La Bassine--need opinions

[Finding Serenity]

I was going to use the aquadoula from my mw--will cost about $180 but just saw on my homebirth supply co that they sell the La Bassine for $120. It looks like it would work really well for me but I don't know if it's really exceptional for an inflatable. If anyone has used it and could let me know if its a great tub for the price? Does it keep the water really warm for long time-the ad says that it's insulated and should keep the water temp warm. I hesitate to just buy it without knowing some more about it.

[BirthFree]

I've personally used the aquadoula and have helped several women use it as well as the La Bassine. In my opinion the aquadoula is awesome because it is big (esp. for the not-small or not-short woman), does not require being blown up and it can hold more than one person (like to include a doula or husband), and it also holds more water so you can get into it much deeper. I prefer it for that reason.

That said, the La Bassine is soft, smaller (should you need that for space factor), cheaper and suits the purpose as well. I think it holds the temp pretty well. I've only seen it filled for several hours and it held the temp fine the entire time. I think it's exceptional for an inflatable tub but if you can do either I would probably suggest the aquadoula.

Just my .02 because really, both are good for different reasons.

[pamamidwife]

I think the LaBassine is no different than the fishy pool. And, if you want my opinion, I think the fishy pools are far superior than the Aqua doula for a couple reasons:

* They hold temperature about the same (believe it or not, I've had more trouble with the heaters in the ADs!!)

* The fishy pool has soft sides and a soft bottom - nicer on the knees and if you want to drape your arms over

* You can nurse your baby in the pool without getting on your knees

* It's not so deep that you feel like you'll fall under if you relax too much

* The cost is sooo much better - and if you end up not using it for some reason, you're not out big bucks


We usually fill it with water from the hot / cold water tap behind a client's washer. We empty it with a small aquarium pump. It's super easy to add more hot water and remove some if it gets cool.

I've used the fishy pools consistently in my practice and I've never heard a woman say it was too shallow or not what she wanted. Never.

[alegna]

Great discussion... I used a fishy pool ($25 beats the pants off of $120 if they're really about the same) for dd's birth. Worked well. I MIGHT have liked it a little deeper... not sure though. I now have a friend with an aqua doula that I could use free (for my next, as of yet unconceived child ) So- if the AQ is free, you'd still pick the fishy pool Pam?

-Angela

[huggerwocky]

the electra sevylor pool is essentially the same as the bassine with half the price tag. I have mine sitting here, I like the vertical support structure better than the horizontal rings other pools have.

[pamamidwife]

yeah, I really like the soft bottoms and the soft sides better. those AD liners get wrinkles in them sometimes that hurt the knees! but, that's me. everyone has their own opinion!

[Finding Serenity]

I forgot to mention that I did use an aquadoula last time, I liked it but it was in a hospital and not at home. I used it plenty in a really long labor and except for the nurses not realizing to plug in the heater and it having to be refilled halfway thru my labor since the water got cool I had absolutely no issues with it. Now, with all the cost of the birth on us, not ins.: we would rather not pay alot out for a pool if there's a decent alternative, kwim. I definately need the 25" of depth, for my height, and couldn't go with a lower depth. Thanks for all the responses so far, I've got to make a decision quick since I'm due 10/7!!

[~Kristina~]

I'm currently looking at this pool and the Gentle Birth pool. I was also wondering about the water temp.

[wildthing]

My first 4 homebirths, I used a horse trough. A hint to make the bottom soft....used a piece of carpet padding, cut to shape, under the liner. I used a fishy pool for the 5th one, and it was okay. I will probably use an AD this time though, since I like the idea of the water being kept warm.