| Waterbirth Tub Options Pool Rental One option for having a home waterbirth is to rent a pool from a person involved in natural birth such as a doula, midwife or childbirth educator. Such pools, like the "AquaDoula" or "Gentle Birth Pool," are large enough to hold a laboring woman and her partner. They are deep enough that squatting and leaning over the side is probably the most comfortable position; however, some women feel "lost"and unsupported in their large size. Their large capacity also means they take a long time to fill as more than one water heater’s capacity of hot water will be needed. Typically, these tubs have a heater option that can keep the water at an appropriate temperature automatically and so the pool can be set up in advance of labor. Keep in mind that the water will need to be drained and refilled every two days to keep the water from becoming yucky from bacterial growth before labor. Big pools are especially nice for tall women. Purchase an Inflatable Child’s Pool Many waterbirthing midwives and families have found that an inexpensive, inflatable children’s pool works perfectly for waterbirth. The "Wet Set Inflatable Aquarium Ocean View Swimming Pool" is by far the recommended pool for its price. The depth of 22"-23" and a diameter of no more than 60", as well as the quality of the construction are all important to the pool’s function when you need it most: during labor. It is a wonderful size that allows for free movement, a partner in the pool with you (or not), easy access by the midwife, and is incredibly comfortable because the inflatable sides and bottom feel like you are resting on a cloud. The sides are so strong that both the mother and birth team can lean on them without fear of spilling the water. It is cozy enough that a mother can rest her head on one side and brace her feet on the other to securely catch a nap between contractions. I can’t say enough about how comfortable it is in labor, I used one for the birth of my daughter! It can be inflated quickly with a hand, foot or electric air pump and it can be filled by a hose attached to a faucet. It can be drained after the birth with a submersible pump or waterbed fill and drain kit. The smaller size and inflated sides help to retain warmth. If the women is not in the tub, a piece of plastic laid over the top will act as insulation. If extra warmth is needed a pot of water can be boiled on the stove and added to the cool water. This is only an issue during a long labor. WARNING: An unattended birth tub could pose a drowning hazard to young children. The Aquarium Ocean View Swimming Pool is sold on the following web sites: Another similar, but Deeper/Wider Pool (76" by 25") "Inflatable Ocean Reef Hexagon Pool" is available at: Nice link on do-it-yourself waterbirth tubs: MidwifeMamma.com Basic Supplies for a Waterbirth:
Optional Waterbirth Supplies:
|