La Bassine birth tub

[Doula Dani]

Can anyone tell me about this? Let me know your experiences, and if you happen to rent it out, how much?

Thanks!

[mariposa2]

I am not familiar with that type of birth tub, but after two homebirths, in tub, i like a solid tub (as opposed to soft sides), and there are great tubs from cenex, in mount vernon!! i think they are 150 gallon, but may be off on that. i think they were 135-. it was easy to set up etc. and you can use for a strawberry planter or play pool etc later

[JunipersMom]

I have one that so far three clients have used.. they all loved it, no complaints. I havent charged anyone for it - but since it only cost about $100 and I make them clean it out before they use it and after I cant think I would charge more than $25 to rent it to a non-client.

[Doula Dani]

I was thinking more as offering it to clients for free as well..but also not a bad way to find more clients!

I like that it has handles on the inside...I'm using one for my birth any old day now so I suppose I'll have first hand opinions at that point.

I have heard that hard sided tubs are better, but they seem much more pricey...

[nashvillemidwife]

I've attended births in about every tub imaginable and La Bassine is my favorite. I love it. I have 3.

If it's properly inflated the sides are very firm. No problems with the moms or I leaning over them, and obviously more comfortable to lean on than thin rigid side walls like the others.

I would not advise using the inside handles to brace while pushing. The pool is very sturdy but not indestructible and I can see the mom pulling the pool apart with those handles.

[DoomaYula]

My mw provided a La Bassine and it was great. I bought a liner and used that, which made the whole thing a little slippery, but whatever -- I was in labor, I was in water, it was good. I'd use one again.

[3xx1xyFamily]

I used a La Bassine for my water birth. It worked out well. I liked the wide soft sides to 'drape' over. It held the heat pretty well. I really liked the inflated floor, it was comfortable on my knees. It was big enough for me and DH (were both tall & big). I didn't use the handles. We used an electric air pump to fill it and it took approx 45 minutes (glad we filled it up several weeks in advance). I got in the tub around 3pm, delivered and was out at 12am-ish, in that time the tub was 1/4 drained and refilled with warm water 4 times. If they don't mind the extra work of draining and refilling it's a good little pool. I'd use it again. DH found it easy to clean afterwards, in hindsight, I would have bought a liner.

[April422]

This is what I used. Much cheaper, same basic design with vertical air tubes for great side support, and inflated bottom.

http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/SEV/SEVSP60E.html

[BirthFree]

Cool link April!

I was looking to get this one (the regular size):
http://www.waterbirth.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=45085

I've seen it and it will hold 2 adults (one largely-pg one and a support person (big enough for another adult)). The La Bassine I didn't think was big enough for that. This one also has a few handles, is deeper than most inflatable pools, the chemical content is better for Mom and baby as far as that goes and my favorite part... it has a seat.

[mama2annabelle]

I love the La Bassine pool. I bought it and used it for my last birth. My son was born really fast, so I only spent about 30 minutes or so in it, but it was super comfortable and extremely sturdy.
I intend to offer it for rent once I start my Birth Works classes. I'm thinking I'll probably charge $75 which will include a disposible liner, a hose and set up. Does that sound reasonable?

[AzariaJordan]

I have been completely happy with mine too. However, after about 6 uses, I have gotten a few punctures that let water leak into the air cylinders on which make up the sides! Last time was a birth yesterday and the inflated sides were about 8 inches full of bloody water by the time the birth was over. Emptying it ot was a nightmare, since the only plug to drain it is also the plug to let the air out....deflating and draining at the same time was perhaps the messiest birth experience I have ever had.

Anyone else have experience with this? I have patched the punctures several times and that works....until the next puncture.....

I'm curious to hear if anyone else has had similar experiences - 99% of the feedback I have heard from La Bassine users has been positive.

[nashvillemidwife]

I am prepared to replace them at that point. Like I said before, they're sturdy but they're not indestructible and tiny leaks are inevitable. I charge $100 when I rent them (comes in a kit with all the necessary pumps, liners, etc.).