Anyone ever taken a birthing pool to a CLU?

[BraveLilBear]

Weird question of the day... I'm keen on using water as pain relief when my time comes (D- 8 weeks currently) but where I live, the only options for giving birth are the local, very busy CLU, or a homebirth.

There used to be a freestanding MLU, but this was closed for staffing issues a couple of years ago and a replacement on the site of the main CLU has yet to materialise

And DP has vetoed homebirth for various (not entirely selfish) reasons.

There is one birth pool at the CLU, out of 20 delivery suites. (Pre baby-boom and closure of FMU there was an average of 17 births a day there so pretty darn busy).

So, my chances aren't great! Never thought about this before, but read in a pg book that it might be possible to hire a pool and take it with you to a CLU...

Obviously this will depend on my Trust etc, and I plan to ask this at antenatal classes, but was just wondering if anyone had ever done this or knew of any general attitudes towards this?

My trust says no as it's an infection risk. I appreciate your concerns; the same thing was one of the main drivers behind both my homebirths.

However, are you sure about the one pool? I knew my local CLU only had one room with a pool but a midwife did tell me that they also had two inflatable pools and several big baths that you could deliver in. It didn't completely allay my worry, as I know water Briggs are getting ever more popular, but the odds were better than it seemed at first.

births, not Briggs!

Lol Stiffy I was hoping that was what you meant!

Thanks for the input... will definitely make more enquiries. I don't know if they would have more facilities tucked away, but it would make sense if they did considering the new MLU was supposed to be open by January 2013.

I keep meaning to bring it up with the midwives but find myself getting sidetracked by more pressing things like chronic heartburn and placental site positions when I see them! Hopefully the antenatal classes will have more info, too.

My local NHS Trust will not allow this. At home you are responsible for the pool/ filling and draining it/ getting in and out safely, in an MLU or CLU the Trust is so, understandably, they need to have facilities which are safe beyond question. Realistically, to protect themselves, this means something plumbed in with proper drainage and a means of getting you out in an emergency without compromising staff's own health. This is often a net system which is integral to the pool.

However, I know my local CLU's baths are massive! Have you had a chance to look at their facilities yet?

Hi Boots - not had a chance to go round yet, and I don't even know if they offer the opportunity any more - I've heard rumour of a DVD so guess that might be the best they have.

I'd love to get a chance to look around though - I like to be able to mentally prepare for things (as much as is even possible in this scenario) and a DVD doesn't come with the smells and sounds of a busy delivery unit.

I start antenatal classes this week, so should find out more then...