Bringing Pool to Hospital Birth

[mrsbabycakes]

I'm due in 3.5 weeks and I finally did my hospital tour yesterday. I found out that they allow (and encourage!!) birth pools for unmedicated labors. The rooms are large and have a sink nearby for easy filling. They don't allow actual birth in water, but the nurse was enthusiastically mentioning that for unmedicated labors, the pool can be a make-it-or-break it comfort measure (considering the rooms only have showers). I'm going to get a fishy pool (can't afford other pools).

My question for those that brought their pools to hospital births, should I allow extra time (like not labor at home as long) for pool filling? Any thoughts/suggestions?

[*MamaJen*]

I probably would go in a little earlier. It can take about an hour to fill the pool. If your hospital has good policies in general (and if they encourage you to bring a birth pool that is a good sign) then I would probably want to be in the pool as soon as active labor kicks in.

[porcelina]

Is this your first birth? If so, you'll probably have time, though you could get there slightly earlier. But, what do you mean by fishy pool? Particularly if this is your first birth, you are going to want to be completely immersed if at all possible. I am so jealous that they let you bring birthing pools into the hospital -- I think that really would have helped me. I had a jacuzzi tub to labor in, but I was on my back, and DS was OP, and didn't manage to turn (so it was excrutiating). Thinking back, I would love to have been upright in water, so that he could have possibly turned. Even if it's a little more expensive, it might make all the difference in your birth!

[*MamaJen*]

Good point, make sure the pool is deep enough to cover your belly. You want to be sort of buoyant in the water.

[mrsbabycakes]

The fishy pool I'm considering is 21" deep and 50"diameter, approximately the same as the La Bassine.

Any alternatives to the $30 drinking-grade hose? Can I just use a garden hose (since I won't be in the tub with ruptured membranes or delivering)?

[georgia]

Here's a cool Mothering article about hospital waterbirths that you might find helpful.

IME, the drinking-water-grade hose is worth the money, even if you're not birthing in the tub. I wasn't comfortable with the possibility of being immersed in water filled with leached chemicals from the garden hose when hot water runs through it. I'm kinda picky though

Happy Birthing!!!

[Right of Passage]

you can get a drinking water hose in the automotive section at walmart for less than $20, around $10 if you need 25 feet or less.

[womenswisdom]

And make sure to have an adapter so you can hook the hose up to the sink in case the ends are the same.

[mrsbabycakes]

Any thoughts on pumps? I realized that I'll be needing a pump to remove the water...