Water Birth: Your Questions Answered
Recently, I did a Q&A about my water birth. I am honestly obsessed with talking about it and educating people about it. I asked my Instagram (Rebecca.Kochanek if you want to follow!) to ask questions, and these were the questions. I have two highlights on my profile of me answering these questions on video. However, people asked me to write a blog post explaining them too! Here are some of the questions that were asked about my birth experience….
What exactly is water birth?
Waterbirth is a childbirth that occurs in water. Proponents believe water birth results in a more relaxed, less painful experience that promotes a midwife-led model of care.
What made me choose to have a water birth?
I was unable to have an epidural due to pretty severe scoliosis issues. My friend encouraged me to have a water birth, and I was enthralled with the idea ever since we had talked about it. Honestly, I could not imagine doing it any other way.
How did Kyle react to me wanting one?
Kyle was the most supportive husband I could have ever asked for. He said it was my body, my birth, and my choice. He wanted me to have the birth experience that I wanted. I am forever grateful for how incredible he was about the entire experience!
Rate the pain 1–10:
The pain was honestly about a 4. The worst part was the contractions when I was waiting to be fully dilated. Giving birth to her was the easiest part of the entire birthing process. There were just a lot of sensations going on all at the same time…
Were you ever tempted to get an epidural?
My birthing center was no medication… So if I wanted an epidural, I would have had to transfer to the hospital, which was something I did not want to do. There was a time when I was working through contractions that I sincerely doubted the power of my body; however, it was so important to me not to have an epidural. I am the type of person that once I make up my mind to do something, I am going to do it no matter what. With that being said, I was mentally determined to make it through my birth without an epidural, which made it easier not even to be tempted by one.
How did Kyle participate in my birth?
Kyle was in charge of making sure my diffuser was full of lavender and that my playlist was playing. He took turns with my mom to hold my hand and encourage me with affirmations. He also made sure I stayed hydrated and felt empowered through the entire experience. My husband was the best person during the whole thing, and I am so thankful for it.
What did Kyle think of the entire process?
Kyle thought it was incredible to watch me be the empowered woman I desperately wanted to be through my birth. What cracks me up is he said, “Oh my goodness, I can see her ear!!” as she was coming out of me. He honestly had the best thoughts about it and fully supports me wanting another water birth if we decide to have more kids.
Did I go into labor naturally?
Yep! I had contractions throughout the night, and my water broke at 5:30 am. I had my daughter at 11:22 am. Everyone is amazed that my labor and birth happened so quickly, especially being all-natural.
How do you feel about your birth experience as a whole?
I feel like the most empowered woman in the world. Honestly, I knew birth would change how I view myself, but I can’t put into words how awesome it is to say I had an all-natural birth. My birth story is one that I am very proud of. My midwife team was beyond amazing, and I am so thankful for the immense support from my husband and mom. It has been so cool to educate people on water births and empower other women to advocate for unconventional ways of doing things. It was such a magical experience that I wish every woman could experience. I honestly wouldn’t have done anything differently.
What did your birthing tub look like?
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It looked like a fancy jacuzzi tub. It was cool because it had colored lights that you could control if you wanted. It was perfect for moving around it and feeling cozy in.
How long was I in the water?
I was in the water for about two hours total. I spent an hour, in the beginning, trying to finish dilating. I then had to get out to finish dilating. Finally, the last 45 minutes were pushing Piper out. I had an incredibly quick labor and delivery in total.
Did my delivery go better than expected?
Yes! The pain was much less than I was expecting, my team went above and beyond, and the birthing suite was absolutely everything I wanted. The entire experience was everything I wanted and more. In fact, I could not imagine giving birth in a hospital after my experience with my birthing center.
Did the water get cold?
My midwives didn’t let the water get cold. It was closely monitored to be the perfect temperature for the entire time I was in the tub.
What are the pros of water birth?
I want to write a full-blown post about this, but some of them are:
Buoyancy promotes more efficient uterine contractions and improved blood circulation resulting in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, less pain for the mother, and more oxygen for the baby. Immersion in water often helps lower high blood pressure caused by anxiety.
Did I tear?
I had a very, very minor tear on my labia lip, but nothing that hurt at all.
Does the pain stop immediately after birth?
Yes. The adrenaline is overwhelming, and the feelings you have when you see your baby are unexplainable. The pain I felt wasn’t horrible in general, though. I was able to get out of the tub unassisted after we cut the cord (I did delayed cord clamping). I genuinely do not remember any physical pain once I gave birth. The emotions and hormones completely overtake your body, and it’s an incredible experience.
How long as my labor?
Less than six hours from my water breaking to my daughter being born. My water broke at 5:30 am. I got to the hospital at 8:20. I was in the water at 8:45. I was pushing through contractions until 10:30. I had Piper at 11:22 am.
Did your midwife team let me push on my own, or was it coached?
Both. When I needed help, they helped. When I was doing well, they just talked to me through affirmations. It was so awesome because they allowed my body to lead. I pushed when I wanted, and it felt empowering and freeing to be so in control of my pushing.
What was the strangest sensation of birth?
My water breaking was the weirdest sensation of labor. It literally felt like a water balloon breaking in my belly. Birth felt like as expected. I guess what felt the strangest was the aches in my hips as I was pushing Piper out. There were a lot of sensations happening at the same time… It is such an unexplainable feeling.
If you guys have any more questions about water births or my experience, please ask! I honestly am a massive advocate for a water birth, and it is my hope to inspire other women to consider it. It is such a cool experience.
-Rebecca K
