La Bassine or BPIAB

[sarahr]

The prices are close enough that I'm willing to get whichever one is better. But they seem pretty much the same to me, from their descriptions. Anyone want to share first hand information to help me decide?

Thanks.

[ishyfishie]

Haven't used either yet but subbing to see some opinions before I order ours! I've only heard good things about La Bassine (though the same applies to BPIAB and Aquaborn too!), but I feel like I'd rather have the extra depth that BPIAB/Aquaborn provide. After a ton of back and forth over it, I've been just about ready to order the Aquaborn (only $4 more than the BPIAB) because it's the deepest and comes with both a liner and a lid. I'm not that tall, but I like to be pretty submerged normally, so I feel like the extra inches of depth are worth having if we're going to go to the trouble of buying and using one!

[sweetpea_119]

We're using the BPIAB because it has both handles all over as well as a seat in it...I haven't gotten to use it yet, but my midwife really recommended it over the other options she had.

I like the idea of having handles that will hopefully help me to change positions better as well as having a seat since I know that DH is in no way getting into the tub with me/physically supporting me.

[aims1029]

Those were the two tubs I was debating between. I ended up choosing the La Bassine. I haven't birthed in it yet but we set it up (no water) when it came in and DH and I both got in and tested it out. I really love it! I'm 5'8 and there was plenty of room for both of us. I chose it because I thought I might get annoyed with the seat in the BPIAB, like it might get in my way. Also, the La Bassine has 2 handles on the inside which I imagined using for the pushing stage. I thought all the handles on BPIAB looked nice at first but after thinking about it I thought my arms should hang loosely over the sides while I'm laboring so that my body is relaxed. I didn't really understand the need for the extra handles and thought they might get in the way. And finally I like that the La Bassine is oval shaped instead of round. Those were just my reasons. They're both great pools!

[JorgieGirl]

I birthed my daughter in the BPIAB. It was a great tub!! The handles did come in handy (the top set anyway), but I didn't use the seat until after she was born and I sat back. That's just preference though. I didn't want to sit while labouring, it felt too weird, sort of like I was 'blocking the way'. And I didn't want a support person in with me, so no DH or doula sitting on it either. When it came time for the birth, my DH jumped in to catch and it was plenty roomy for both of us and then some. And my DH is not a small man. Although, I do want to mention, it is oval shaped as well, not round like a pp mentioned.

This time, by sheer luck, my midwife is giving me her La Bassine. She used it once for the birth of her son 3 years ago and offered it to me. I was planning on renting a La Bassine anyway, this time, so it works out great for me! I like that it's 10 gallons smaller, which is easier on my water tank. Also, it's still big enough for both me and DH. I'll let you know how it goes come May. Of course, your babe will have been here for awhile. lol.

[Belle]

I used La Bassine. I'm a taller mama. (5'11") and it was plenty deep enough for me. I didn't use the handles at all so that part wasn't important to me. I just kind of leaned over the side for most of pushing and when she started crowning I squatted and hang on to the back of the tub. It kept the water warm when I got out and did not tax our tiny hot water tank.

I've never used a BPIAB so I can't comment on that one.

[ishyfishie]

Question on La Bassine as far as depth--when you ladies say it was deep enough for you, where did it the water level come to on your body in various positions? I was trying to squat, kneel and lean a bit next to a yard stick, lol, but it's hard to tell. I'm only 5'3 so I feel stupid obsessing over a few inches when mamas so much taller love La Bassine! I don't mind spending the extra for the Aquaborn (or BPIAB) but the extra water volume is a factor. Those extra few inches won't matter if we can't get it filled that high!

[sarahr]

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up ordering BPIAB because the seat looked like something I might want.

[Belle]

Originally Posted by ishyfishie

Question on La Bassine as far as depth--when you ladies say it was deep enough for you, where did it the water level come to on your body in various positions? I was trying to squat, kneel and lean a bit next to a yard stick, lol, but it's hard to tell. I'm only 5'3 so I feel stupid obsessing over a few inches when mamas so much taller love La Bassine! I don't mind spending the extra for the Aquaborn (or BPIAB) but the extra water volume is a factor. Those extra few inches won't matter if we can't get it filled that high!

Okay, I'll share my birth slideshow with you to give you a visual of where the water sat. WARNING, I'm very nude in these pics. Katherine's birth. The tub was actually filled a little too full. The shots where I'm holding my baby in the water I'm kind of bobbing in the water so I can keep her head above the water. She also had a very long cord. Again, I'm 5'11"

[ishyfishie]

Originally Posted by Belle

Okay, I'll share my birth slideshow with you to give you a visual of where the water sat. WARNING, I'm very nude in these pics. Katherine's birth. The tub was actually filled a little too full. The shots where I'm holding my baby in the water I'm kind of bobbing in the water so I can keep her head above the water. She also had a very long cord. Again, I'm 5'11"

Thank you! That was beautiful and really helpful! I think La Bassine would be more than enough depth for me. I appreciate you posting that!