Which birthing tub? - Page 2

[kavamamakava]

I've used the fishy pool and a Rubbermaid trough. I actually felt the fishy pool was too soft and I enjoyed laboring in it but when it came time to pushing, I couldn't get traction and opted to get out and push on dry land. I draped myself over a partially inflated birthing ball when using the Rubbermaid. The one I used was roomy enough for two adults and an emerging baby. They come in all sizes. The hardware store near me sold 4 different sizes.

[WinterBaby]

Originally Posted by JeanetteL

I did like my inflatable fishy pool - but am considering a rental this time for two reasons
1. Depth - the videos I've seen with "offical" pools, the mamas look to be much more covered - my belly was still partially exposed when I was semi-reclining.
2. Support on the sides - when I tried to squat the inflatable sides did NOT provide enough support - and both my MW and DH had to try and hold me up...it did not work and I gave up.

Pro's of the inflatable
-very comfy to lean back against the sides, or rest head on the sides in hands and knees...and very comfy with the inflatable bottom.

I was in the pool for four hours or so - and we had to dump off water once and add hot water, but I barely noticed. We filled it with a hose from our bathroom, and emptied it right out our second story window (dh found mec on the rocks below the window weeks later!!)

Jeanette

I used an aqua doula and the water came about to my armpits while sitting on the bottom if I recall. Had a little inflatable seat, and still had full coverage on that. I spent a lot of time on hands and knees and prefered the solid bottom. Also loved the Heater. Sides seemed to have enough support, but for general comfort and whatnot, I made dh get in the pool and leaned against him, heh.

[famousmockngbrd]

I just blew up our fishy pool this afternoon. We put it in the backyard and I lounged in it for half the afternoon, lol. It was really hot here today and that pool was fabulous. I was comfortable in it for a long time without the bottom being inflated but it was on the grass, don't know if the hardwood floor would be different, but probably. I do wish it was a bit deeper but it did cover most of my belly. The sides would definitely be too squishy to lean against very much, but I will probably leave the bottom uninflated and put a small stool or something in there to lean on if I need it.

Anyway, that was my impression of the fishy pool... I think it will work. Thanks for the tip about the Conair bubble mats, I will check those out.

ETA - I forgot to mention, one thing I was wondering about was how I will feel when I am deep in labor and looking at those little cartoon crabs and starfish staring at me.

[kavamamakava]

I stared right back at the fishies

[famousmockngbrd]

:LOL

[sarahwebb]

I rented the Aqua Doula last time because of the heater. i didn't know about the Con Air mats and don't know if they a) work as well for heat control and b) if the bubbles might be distracting. I'd want to know if the mats can heat without bubbling...

I spent most of my active labor with my arms draped over the sides of the Aqua Doula floating on my back. I loved the support of the rigid sides but wish the rim was softer. The lady I rented from suggested using a blow up pool float for padding, but that didn't really work so well.

I have long, long labors and loved knowing the tub was ready and warm without having to add more hot water periodically.

It actually got too hot at one point and my dh cooled it down with frozen water filled milk jugs that he had in the freezer--they were the perfect solution.

Although I wish I had had a better solution for padding the sides, I think the Aqua Doula was worth every penny!

Good luck,
Sarah