Ok, filling the birth pool, what to do

[Incubator]

OK... so I went to the hardware store and sure enough, they have a potable water hose ($14) and an adapter ($3) to make it fit on the sink...
Unfortunately, when I got home, I realize that the hose says no hot water (how hot is considered hot? 100 degrees? 120?) and the adapter is not drinking water safe... So I'm going to return the adapter, since I can buy one made for the "python" aquarium hose at the pet shop ($5). What experience do you guys have with the potable water hose? and does anyone know if the python adapter will fit a standard sized hose anyway? Or should I just return both the adapter and the hose and get the whole python set for $40 even though I don't need the pool drain feature? I've called all of the local pet/fish shops, none of them have just the hose extension and only one has the adapter. What's a girl to do?

[StacyL]

All Petsmart/Petco stores carry the parts individually, rather than spending $40 on a kit. Also, you can look at the Birth Pool Resources thread for online ordering links.

Your hose should work fine, same with your adapter. I've never heard of a non-safe adapter - they are only made out of brass or hard plastic, so I don't see how that would be not safe. All hoses and connectors are standard.

[Incubator]

I guess there's something wrong with my local petsmart and petco. Petsmart only sells the kit, and petco sells the kit and the adapter but not the hose. Even the fish only store I called sells the kit only. I've considered ordering it online, but at this point I'm wondering if it will arrive on time.

and the adapter i have specifically states, even though it is metal, that it contains a chemical known to cause birth defects and reproductive harm. I don't know maybe it's a coating or something mixed in with the metal. that's what had me, I didn't look at the part in the store, I figured it was just brass!

[spookymama]

Originally Posted by Incubator

I guess there's something wrong with my local petsmart and petco. Petsmart only sells the kit, and petco sells the kit and the adapter but not the hose. Even the fish only store I called sells the kit only. I've considered ordering it online, but at this point I'm wondering if it will arrive on time.

and the adapter i have specifically states, even though it is metal, that it contains a chemical known to cause birth defects and reproductive harm. I don't know maybe it's a coating or something mixed in with the metal. that's what had me, I didn't look at the part in the store, I figured it was just brass!

I would honestly check different petsmarts within whatever mile radius you are comfortable with. Ours sells them individually, and it sells a newer version of the kit (more expensive).

You can also browse your phone book for aquarium shops/independent pet stores also. Usually they will have the same thing or something similar too.

That said... I ordered our kit through a respectable seller on ebay. It took about a week to get, it was 25 bucks with buy it now, and great service. If you want, I can look back and PM you his name?

[janasmama]

We have had two home waterbirths and never used a "potable water hose." Our midwifes never even suggested such a thing. We just used a brand new garden hose and a regular adapter.

[Incubator]

I think we've decided to just use what we've got. I'm not driving all the way to Dallas or even Killeen over an adapter. I think maybe I'll wash the one I have really well and just use it.

[MommyMidwife]

Probably 95% of my ladies birth in the birthing tubs and we never use a special hose or adaptors...just go to the store and buy a cheap, new, hose and fill that tub up with nice warm water..the temp should be what you like in a bath but really not warmer than 101...when labor starts you will like it cooler anyway.
Dont' worry about getting a special type of hose - just get a $4.00 one on sale at the market.
jeni

[xixstar]

I think one of the big concerns is that common garden hoses and adapters can leach lead and other chemicals into the water. The higher concentrations are usually in water thats been sitting in the hose (that yummy, sun warmed water I loved as a kid), so often it's recommended to flush out the hose before drinking or filling pet dishes.

Now, I worry about a lot of things and lead is one of them, but thats because my house is covered with peeling lead paint - yay old houses - but I won't worry about using our garden hose to fill our birth pool - I don't think the concentration would be high enough to worry about and I'm not drinking it either.

The other question regarded hot water and I'll need to look into that because our hot water comes out around 140-150 degrees, but I can imagine that the hose can manage a one time fill of the tub, even at a higher temp. But that could also increase the chemical or lead leaching as well... something to think about if you worry about those things. I'll prolly look into that myself and may decided on a lead-free hose -- thanks for posting the question as I hadn't considered this before.

[2+twins]

The one you bought is exactly perfect. You do NOT need to worry about the no hot water warning unless you're using the hose *constantly* with hot water.