Do I need to ask for a birthing pool in advance?

[kateonamission]

Hi there

I asked my midwife this today and she said no, but i just wanted to double check as some of the things she has told me in the past have been inaccurate!

I am just wondering if I need to call my hospital in advance and let them know I would really like a birthing pool when I give birth in a few weeks, I know you can't reserve or book them as such but just wondered if letting them know out of courtesy is a good idea/help your chances of having one? Or will they think I'm a loon haha.

I don't think they'll think you're a loon but your mw will be correct that you can't reserve one. You just have to put it on your birth plan then ask when you go in, and see if it's available (and also whether things are progressing in a way that makes you low-risk).

As far as I know you can't reserve one, I've been told to tell them I would like one when I ring them up once I'm in labour, and if there's one free then they may be able to reserve it until I get there. Not sure how it works at other hospitals though!

No, just a have a nice clear birth plan. They'll let you in if the right conditions are met (labour progressing well, there's one free etc.)

You might even find that on the big day you don't even want to get in it! I've had a few friends AND myself who were totally keen on the pool and then once in labour the thought of any part of me being submerged just felt like the worst thing ever in the history of everything! So unpredictable!