Using a birthing pool...

[ohthegoats]

.. if you'd quite like to, do you just write it on your notes/birth plan and hope that one is available when you arrive at hospital? Or is it something you need to talk to someone about in advance.

Possibly a dumb question. Thing is, I've got to go to the delivery suite because I'm consultant led, and out of 13 rooms, only one has a pool, so getting it is quite unlikely, but it would be nice to have the option.

Melissa I was very very keen for a waterbirth - for reasons mentioned above and also lack of (physical) interference by midwives etc.

I had the green light at one point after my waters broke - but then I had the drip and monitoring so wasn't allowed. That was on a CLU where there was one pool - but that was mainly because the MLU had been closed for quite a while so that was literally the only option (other than homebirth).

Good luck OP, hope you get it. If you're unlucky enough for the pool to be in use, you could also try a bath during labour - but would have to be on dry land for pushing etc.

I didn't have it on my birth plan but was offered when I got to the ward as it happened to be free. Really excellent pain relief but unfortunately slowed my labour down. Just ask when you get there, I'd have loved to have DD in the pool it was so relaxing!