Homebirth - hire a pool or not ?.....the midwife says 'not'

[4blue1pink]

Having a homebirth which feels a bit brave and thought i would hire a pool....

Moved house two weeks ago and really like big old bath so wondered if a pool such a good idea after all.

Midwife came out and gave pool the thumbs down, tricky to fill (slow) pain to keep warm, pain to empty, need strong floors ( house is old i am sure they are fine) etc etc

Now wondering whether she has put me off....is bath ok or do you need more room to manouevre etc....I just dont know.

Baby due in four weeks so should decide soon!

Thanks

It is actually my 5th which makes me sound very old and wise but infact ...although old ( just 38) I am not wise a crapping myself ( sorry!) about the whole thing. Going to look at BPIAB then and decide. The thing is ..I am a cold perrson so do not want to be nippy!

4B1P - I've taken the plunge and ordered an Aquabirth hot tub. I figured that having a heated tub for five weeks means that at least I can use it before and after even if it all goes pearshaped at the birth!
The rate at which the Feb group are producing babies I think you need to get one ordered PDQ!!

Thell, the site has been updated with pics of the new pool. The new photos don't include one of someone sitting on the side - not sure why. You're not going mad though, not being able to find it.

Well i have done it now ...looked on BPIAB website and Made in Water and the latter had a pic of a man stood on the side so that swayed it for me and I 'Took the plunge' and ordered it........... Nervous but hoping it with soothe me!

Hurrah 4B1P! Decision made

Thanks Gillian ,,,all that procrastinating ..now have to be brave and use it!

Can't wait for the birth announcement

Argh!
I was all sorted - had chosen the BPIAB regular and was ready to order - but have checked the size of the rooms in my new house, and it just looks too big!
So 2 questions I suppose -

1. If I put this huge pool in my dining room, it leaves 1.5m at each end. It is the thoroughfare to the kitchen, and the living room is next door for dry labouring, but is that enough space? What if I have to get out to deliver?!
2. I am 5'8" - am I really too tall to go for a BPIAB mini? They're about the same dimensions as the Made in Water one,... or I could bite the bullet and hire a Good Birth Co oval pool ?

Advice from tall people etc much appreciated!!

you shoul have a read at the testimonials on the madeinwater pool page, there's one interesting for tall people...

"Hello,
I have to say, I was originally planning to purchase a pool from a different company but they refused the sale on the grounds that I was too tall to get the full benefit of using their product. They would only recommend their inflatable pool for women of 5? 9? or shorter. I am 5?11?. But they would hire me a pool with the same depth and it would cost me a lot more money. I decided to search for a recommended water depth for a water birth but found nothing of use except your web site. The pool I purchased from you is also the depth.

Despite the fact that this was my first baby, I found the birth to be an amazing experience. Right from the start I had been hoping for a home water birth, mainly because I didn?t want any intervention and for it to be as natural as possible.

I was very lucky, from waking with stomach ache at 3.45am, it took only 7 and a half hours until I was holding my son. The only pain relief I used was a tens machine prior to entering the pool and only used gas and air for 3 contractions once in the water. The pool was the perfect size. Its compact but with plenty of room to move around and the inflatable base made it very comfortable even on a hard floor. The sides were surprisingly sturdy, even with 2 midwives and 1 husband leaning on 1 side there was no loss of water.

We have been very pleased with both the pool and the service you have provided. I ordered the pool on a Friday afternoon and received it on Monday and was impressed with the size and quality of the pool. I will definitely use it again if the opportunity arises."

Thanks moll - I'll have a look.
Anyone else got any recommendations??

Isnt' aMN-er (Iris?) selling a MIW pool on MN at the moment...?

Thanks!
I think I'm going to bite the bullet.
The midwife will just have to watch through the window if there's not enough space in the room!!

Do you need 1,5m at each end or can you shove it up so you have closer to 3m and one end and a small shuffling space at the other? Maybe build a bridge over the pool...?

Unfortunately, those measurements are with the damn thing in the corner; ie 1.5m between side and wall, and 1.5m between end and wall (other side and end against walls...does that make sense?!).

I'm going to try to buy Iris's pool. If a woman who's 5'11" can manage it, I shouldn't have too many probs

The only thing that remains is for DH to set up a trapeze so that he can get past me into the kitchen!!

Surely he can swing from the light fitting?

My madeinwater pool is on its way to me now from dh work where it was delivered ( I might add 24 hours after ordering) I am 5 foot 8 and tbh thought a slightly smaller pool may prevent slipping about as much say when on all fours - does that make sense.
Planning to partially inflate check it all fits and then store upstairs ready to fully inflate and wipe round with miltons 'when the time comes' any one with experience have any comments on this plan?

Pool arrived and done a gentle pump up and so far very pleased.......feel more confident now I have it and like the size...seems sturdy but I am a worrier.

Got to deflate it again as children delighted with it....nervous cough!!!

Without experiencing it I would say I am pleased so far and A1 for efficiency!

4b1p - hope you get to use it soon then! Will keep an eye on the Feb thread and announcements!
Mine to arrive March 1st and canlt wait to fill it up and get in - hot tub parties are all the rage apparently!!