water birth

Posted by Shahirakk (229 days ago)

Does anyone know anything about this in HK as it is so common in the UK. In London at least many of the hospitals have birthing pools and if you have a home birth, you can hire a pool.

I haven't been able to find out any info here.

My first baby was 6 weeks early and I would have had my water birthing workshop on the NHS in the UK two days after he was born and as it was he came so fast naturally - there wasn't a chance to try to give birth in a pool but if I can I would love to have a water birth this time.

Are there any supportive gynaecologists? Have my name down at Matilda as we have medical insurance and they told me no facilities for water birth nor were they encouraging about hiring a pool.

Anyone got any ideas? Due early feb so I can still change gynaecologist and get a pool hired if they are available

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Matilda (219 days ago)

At Matilda International Hospital we do not do waterbirths for safety reasons therefore none of the obstetricians would be able to do so here. There is a bath in the delivery rooms and can be used during labour but ladies deliver on dry land.

Maternity Unit 2849 0321
Matilda International Hospital
Hong Kong
http://www.matilda.org

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Shahirakk (219 days ago)

thanks for responding. Looks like this won't be a water birth - what are the main safety concerns as so many hospitals in UK are actively encouraging water births? - it would be helpful to know.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Saikunga (208 days ago)

I had a home water birth in HK- no other way to have a baby I believe. After three dry land births - I wish I had started with a water birth!

I flew a midwife in from Australia for the two weeks around my due date, ended up having him within 6 days of her being here. She brought a blow up pool from Australia, we set it up in my bedroom, filled it up and had a water birth - completely safely. He is a master swimmer to boot!

I don't think any hospitals in HK allow you to give birth in the water - they are a bit paranoid and conservative and I would even suggest - behind the times. If you are that keen, work toward a home and water birth - it is possible to do and MUCH cheaper than going to a hospital to be hooked up to a machine that goes beep. It is also safe. Just make sure you have a midwife who is experienced in these types of births.

If you search on this forum under homebirth there are some threads.

(I am based in Hong Kong)