Grandparents want to get me something so I'm thinking of asking for a birth pool, is that weird?

[Ryuk]

I'm graduating later this month. My grandparents want to get me a graduation present, which I really appreciate and wasn't expecting at all. However, apparently the idea they've stuck on is that as my cousin is getting married later in the year, the best thing to get me would be 'a nice dress' so that I can use it as a bridesmaid's outfit at my cousin's wedding. (She's having the bridesmaids wear a colour scheme, but isn't bothered about the outfits matching exactly.) I'm really not a dress sort of person, have talked to my cousin about it and she's said tbh, if I want to wear trousers and a nice shirt she'll be happy regardless, she just wants me to be there. And I don't mind wearing a dress, but I feel like grandparents spending a lot of money on one specifically aimed at the bridesmaiding would be kind of a waste, as neither cousin nor myself feel strongly about 'nice' (to them this will translate to expensive) dresses.

So, I'm thinking of asking them for a contribution towards a home birthing pool instead. This would only be if the pregnancy doesn't become complicated and I'm still going for a home birth later on (am still only considering it), but I think the idea might be worth raising with them. But am worried they'll find it weird.

Any thoughts?

[nunnie]

I don't think it sounds odd to me.

[sedgiebaby]

I have no idea having lost all my grandparents before I was born sadly, but if they are quite 'traditional' they might not get the whole birthing pool thing either. If you tell them you have something in mind to wear, then t hey might prefer to contribute to something a little more sentimental like a cot - just a thought

[herewegoloopyloo]

Sorry but it does sound odd to me - as a graduation present, anyway (am not against the home birthing pool though) . Remember you may not get to use it as there are numerous factors that might affect your decision (or have the decision made for you) adn that may not seem much of a present then. Could you not ask for something other than a dress, something that could be kept? Jewellery, art? Or just a nice meal out?

[peppapighastakenovermylife]

Hmmm... I would go for something else you are going to need in the next few months for the baby - cot, pram etc and ask for that. Then spend the money saved on the birthing pool.

I sold my birthing pool after I had used it as its not something you really need to keep

[notconvincedaboutthis]

When I read your thread title I thought that perhaps it might be odd - only in that a birthing pool will be used and then put away until you have another baby and they might like to get you something that you will use frequently with your baby - to remind you of them (e.g. moses basket or contribution to a pram). But given that they want to buy you an outfit for a single occassion (which could be used again, but not an everyday item) then I think a contribution to a birthing pool is a perfectly appropriate alternative. If you are concerned that they might think it weird then ask for a contribution to something else for your baby.

[Ryuk]

My partner's family (older sisters) have already inundated us with offers of prams, moses baskets, cots, baby clothes, car seats... they have a lot of stuff in their attics, so we wouldn't be spending much money on those sorts of things anyway. I guess I could get my grandparents to buy us something new that's already been offered, but it seems a bit wastefull when I'd rather the money go to something we don't already have available, you know? Would be a good idea otherwise though and might consider it anyway if they don't like the pool idea.

I just think it'd be more helpful this way, as it's so far the only thing we 'need' (or at least really want) that we don't already have sorted out.

[nunnie]

As it is your graduation present they may wish to buy something for you personally. It depends on your grandparents, mine a traditional and I'm not sure they would even know what one is.
In saying that I don't think it is an odd request to ask for someone to contribute if that is what you need.

[Mole007]

My grandmother bought the cotbed, but my parents bought me a nursing chair, which is still in use now DS is 10 mo, and child is now on its way, so even more usage planned....if a nursing chair is not something that you have, it would certainly be longer lived than a birthing pool, and is a godsend for those moonlit feeds! And ours will not look out of place when it does leave the nursery and move into the sitting room so that I can snooze by the TV in my dotage (whilst said children wait on me....)

[Mole007]

oops, missed out 'another' child - pregnancy brain already kicking in....

[Klaw]

nope, a birth pool is a fab idea, as would HypnoBirthing classes. Your birth experience will live with your forever, so anything which contributes to it being a calm and positive experience is invaluable.