[JosieAK]

<p>So this is probably a little early to be asking, but I'm 10.5 weeks pregnant and looking forward to a homebirth in June.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Last time, my 42 hour labor, part of it in a miserably cold tiny bathtub, didn't go so hot.  And this time I want to do whatever possible to proactively create a better experience.  One way I want to do that is by using an actual, deep birthing tub.  I don't have to give birth in it, but I WOULD like to labor in it!  My midwife doesn't have them and kinda said I was on my own to find one if I wanted one. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I am interested in whether there is a place I can rent one locally (Anchorage/Valley area) or if people have had experience with buying or renting one through the mail.  I've looked at some other threads on this, but I know some places can be weird about shipping outside of the lower 48.  Also, should I invest in a heater?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>

 

[brightonwoman]

I don't know about renting, but I can tell you my experience with buying a pool... My midwife recommended <a href="http://www.yourwaterbirth.com" target="_blank">www.yourwaterbirth.com</a> to buy a tub. A friend recommended <a href="http://www.inhishands.com" target="_blank">www.inhishands.com</a> for a tub. I looked at all those places (and a couple others I can't remember) and they all had outrageous shipping up to AK (like $25). If you're wanting one of the actual birthing tubs, then you will need to go one of those places to get it (the $100+ tubs). However, I was looking at getting one of the fishy pool type tubs anyway, so I went to amazon (free shipping!!!) and I got one there that I was quite happy with (this one <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=motheringhud-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FIntex-Center--21-Inch-Summer-Colors%2Fdp%2FB00012BSHG%2Fref%3Dsr_1_9%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1289711095%26sr%3D8-9" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Intex-Center--21-Inch-Summer-Colors/dp/B00012BSHG/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1289711095&sr=8-9</a> ) not quite as deep as the birthing tubs, but I was totally content in it. I wrote a review of it, if you scroll through the 5-star reviews there I'm sure you'll find it. In regard to needing a heater... I didn't use one, but I only had a 5 hr labor... I have heard the recommendation to lay a shower curtain over the top of the pool if you get out, so that it keeps teh steam/heat in. Also you can take out some water and refill that portion with straight hot, so that the whole tub warms up again... Personally, I wouldn't invest in a heater. A pump on the other hand, we decided would have been really nice to have.

 

[roadfamily6now]

<p>I'm sure there is no where in AK to rent one, but it would not hurt to maybe post a craig's list ad asking.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have not used a tub to labor in but when we were in a dry cabin in Fairbanks, we have a lovely 150 gallon stock tank for a bath tub! I always thought it would be great for laboring in! Oh and think about getting a Python for filling and draining! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=motheringhud-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2F50ft-Python-Spill-Clean-Fill%2Fdp%2FB000255NXM" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/50ft-Python-Spill-Clean-Fill/dp/B000255NXM</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good Luck and Congratulations!</p>

 

[L&K'smommie]

<p>My MW rents them out...New Life Midwifery in Wasilla. I'm not sure if you have to be a patient of hers or not.  You may want to call around to other midwifery's and ask if they rent them out as well. </p>

 

[JosieAK]

<p>Thanks so much for these suggestions.  I will look into them. </p>

 

[nik_907]

<p>i ave a birthing tub i rent out omessage me, if you interested, congrats on the pregnancy!</p>

 

[roadfamily6now]

<p>A member of the Alaska Birth Network now rents out birthing tubs.</p>
<p>Are you on the Meet Up Group?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.meetup.com/Alaska-Birth-Network/" target="_blank">http://www.meetup.com/Alaska-Birth-Network/</a></p>

 

[Pinoikoi]

<p> I have a tub that I labored in, but didn't birth in. It needs a home. Unfortunately it is on my deck, so it is probably quite frozen atm.</p>