not going to any "trouble" this time around?

[velveeta]

This is my second pregnancy. And I have a terrible attitude (I think) when it comes to preparations. I just found out that I need some kind of doo-hicky to fill our Aqua Doula (and another doo-hicky to empty it!). I wouldn't even have bothered with a birth pool at all -- I am just fortunate enough that my MW provides it for free. At my DS' birth, we had a nice, large bathroom tub, which we don't have at this house.

I am just wondering if all this is worth the trouble. I had a pretty short labor with DS, so I am wondering if I can just withstand the pain (without the relief of water).

There have been a few things that I have been, like "whatever" about. Part of it is that I am just very tired and I have been quite sick for a little while now. It took me FOREVER to order birth supplies.

Now, I am *very* excited about the birth, but getting ready seems overwhelming to me. WHY DO I FEEL THIS WAY??

[Jilian]

You can just use a regular hose attached to the kitchen sink (it may need an adaptor to fit on the faucet) and then use a bucket to bail the cold water out.

I've heard so many positive stories about laboring in the tub so I think it would be a really good idea to have the hose.

I think it's normal to feel overwhelmed, especially late in pregnancy because you're so tired. Being sick takes away all of your motivation too. I hope you're feeling better soon!

[Aridel]

The hose/bucket thing works pretty well. How much did being in the water help last time? If it's important enough, you'll find a way to make it work, and if not, it probably wasn't worth it anyway!

[storychick]

I felt that way too until one morning I woke up in full nesting mode and knocked it all out of the way in one day. Maybe you'll hit that point too? We have some time yet!

For me, I wasnt worried about it because it all went so well last time. Its definitely a lot more laissez faire this time. We managed just fine without half my supplies last time (it was so fast we didnt have time to grab a lot of the stuff I had gathered) and so it seems like I'm way overprepared now! Baby will come out no matter what is at hand.

I have to say if you need a draining doohickey, that the Python pump I just bought this weekend is pretty darned nifty. That and a hose and you'll be all set, and for less than $30 even if you spring for the drinking-water-safe hose. I wont even feel bad if I dont end up using it, since it was inexpensive. I'll just pass it on to my MW to pass to someone who could use it.

[mwherbs]

are you taking your b vitamins? and eating well- this is fall/winter with less light, holidays very common time to be a bit down -- what are you doing to care for your self? hair done, a massage, seen a movie? maybe I am off on this don't know just thinking maybe...

take care

[AKmoose]

For our second daughter's birth, the AquaDoula wasn't filled all the way or warm enough in time for the birth (2 hour labor!). HOWEVER, it was simply heaven to hop in afterwards! My husband could barely get me out to nurse the new baby I say YES, it's worth it even if you don't use the tub for birth! Best wishes to you and all your family!