Would like info on waterbirths....

[*Ferty~OB~RN*]

I thought this forum would be a good place to see if I could glean further information on what other practioner's protocols are for waterbirthing.

Our unit has just started waterbirthing, after a LONG year of trying to get our docs on board. We only have one doc that is willing to do them at this time and I was lucky enough to be the nurse on duty when our first 2 came in this last week.

We have had a couple seminars from a Midwifery group that over 80% of their deliveries are waterbirths, and it was very informative. However, I am trying to glean some futher information on what other practitioners do.

In order to waterbirth at our facility, you have to have NO risk factors....NO MEC....No Pitocin....and we just were able to talk the doc into letting us use Stadol. Our policy is also, that pt has to get out of the tub to deliver the placenta.

ANyhoo, our docs are BIG on Pit augmentation, and I was wondering if any of you who have experience with waterbirthing have used Pitocin. I did run across one nurse who told me their unit allows it as long as the Pit has been off for 30mins before the birth.

I thoroughly enjoyed my two waterbirth experiences and want to be able to promote more of these in our unit. So, I am trying to gather as much info as possible on what other units/practitioners do so as I can present them to our lone "MAVERICK" waterbirthing MD in hopes of providing this opportunity to a greater amount of our clients. THe doc told me if I could find the info, he would look at it and consider it!!!

THanks in advance for any info/advice you can send my way on this matter!!!