[octobermoon]

I want to, I LOVE taking baths anyway, sooo relaxing. I was wondering if you are planning to have a WB, what kind of pool will you get. I was originally going to do the Aqua Doula, my MW has one we can use for free, we just need to get the liner and the hose and hook ups and junk. It looks uncomfortable though and too large maybe, but it is heated, which I like. I was looking at the Birth Pool in a Box and that looks so much more comfortable to me even though it does not have heat yet (they are working on it). My plan is maybe not to call my MW till labor is well established, which means when she gets here someone will have to set up the pool, fill it and all that, I mean I know you aren't supposed to get in the water till about 6cm dilated but still, I am afraid if I wait to call her I may not get to use the deeper water a birth pool offers. Generally speaking I know my labor might be a little longer since this is my first but one never knows for sure. Some first timers go quickly! My moms labors were pretty short even her first. SO I was thinking it might be worth the extra money to get the BPIAB and have it ready. What do you think? What are your plans?

 

[ChaoticMum]

I'm not planning a water birth this time only because I cannot get midwifery care and I am not comfortable UC'ing. so, alas, I will deliver in a hospital with an OB.

That being said, I had a waterbirth for #3 and it was amazing.
http://www.kidstoychest.com/wet/aqua...mming-pool.htm
That link shows a pool that was almost identical to mine - I *think* mine was a bit bigger tho - not taller, just larger diameter and it was perfect! It was also less than 20 bucks! And the other kids used it to swim in for the rest of the summer!L OL

As for filling it, my midwife did not want us to fill it until she was there - so that if babe did come before here, it would not be into the water. We had it all set up tho with the plastic underneath and blown up ready to go (we stored it in our walk in closet! LOL) When she got there she was worried that we wouldn't get it filled up in time as I was progressing fast - but we did get it filled and it was wonderful. Babe was born about 1/2hr after it was filled.

 

[kismetbaby]

Hope this thread doesn't get moved. . .

But that said there is a lot of good info on the tubs on the birth forum. I have been wondering about some of these things and found that forum helpful. I am planning to have the pool. . .whether I stay in it for the actually pushing/birth I don't know. My MW does waterbirths, but only if the baby is not having any heart decels. . .if they are then she makes you get out for the birth, in case they need immediate resuscitation.

Originally, I was thinking I'd rent the AquaDoula, but then realized that it would cost me as much to rent that for 2 or 3 weeks (and just hope, hope, I actually go into labor during that time) as it would to buy the inflatable kind, like the Birth tub in a box. And not only does it look more comfy, but I won't have the time pressure. My only hesitation is that the Aquadoula has a heater and will stay warm, while the "fishy pools" do not have a heater and often need to have hot water added (and cold water taken out) if you are in there for awhile. I don't know who much of a pain this will be, but I get cold easy, so I am concerned about this.

I watched my BFF have a waterbirth and was sold. . .she screamed when she had to get out (to deal with a cervical lip), but was so calm in the water. And she did give birth in the pool after getting rid of the lip and she hardly tore at all. This same BF sent me a link that you might be interested in--her MW that delivered her babies at home in the water--also sells tub kits. . .I am always a fan of supporting the little guy and she is an awesome MW. So I might buy my pool form her. Just a home version of the birth-pool-in-a-box. . .here is the link:
http://www.tubsntea.com/TUBSinfo.html
and here is another (more commercial) site I was looking at
http://www.yourwaterbirth.com/la-bas...ls-c-1_38.html

My remaining issues is whether to have the pool upstairs in the bedroom (but less space) or downstairs in the living room (more space, but who wants to climb stairs to be able to lay in bed after labor!).

 

[cristeen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaoticMum I'm not planning a water birth this time only because I cannot get midwifery care and I am not comfortable UC'ing. so, alas, I will deliver in a hospital with an OB.

You can still labor in the water before heading into the hospital. Or look around and see if any of the local hospitals offer water.

I'm planning on getting a BPIAB. It didn't make sense to me to rent one when I can buy one for about the same price. Especially since they can be reused or resold afterwards.

 

[ilovejeff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kismetbaby My remaining issues is whether to have the pool upstairs in the bedroom (but less space) or downstairs in the living room (more space, but who wants to climb stairs to be able to lay in bed after labor!).

I'm also planning on having a tub and posted this same question in the HB forum. The general consenus was that the MW/DP, etc can find a place to sit in a small space, but going up the stairs after is no fun. So I'll be putting mine in the bedroom.

I hope to birth in the tub, but am open to getting out if necessary. At least I am now...who knows what I'll be open to in labor

I think I'm just going to get the fishy pool to keep the cost down. DH thinks an aquarium heater would work fine to keep it warm and wouldn't melt the plastic (he's a big fish/tank buff.)

 

[Siobhain]

I am having my second HOME waterbirth but fourth waterbirth. I had two hospital waterbirths and one attempted waterbirth at a freestanding birth center but was forced to stay out once meconium was seen

Water is my drug of choice, a bath helps me relax when not pregnant and if I am feeling unwell water always helps me so I knew waterbirth was for me. Plus I credit labouring in water all four times so far in the fact that I have NEVER torn and needed stitches. We will most likely get a fishy/aquarium pool again (approx $30) which is what we birthed in with our fourth (there was room for DH to get in with me during the pushing phase) but I am looking at the la bassinine (sp?) with the handles on the inside, that looks like a feature I would like while pushing. We will set it up in our bedroom, I am not sure if in our bedroom or in the master bathroom but I like being as close to bed as possible because I do like to get into bed right after.

I LOVE WATERBIRTH!!

Warmly,
Erin
EDD #5 9-15-09

 

[ChaoticMum]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovejeff DH thinks an aquarium heater would work fine to keep it warm and wouldn't melt the plastic (he's a big fish/tank buff.)

Honestly? don't even worry about it! Once its full the midwife and your DH can remove some water and add some hot water to top it up and warm it up. The heater is just going to be a problem where someone is going to have to be aware of where it is at all times (cord/electricity etc). I never had a heater for mine and I never once thought the water was cold - the midwife and my DH were able to keep it perfect temp.

 

[mamamia10]

I think I might be thinking water birth this time around
I LOVE my tub and the water was so realxing with my last labor

 

[octobermoon]

GREAT sites Kismetbaby! thank you!

 

[acupuncturemomma]

We'll be renting an Aqua Doula, just as we did for DD's birth. I labored in it for a long time, but ultimately gave birth out of the water on a birthing stool (long pushing stage, pesky cervical lip). The AD was super comfy and I definitely like the idea of the heater--constantly adding and removing water sounds like a hassle, but really I don't know anything about other tubs. I'm curious to look at some others now, though!

I can't say I plan on having a water birth specifically (since who the heck knows!) but look forward to being in it as much as feels good!

 

[midwestmeg]

Thanks for this thread!

This will be my third waterbirth, but my first at home.

We just put in a six foot tub, but only 36'' wide versus the 48'' wide style. I just noticed the other day that it doesn't have handles- I need those!!

I'll find some.

I don't move around a lot in the tub or turn really, so ours should work fine.

My disclaimer is that if we aren't done with our addition, I am going to have to rent something. I hope we are done.

 

[guestmama9922]

definitely having a home water birth. haven't made up my mind yet about what pool to get.

 

[deymm]

There is tons of info about tubs, waterbirth, etc, on the Homebirth forum here.

 

[octobermoon]

now i am considering the fishy pool. it's so cheap! i mean what if i don't like to labor in the water? there is that chance. the fishy pool i was looking at has three separate chambers on the walls just like the BPIAB which is nice in case one gets punctured. plus did i say it's cheap?

ChaoticMum thank you for that site. the same fishy pool from a Birth Site is like $8 bucks cheaper at the kid's store. gotta love it.

 

[kismetbaby]

Quote:

Originally Posted by octobermoon now i am considering the fishy pool. it's so cheap! i mean what if i don't like to labor in the water? there is that chance. the fishy pool i was looking at has three separate chambers on the walls just like the BPIAB which is nice in case one gets punctured. plus did i say it's cheap? ChaoticMum thank you for that site. the same fishy pool from a Birth Site is like $8 bucks cheaper at the kid's store. gotta love it.

I am now thinking the same. . .although the ease of the kits always gets to me. Even with the fishy pool we will still need a hose and pump and possible a liner my MW warned me that if I want to resell the pool afterwards I should use a liner. . .also the some liners are cloth which might be nicer to sit on than the plastic of the pool itself). But I know you can buy those things separately at some of the waterbirth sites that sell the tubs too.

 

[octobermoon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kismetbaby I am now thinking the same. . .although the ease of the kits always gets to me. Even with the fishy pool we will still need a hose and pump and possible a liner my MW warned me that if I want to resell the pool afterwards I should use a liner. . .also the some liners are cloth which might be nicer to sit on than the plastic of the pool itself). But I know you can buy those things separately at some of the waterbirth sites that sell the tubs too.

the cloth liners do look nice.

 

[Guinevere]

I bought our fishy pool on clearance at Target last summer for around $9.

Then I m/c a month later.

But the good news is that I still have it for this time around!

I have no interest in reselling mine, especially not at that price -- we'll just splash around in it in summer the following year or so -- so I'm not going to worry about a liner, etc. But I've seen other gf's of mine use a king-sized flat sheet as a cloth liner if you have issues with the plastic feel of the tub. And I agree about not needing a heater -- I've attended 2 HWBs and both times, MW kept the pool at a constant warm temp by adding additional hot water warmed on the stove as needed; it was really straightforward.

I really do need to consider the logistics of where to place the tub, though -- we've moved since my last baby was born (planned HWB turned emergency c/s, alas) and now we live in a 2-story house. The perfect place for the tub is downstairs in the family room/kitchen area, in front of the fireplace -- good access to hot water, a bathroom just down the hall, and the tub could be on a tile floor -- but my bedroom is upstairs AND it's carpeted and not terribly close to any water source; plus, no room in there for a tub (our king-sized bed takes up too much room!) And I was hoping that if I gave birth at night, the younger kiddos could stay upstairs, asleep, and that floor could be the quiet floor.

We do have a guest bedroom downstairs, down the hall from the kitchen/family room, that I guess I could intially transfer to after the birth, but it isn't MY bed, kwim? And all the baby stuff will be set up upstairs, too. Hmmm...thanks to whomever brought that issue up, b/c I hadn't fully thought out how hard it might be for me to get upstairs afterwards. Need to ponder some more...

Guin

 

[octobermoon]

Guinevere birth in front of a fireplace at night sounds magical! we have one too, you never know it could be a cool September evening........

fishy pool, fishy pool......... i love the idea of our baby playing in the pool i gave birth in in our back yard later on down the road.

i think i am almost sold on the idea.

 

[BeanSprout Mama]

I wish

. I haven't found anyone whose fee was something my DH (who is reluctant at best about the idea of a homebirth) would agree too. They're all too expensive and I haven't found anyone who will reduce their fees for me.

So much for choices in childbirth, I guess.

.

 

[jenmn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by powpow definitely having a home water birth. haven't made up my mind yet about what pool to get.

This! It seems that many people around here typically rent an AquaDoula, but I guess I can't see how it could be as comfortable as an inflatable pool. Plus it is so expensive to rent vs. buying one of the other ones.