Birth Pool Hire - any advice or recommendations?

[Dimples]

Hi everyone
I'm planning a home birth in November and have decided to go the whole hog on this third and final birth ;-) with a birthing pool.
I'll actually be at my in-laws home and they're very supportive that I do want I want but I don't think it will be that practical to have a birth pool that is set-up for weeks in advance. Have been looking at Splashdown who have an inflatable one (on special offer) and welcome any comments from those of you with experience of this pool or any others.
Thanks!!

I used an inflatable one, but i don't know what kind - our midwife team had 3 available across the city and I booked one of those. It was great because it just sat in a big bag, looking like a big collapsed tent or something, until we needed it.

Obviously, we got it out to make sure we knew how it went up, and how long it took etc. But then we left it until I was in labour.

I didn't labour in it for any length of time - ds made an appearance within about 10 mins of my getting in, so I can't comment on long-term comfort - but 3rd time round, you probably won't be spending hours in it either!

Hello -
can't offer advice from experience, but there are 2 reviews on the homebirth website which might be useful to you. One was described as being very light and easy to put up in a hurry, even though it isn't inflatable. It's called Gentle Water, and although based in Brighton they'll deliver nationwide.

Would be good to know your experience too, as I'm planning a water / homebirth in feb. x

I had the basic splashdown pool. It was absolutely fine for me - plenty of room and it took my weight when I leant on the side, but was nice and soft to lean my head against (rigid ones might hurt). I don't think that any larger is necessary.
It was fairly quick to inflate (we had it inflated a week or two in advance though, so the pressure was off us on that score). I haven't a clue how long it took to fill because I was off with the fairies at that point - maybe an hour and a half????
I'm sure i have heard that third labours are quite stop/start, so according to that theory you will probably have a lot of warning before needing to get in and it will be inflated for days.... (hope not, for your sake)

hi there,

I bought a www.madeinwater.co.uk pool for 50 pounds.

It is quite quick to inflate and fill and makes great ball pool/ paddling pool forafterwards.
It's big enough for you and maybe a hubby (I didn't want anyone in with me).

I had my ds 9lb 14 oz in it 10 weeks ago!! It was bliss!

took about 20 mins to inflate and 40 minutes to fill (and we have crap water pressure).

Hi Monstrousmummy,

I had my little angel in the www.madeinwater.co.uk pool last month and it was absolutely great. I've read a few girls who had a wonderful birth in this pool, if there's a la Bassine community coming up let me know, i'll sign up!!!!

We used the basic inflatable Splashdown one, which was fine, and good because they are made form the same material that liferafts are made from and designed to hold the heat, so that the water doesn't cool down too quickly.
The MadeInWater one looks good. Is it ridgid enough to lean on the side? I spent ages in the pool leaning forwards resting on the rim.

same for me, I spent most of the time leaning on the side. My DH tenderly put a towel on the side to make it even more comfortable. The sidewalls are quite wide so yes it was rigid enough to lean on.