Anyone NOT get a pool for their HB? - Page 2

[Mom2SammyJoe]

I really enjoyed the tub at the hospital during my first labor, so I wanted a pool at home this time. I'm glad I only spent about $25 on the whole set up, because I was in the pool less than 1/2 an hour. I also could not maintain control in there. I think it is fine not to have one.

[amandaleigh37]

I'm due in 4 weeks, and not getting a tub for my homebirth. It just doesn't really appeal to me, plus our house is small and I'm not sure where we'd put it. Or how I'd keep my toddler out of it...

Plus my first labor was very short (2 hrs) so I would hate to go through the trouble of getting a tub if we didn't even have time to use it

[averlee]

I birthed in my bed. I was grossed out that I might poop in the tub, and wanted out of there. I'm not really squeamish, and I love the water, but I'm a land-birther.
My midwives were fine with me birthing in my plain old regular bathtub if I wanted, even though that left them crouching against the toilet. They asked that the bathroom be resonably clean. In your own tub, you might be able to catch the baby yourself, even if the midwife has limited access.

[TheLoud]

Am I in the minority in that I'm more comfortable on land? I was fine with giving birth in my bed, and would do it again. Then again, I don't like swimming either.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by TheLoud

Am I in the minority in that I'm more comfortable on land? I was fine with giving birth in my bed, and would do it again. Then again, I don't like swimming either.

Nope! I want a land birth 100% this time. I didnt enjoy the water aspect. Which is why we are forgoing the pool, I have the tub/shower in case I change my mind mid labour. So you're not alone. I dont think the water is for everyone, as much as midwives seem to push it as the best way.

[Sijae]

I gave birth to all 3 of my babies on land (at home). I just wasn't interested in birthing in the water.

[Adasmommy]

I had no interest in a waterbirth with #1, even though it seemed like something that should appeal to me.

I had my dd in my bed and never missed the pool.

This pregnancy, I'm looking forward to a waterbirth in a pool (our bathtub is NOT sufficient). Can't explain what changed, but that's how I feel this time. I'm also aware that I may not like it, and it might not get much use, but the hassle is worth it to me for the option being there, since it is calling to me!

[clemrose]

My midwife has a first-come / first-served birth tub (you just have to buy your own liner) that I decided not to use last time. Turns out, it was a good decision because I was in the regular bath and the heat got to me and I wanted out of there and threw up a few times.

This time I'm not getting the tub again either, although I have considered it since I know all births are different. For me it is mostly a space consideration. Also, I've read a lot of threads about the time to set them up etc and just don't want my husband to have to deal with that.

For pain relief I loved, loved, loved the crockpot washcloths that both my mom and midwife suggested. I needed a new one on my lower belly or back for every contraction ("I need a hot thing now!") and only found out later that they seemed so slow in coming because I had only left out two washcloths and they weren't heating up quickly enough. This time I'm buying a couple packages of the bar mop style kitchen towels.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by clemrose

For pain relief I loved, loved, loved the crockpot washcloths that both my mom and midwife suggested. I needed a new one on my lower belly or back for every contraction ("I need a hot thing now!") and only found out later that they seemed so slow in coming because I had only left out two washcloths and they weren't heating up quickly enough. This time I'm buying a couple packages of the bar mop style kitchen towels.

Can you leave these in a pot of water on the stove? At just a simmer? I want to get some ready when labour starts but not sure how long you can leave them, dont want to burn them to a crisp or something

[clemrose]

Originally Posted by Logan

Can you leave these in a pot of water on the stove? At just a simmer? I want to get some ready when labour starts but not sure how long you can leave them, dont want to burn them to a crisp or something

You probably could, but they might then end up far away from you (depending on where you labor/birth) and someone will have to keep an eye out for the water level.

Are you asking because you don't have a crockpot? If you're having a midwife ask if she does these...my midwife was planning on bringing her crockpot until I told her I would have mine ready. Also, I see the old style crockpots (where the crock part isn't removable) at thrift stores all of the time, so you might be able to pick one up just for your birth.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by clemrose

Are you asking because you don't have a crockpot? If you're having a midwife ask if she does these...my midwife was planning on bringing her crockpot until I told her I would have mine ready. Also, I see the old style crockpots (where the crock part isn't removable) at thrift stores all of the time, so you might be able to pick one up just for your birth.

Yes I dont have one. Our thrift stores refuse to sell electrical goods, but I could try freecycle. I've never even heard of the hot flannel idea til I joined here, so I dont think its common in our midwife program. But it sounds like great pain relief.

[Mamatoabunch]

Originally Posted by durafemina

I think I'd personally pick the blow-up pool over my own bath (no matter how nice it was) simply because the bottom of a bath is hard to sit/kneel on for a long time. Then again - you might personally find that laying a couple towels on the bottom, edge, etc does the trick for you. Maybe try it out (have a reaaaaaally long bath ) beforehand.

Same here.
I birthed in a big tub once, after doing the kiddie pool, went right back to kiddie pool w/ inflatable bottom. I hated the hard bottom of the tub.

[Quindin]

Did not get a pool. No plans on getting one.

I labored for a bit in a jacuzzi once, and I just could not stand it.
I need to walk around during labor. I also did not like all the gunk floating around me in the bath. I am probably too squeamish, but I like the water I am in to be clear.

I do love to soak in warm water in the weeks prior to labor though

[clemrose]

Originally Posted by Logan

Yes I dont have one. Our thrift stores refuse to sell electrical goods, but I could try freecycle. I've never even heard of the hot flannel idea til I joined here, so I dont think its common in our midwife program. But it sounds like great pain relief.

So strange about the thrift stores...is it because they can't be sure they will work? Maybe you could borrow one? I really think having them handy in the room is best since they cool quickly and you may want them frequently replaced.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by clemrose

So strange about the thrift stores...is it because they can't be sure they will work? Maybe you could borrow one? I really think having them handy in the room is best since they cool quickly and you may want them frequently replaced.

Yeah I think its because they cant be bothered testing items. Thank goodness for freecycle or everyone unwanted appliances would have to go to the rubbish dump even when they are in perfect condition. Thanks for the info, I will see if I can locate one

[Marlet]

DD2 was born in a seriously old/vintage clawfoot tub. It was deep enough to cover me and that's all I cared about. I was so thrilled with it. I actually wish we still lived there so we could use it again and am dreading getting a birth pool this time around.

[tsfairy]

I went back and forth on buying a pool and finally decided not to. I labored in our large garden tub (not jetted) and just refilled the hot water as needed and it worked wonderfully. IMO a pool would have taken up a ton of space and been a waste of time to set up.

[CanBoo]

Originally Posted by CanBoo

I have a fairly deep tub too, so not using a pool either. MWs thought it'd be fine. They attend births in regular tubs all the time. I am not sure either if I will use it, so I do not want to bother setting up a pool. Baby coming any day. I am subbing, and will trying to remember to come and give you an update here after the birth :-)

Finally remembered this thread. The bottom line is thet I still don't know though, we had to transfer.