of the story... better not plan it!
Also, heat relaxes muscles- the uterus is a bunch of muscles contracting to squeeze the baby out and they relax once you get inside warm water. The downside is that when they contract less, labor slows down 😅 until it picks up again cause you feel more rested, comfortable and the body recognizes this as a safe environment to finally deliver the baby ❤
Just found out I'm pregnant for the first time! Have a wait for the first prenatal visit. How do I keep my mind occupied during this wait to not stress too much or go crazy? We are keeping it a secret for a while so its hard for me to want to talk & get info and also not be able to tell others. How do I know whats normal growing pains and whats concerning pains in the first couple of months?
In the first couple of months, only thing to really worry about is heavy bleeding accompanied by cramping. There’s really nothing to do but take care of yourself and surrender to the process of growing a baby! Enjoy the journey!
What Haley2542 said - you kinda just have to surrender to the process. I am 13 weeks + 4 days along my first pregnancy, and there's definitely been weeks of constant worry. But at the end of the day, you have to accept that this is the process, which is a little comforting in its own way.
My recommendation would be to read up on round ligament pain. If someone had told me about this, it would have saved me from so much unnecessary fear and anxiety early days.
Not sure on the RLT or the aloe but my midwife specifically said not to add Epsom salt. We do add sea salt to the water though 1-2 lbs depending on the size of the tub. It helps with buoyancy and can help bacteria control.
I really wanted to have a water birth but my midwife told me it wasn't possible since my water broke with meconium. Hopefully I get to experience it one day.
@@soulquest13 No, you are absolutely incorrect. Meconium alone is not an issue, it’s only a possible risk factor in some situations. Go lookup the ACOG guidelines… that’ll show you hospital direction is to have a team ready in the small chance that the baby needs resuscitation (most do not) or risk of infection (most of the time this is not an issue).
@@soulquest13 Meconium is something to be aware of, a sign to look out for potential problems. But it’s not an emergency c section unless there are other indications. That’s not my opinion that’s the acog guidance and what you’ll see in any hospital.
Hey y’all, you may be “meant to birth” but that doesn’t just erase all the things that can go wrong. Sincerely a mom who labored two days unmediated before being sent to the hospital for a c-section. I am lucky nothing happened to my baby, but not everyone leaves with their baby. Find a hospital that will work with you
There is an absolute abundance of horror pregnancy/birth stories out there, from the things family tells you to all the media constantly depicting birth as a default horribly traumatic event. I personally was told so many negative things about birth growing up, that I felt actively discouraged from ever wanting children because of it. So were my friends. I don't think Bridget attempting to spread a little positivity and confidence is meant to be anything against your personal experience.
I would leave comments like yours for the general internet (a reddit post/blog/forum...)and for those who really seek to read them. So many of us came here looking for reliable advice but also encouragement- trust me when I tell you that we also do our research on all the things that could go wrong as well- so we don't need a comment like this to pop up when we're seeking empowerment to do the best we can for our baby (which is unmedicated, natural birth). I am sorry your labor didn't go as planned- my first one didn't either, but I choose not to leave my story with its negative outcome for those in need of support to see.
Actually I agree with you! There are many things that could go wrong, we cannot control things. If possible I will try the water birth at the hospital because I don't want to risk much if something goes unexpected... I am due in September. But if it is not possible, that's ok too. I am aware that everyone and every experience/ pregnancy can be and are different. Let my body, the baby and the universe decide💕
Not everyone is going to have the same birth story.. And that's okay. The birth I had at the hospital was traumatic, And it was due to the doctors. I would have a home birth over a hospital birth any day of the week.
I'm planning a water birth, and this info is very helpful & concise. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and just completed your Built to Birth course. 10/10 recommend!! 🙌 I'm actually looking forward to labor and birth as a way to deepen the connection with myself and my baby. Thank you immensely, Bridget! ❤
Same! 39 weeks FTM and really enjoyed the course! We’ve got the tub at home just waiting for babe to make his appearance
@@raina_mariehow was your water birth?
How was your water birth?
I gave water birth to my firstborn the day this video was posted 🤗 Very keen to share my story as you Bridget is the main reason why it was so positive and peaceful. I knew I wanted a natural birth since I got pregnant and found your channel at the beginning of my pregnancy and your videos gave me the confidence in my ability to give birth. So the 12th of August was my due date and I went to bed around 9pm as I was exhausted from not sleeping well past few days. I had one of the best naps of my life and was waken by my contractions at 11pm. They were very regular so I started to time them and they were 3:1:1 (I knew your rule going the hospital is 4:1:1) so I decided to wake my husband and we were on our way to the hospital getting there at 2pm. Midwife needed to confirm whether I was in an active labor so I had a cervical exam and was 4cm dilated and the baby was super low (so they needed to get another midwife to check me again - I wish I said no the second time). By this time my contractions were 2 mins apart. Unfortunately I needed to get antibiotics as I was strep B positive (vaginal probiotics sadly didn’t work for me) so it took 30 mins to get it. My contractions were speeding up and at 4:30 I asked if I can get in a bath. Midwife said no as it is too early and my labor will be long (by that time I knew that she doesnt know how to read labor signs and I need to be in more control). So I looked at my husband and said I want to get into the bath now(!). My hubby (also educated by your videos) advocated for me and the bath started filling in. At 5am I was in a bath. My contractions speed up again but being in the water was a bliss. All this time from 11pm until the moment I started pushing I was comfortable exclusively in one position - leaning forward on the bed/birthball/bath on my knees. I tried switching positions but nothing was comfortable. And all this time I had no breaks or slow downs. At 7am my ob showed up and asked me to leave the bath to get another cervical exam and go to the toilet. I said no. They asked me again. I said later thinking there is no way I’m leaving or standing up. My contractions at this point were almost with no breaks in between and I started feeling the urge to push (not too strong though). Very quickly my contractions were on top one another and this when for the first time it was difficult for me to use de-stressor breath and I needed to switch to J-breath and things got loud and super tought. At this point I told my husband that I just need a break. I had no breaks. My ob asked me to start pushing and even though I planned to push on my own I got so tired that I listened and started pushing. After a few contractions my on suggested changing position to laying down on my side while holding to the side of the bath and to bend my top knee. After few pushes my son was born at 8am. He was born happy and healthy and looking pink with no vernix at all - he was very cute (I was mentally prepared to have wrinkled blueish covered in a white jelly baby). Because I pushed when my ob told me and not on my own I had a second degree tear but I don’t regret it cause I was too tired but the next time I’m not listening to anyone. After my son was born I was told to leave the bath and as soon as I lie down my ob just asked me to gently cough and my placenta was out. My son is perfect and my birth story is wonderful. Thank you Bridget for all the knowledge and empowerment!
my water birth was the most positive & transformative experience of my life! can’t wait to do it again❤❤
Just had my second water birth on Tuesday. It is really the best, I had pretty zen birth experience for my third. My family and the midwives were like you make this look easy. 💕
This was very informative!
I am considering water birth, and you made it sound so wonderful.
I will be giving birth to our 3rd child, god willing, and this is the first time I'm considering water birth.
I love your weekly videos. I am now 17 weeks, and have been watching since i found out I'm pregnant.
Thanks for all the work you do!
I can tell you are very passionate about all you do.
I had such a good experience with my home water birth for my first baby, and am planning a second water birth for November. I for sure found my contractions more comfortable in the water, and I spent almost my whole labour after 3cm in the water. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in it
Did you get any vaginal tear??
@aqsaparvaiz3165 I had a 4th degree tear with my daughter, but her head was 38cm and she had her fist up by her forehead on top of that, and that was a big contributing factor. I just gave birth again last week in the tub, and this time (baby came VERY quickly), I had 3 pushes, two out of the tub and one in the tub where my water broke, and after that I actually didn't even have to push baby out, everything just slowed down and eventually his head and body just slid out on their own. I had a second degree tear along my old scar tissue, and I can say it's been honestly no big deal at all. Don't be afraid of tearing. I would recommend a water birth to anyone who likes being in water!
Had my 1st baby in water. 2nd baby on land. Both at home❤ Planning another homebirth for baby #3 in October. Loved both experiences, so we shall see what happens the 3rd time around!
I just had my first natural, unmedicated water birth last week! Water seriously helps laboring so much but also, it was my 3rd and very different labor /contractions compared to my first 2.
I had my baby at home in May and planned on a water birth. I was SO excited to get in the tub. After the first contraction, i immediately knew it wasn't going to work out. The anti gravity effect the water gave me actually made me so much more uncomfortable. I was shocked and a little bit disappointed. I ended up giving birth on my bed. My sister had a water birth and loved it.
So timely! I'm planning a water birth at home, currently 36 weeks ❤️
I had my first born at home in a birth pool next to my bed, birth went quick, can't wait to do it again in a couple weeks :)
Bridget, would you please do a video on delayed cord clamping and its pros and cons? Love your videos and watch them weekly in preparation : )
Hi, any chance you’d talk about your experience with twin births as a doula? I’m 35 weeks and I’m facing so many doubts about whether I should get an epidural because it’s highly recommended for twins. I had a vaginal unmedicated home birth with my first baby so I feel very capable of doing it again. But I have to go the hospital route this time because of financial reasons and every OB in the practice I chose is highly recommending the epidural because of possible complications that come with twin B even if twin A comes out perfectly fine. I’m wondering if you’ve had experience with twin births and what kind of choices and outcomes those mothers had. It’s really hard to find much content on unmedicated twin births. I know this is asking for a miracle but just had to try.
Bridget can you please make a video about a prolapse? 🙏
Wow. I didn’t know the water could be so warm. That’s very good to know. I was scared I’d have to be in some lukewarm water 😅
I wanted a water birth but things didn’t go as planned unfortunately. It did help me though! I spent 4 hours in the water. Ended up in bed doing the McRoberts maneuver to get her out.
Are water births safe if you already have low blood pressure ?
Perfect timing, friend!! Baby #3 is due any day now, and it will be my first water birth!
How did you know I was considering using the water to either just labor or to have my baby girl in the water lol. I’m 24 weeks and plan on having my baby at a birthing center
Bridget, all of your amazon list links are broken :(
I am 28 weeks and planning to do water birth. Thanks for this info. ❤
This channel and I became best friends as soon as I found out I'm pregnant haha
I'll be doing water birth this week
Just had my first home/water birth with #8 two days ago. I watched all the videos and my labor came so fast and intense all of that went out the window. The pain from the vety beginning was too intense and i really didnt get a break. It was THE most excruciating pain i vould have ever imagined. Maybe its because it went from 0-60 until the birth which by the way was horrific too. I am just giving MY experience. Id never do a natiral bitth again. Why go through unbearable pain? It just easnt worth it to me.
@@jamiroquai30 why wasn’t it worth it?
I don’t even see pain management as an option. I’d never allow myself to use it. Every woman who came before us in this modern century had to go through natural labor and that’s pretty impressive. It is literally meant to be this way.
I would be very proud of yourself if I were you.
I always thought I had high pain tolerance.
Through my pregnancy I watched many videos, did all things possible to ready my self because I wanted an unmedicated water birth.
The day came... I was able to labor at home the first 14 hours, then the pain got too intense I was already howling with 2cm dilatation! The pain was just from hell, I never imagined!
I ended up begging for an epidural and later on a C-section... but truthfully recovering from the C section was NOTHING compared with the 2cm dilated pains😂
Moral of the story... better not plan it!
I don't know and am curious.....why is being submerged in water calming to people?
I wouldn't say fully submerged, but sitting in the water allows the water to take a lot of the pressure off you, making it less painful.
@@popmusic2008 Oh, thanks, that makes sense! 🙂
Also, heat relaxes muscles- the uterus is a bunch of muscles contracting to squeeze the baby out and they relax once you get inside warm water. The downside is that when they contract less, labor slows down 😅 until it picks up again cause you feel more rested, comfortable and the body recognizes this as a safe environment to finally deliver the baby ❤
Just found out I'm pregnant for the first time! Have a wait for the first prenatal visit. How do I keep my mind occupied during this wait to not stress too much or go crazy?
We are keeping it a secret for a while so its hard for me to want to talk & get info and also not be able to tell others.
How do I know whats normal growing pains and whats concerning pains in the first couple of months?
In the first couple of months, only thing to really worry about is heavy bleeding accompanied by cramping. There’s really nothing to do but take care of yourself and surrender to the process of growing a baby! Enjoy the journey!
What Haley2542 said - you kinda just have to surrender to the process. I am 13 weeks + 4 days along my first pregnancy, and there's definitely been weeks of constant worry. But at the end of the day, you have to accept that this is the process, which is a little comforting in its own way.
My recommendation would be to read up on round ligament pain. If someone had told me about this, it would have saved me from so much unnecessary fear and anxiety early days.
Is it safe to add stuff your birth water, like Epsom salt, Raspberry tea, aloe vera juice...?
Not sure on the RLT or the aloe but my midwife specifically said not to add Epsom salt. We do add sea salt to the water though 1-2 lbs depending on the size of the tub. It helps with buoyancy and can help bacteria control.
@keeks8817 very interesting, thank you!
I was supposed to have a water birth but baby came out to fast and now ill never get to 😭
I really wanted to have a water birth but my midwife told me it wasn't possible since my water broke with meconium. Hopefully I get to experience it one day.
“It wasn’t possible” should’ve been rephrased to you as “I as your hired help am not willing to assist you with that”.
@@haley2542actually it is dangerous if there's meconium, that means baby pooped in the womb!! Most times a emergency C-section is needed.
@@soulquest13 No, you are absolutely incorrect. Meconium alone is not an issue, it’s only a possible risk factor in some situations.
Go lookup the ACOG guidelines… that’ll show you hospital direction is to have a team ready in the small chance that the baby needs resuscitation (most do not) or risk of infection (most of the time this is not an issue).
@@haley2542 if this happens to you and you do not take it as a red flag- it is your problem😅 to me that's very risky. Finito😘
@@soulquest13 Meconium is something to be aware of, a sign to look out for potential problems. But it’s not an emergency c section unless there are other indications. That’s not my opinion that’s the acog guidance and what you’ll see in any hospital.
Hey y’all, you may be “meant to birth” but that doesn’t just erase all the things that can go wrong. Sincerely a mom who labored two days unmediated before being sent to the hospital for a c-section. I am lucky nothing happened to my baby, but not everyone leaves with their baby. Find a hospital that will work with you
There is an absolute abundance of horror pregnancy/birth stories out there, from the things family tells you to all the media constantly depicting birth as a default horribly traumatic event. I personally was told so many negative things about birth growing up, that I felt actively discouraged from ever wanting children because of it. So were my friends. I don't think Bridget attempting to spread a little positivity and confidence is meant to be anything against your personal experience.
I would leave comments like yours for the general internet (a reddit post/blog/forum...)and for those who really seek to read them. So many of us came here looking for reliable advice but also encouragement- trust me when I tell you that we also do our research on all the things that could go wrong as well- so we don't need a comment like this to pop up when we're seeking empowerment to do the best we can for our baby (which is unmedicated, natural birth). I am sorry your labor didn't go as planned- my first one didn't either, but I choose not to leave my story with its negative outcome for those in need of support to see.
@megaramuffin Just sayin'. I'd reconsider deleting the comment altogether.
Actually I agree with you! There are many things that could go wrong, we cannot control things.
If possible I will try the water birth at the hospital because I don't want to risk much if something goes unexpected... I am due in September. But if it is not possible, that's ok too. I am aware that everyone and every experience/ pregnancy can be and are different. Let my body, the baby and the universe decide💕
Not everyone is going to have the same birth story.. And that's okay. The birth I had at the hospital was traumatic, And it was due to the doctors. I would have a home birth over a hospital birth any day of the week.