birth pool comparison shopping

[gabeyho]

Ideally, money would not be such an issue and I would get the Aquaborn pool, brand new. My second choice would be La Bassine. Reality is starting to hit how very close I am getting, and I am becoming unable to justify the cost, when I could get one of the fishy pools for such an affordable price. I feel like the only thing I would be giving up with the fishy pool is the handles, which sound like they would be really great to have, but I can't even know if I would really use them since this time I won't have a nurse yelling at me to push and I hope/plan to just relax!

So, I am having a REALLY difficult time finding any second-hand and the midwives in my area only rent out Aquadoulas, so WWYD? At 5'6", will I have enough depth with the larger fishy pool? I feel like I want the water to come up over my chest, but what kind of depth is really practical to keep from being too bouyant? Thoughts, opinions, experience all welcome!

TIA!

[ecstaticmama24]

I would splurge for the birth pool, or rent one. I have a friend who sprung a leak in her fishy pool and it was not nearly as comfy at the birth pool. Birth pools are made for that, so they generally have thicker plastic, a padded base and handles. Depending on which pool you get, you may or may not use the handles. I personally favor the Aquaborn for the handle placement over the La Bassine.

My guess is you will hear from many mamas who love both, but I can honestly say, the depth of the birth pool (I used a BPIAB) was awesome, I could flip around and pretty much move to any position super easy. I'm also 5'6''. That said, if you're not looking for the bouyancy, just don't fill it full.

[nudhistbudhist]

I rented an Aquadoula birthing pool and it was very deep, so deep that I got a little scared, and I coudn't sit on my butt. The sides were stiff walls, not inflatable, so I couldn't lean on them. It WAS heated, which is why I got that one, but I think an inflatable one would be more comfy. I just bought La Bassine that has a seat and handles. It looks like it will be more what I'm looking for. One thing is for sure... doesnt matter what kind of pool it was, I didnt want to get out last time I think I'm going to donate my pool to the midwives after... they can buy liners for it. They dont have one, and my goal is not to be pregnant again for a couple years.

[KimProbable]

I borrowed a La Bassine and I would gladly pay to buy one outright if I ever needed to. It was big enough for me to sit leaning against a side and fully stretch out my legs, and then when I wanted to be up on my knees I could flop all my weight over the side because the walls were so firm. I didn't end up using the handles at all but my friend who used the same pool used them tons and loved them.

[L J]

I loved my fishy pool. I was Broke when my son was born, so it was the only option for me, outside of the bathtub, but even with the next one, knowing I can afford pretty much any option, I will still just get another fishy pool. I loved the big, thick inflatable sides. I was able to dangle over the side (side of pool under my arm pits) and it was so comfy. It was plenty big enough, and the bottom inflated, too, so it was nice and cushy.

I was in a semi-upright squatting position when he actually came out, and I was holding on to the arch way (wall) that the pool was sitting in. I wouldn't have used handles even if they had been available to me.

[Wintersclan007]

Choosing a Pool

I think if you can afford one, I would get the BPIAB, it is well worth the cost and when you are done with it, you could possibly rent it out to other Mom's in the area (they would just need to buy a new liner) or sell it used on like Ebay, Craigslist or even perhaps to a midwife. Right now they are pretty reasonable at this place, http://www.1cascade.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=4527 . only $150.00 plus shipping and handling which I was told is about $20.00 and it includes a liner.

[redmach03]

I rented the Aquadoula from my mw and I really liked it...it was REALLY sturdy with me laying over/leaning on the sides and DH leaning on the sides and then me laying practically on top of him and there was plenty of room to move around and I could stretch my legs all the way out and spread them when I for some reason felt the need to do that. I am 5'7'' and was 180 pounds by then. It also kept its heat really good and we also stuffed some blankets on one side underneath the cover before we filled it so I could have a little cushy "pillow."

I thought just renting it was easier than renting the others online and having to send it back or buying one and having to store it. The big plus was that our mw's drained it and took it apart so we didn't have to!

[UCmamaToMany]

I used this pool for my borth after seeing it in a birthing video on YouTube and it was perfect! http://www.qualityinflatables.com/56493.html Less than $40 with shipping, too!! It's one of the deeper kiddie pools too.

It's got an inflatable floor and the height was perfect (between 24-25") and the sides held up to me leaning on them, as well. With the air pump it inflated within less than 5 minutes and filling it didn't take much time at all either. Filling it concerned me the most because I birth really fast! Like under 2 hours fast once water is broken! But I labored in it just fine and full. It even fit me and DH comfortably with room to spare.

I am 5'7". That's my 2¢ woth on the subject. We used it for the summer swimming pool so I have to get a new one for this baby.

ETA: I bought the air pump from Wal-mart for $20 during the summer. I'm due in July so I'll be able to get a new pump before baby is born too, unless I can find a replacement hose for cheap. My kids broke the hose so it won't attach to the pump anymore.

ETA 2: Before the pool I birthed in our home bathtub 3 times.

[xixstar]

I'm 5'9 and used a fishy pool last time and really want a deeper pool this time. I just felt like more depth would have really made a difference for getting more comfort from the pool. But, I did find it to be a comfortable spot to labor.

I'm still on the fence this time... I was totally going to do a new pool (the aquaborn I think, it's one of the newer ones available and a bit cheaper I think) but I too am starting to rethink the costs.

[peachopotamus]

I used the fishy pool for DS birth and I was disappointed in it. It wasn't deep enough for me back to be covered with water while I was in a hands and knees position which was the way I wanted to birth. I ended up flipped and feeling precariously drifting. Next time I'l buy or rent a bigger pool.

[mum2two]

Hi There, for what it is worth my views on the aquaborn pool for those with sensitive noses

I bought the Aquaborn first because of the price and when it arrived the first thing that struck me was the smell! you know the smell of new print ink kind of like the marker pens, Yuck.

It is also Lime green like the socks I used to wear in the 80's.

We blew it up and left it overnight to see if the smell would go. It didn't!

I have been particularly sensitive to smells during my pregnancy so I could just be a little weired but I couldn't stand it.

My midwife told me I should have gone for the pool in a box as it is more restful in colour and dosn't smell - we have now done this and although hubby is not pleased with paying for both pools he does prefer the Birth pool in a box.

That's my comparison and feedback for the aquaborn pool verses the bith pool in a box.

Oh I forgot to say the floor of the Aquaborn is no way 8cm inflated & it does not all inflate either there are little pockets that tie the floor together that do not inflate - this accounts for around 30 % of the pool. I was very disapointed
Mum to nearly 3

[guest8990]

when shoppin for one, i sat down, and measured how high i would want the water.. then i started looking at them and the fishy pool was deep enough.. i ordered it, i didnt want to spend oodles.. i might not even use it long i got it in the mail two days ago, aired it up, and it hits me perfectly, i dont think i will be too bouyant, i am 5'7'' and i think it will work beautifully! i love it! and the inflated bottom- friggin sweet!