Home waterbirth question...

[Ilovemyboy]

So I've picked up my birthing pool and I'm giving it a trial-run tonight.

I haven't got any waterproofing for the carpet yet though.

What do you suggest I get?

I have a Homebase and a Wickes nearby.

My midwives suggested cheapo shower curtains, she said you can them from about a pound each in the cheap shops in town.

If not then any type of polythean(sp?) sheet will do the job.

My pool arrived yesterday, it is so exciting to see it say there all ready to go!

...see it sat there even....

polythene decorators dust sheet was big enough but you will need a bathmat down as well for when you get out. good luck!

did it in hospital

the main problem was when I got out, I was absolutely GUSHING blood everywhere

personally I would roll back the carpet if possible!

I will try to get some waterproof sheeting. The staff will have a laugh if they ask what do I need it for.

Have you had a swim yet NatalieJane? Which pool have you got?

Mine is an oval one which looks really high up at the side. Think I might have to practise getting in and out of it.

Morningpaper - gushing blood

So I should get quite a large bit of sheeting which covers most of the carpet?

And a bathmat so I don't slip.

No I haven't had a swim yet!! I bought the birth pool in a box, but haven't actually filled it yet, have just blown it up. It is at the moment full of everything we will need, on the day and is also handy for keeping my birth balls in to stop DS using them as space hoppers!

I have a little plastic step stool thing that came with the accessory set for the pool, could you get something like that to give you a hand in and out?

and towels, loads of towels, you cannot have enough old linen handy. 2nd hand duvet covers from charity shops work well to protect the carpet. don't forget to cover the sofa and the route to the toilet.

If it helps any, we have got enough shower curtains to cover the whole floor of the room, then I have collected various old towels and sheets to put on top of the shower curtains so it is a bit less 'clinical' and I have brought a cheapy quilt for us to sit on after getting out, all of it can just be picked up and put in bags for the bin easily enough after the birth.

Well, that is the plan anyway!!

I'm sure there will be some type of step with it. I'll find out later anyway.

Thanks for your help guys.

We have a load of old towels we have held onto. We live in a flat and the bathroom isnt that far away from my living room so we have the route covered.

Plus we are moving in December anyway so if there is any damage to the carpet/walls etc, our buyer is going to have a lovely surprise when he moves in.

NatalieJane - you are much more organised than I am.

TBH I am normally the least organised person going, but I have been threatening labour for the last 4 weeks so I have been doing anything to take my mind off of it, including getting everything set up for the home birth that we didn't think we would get due to going too early! Now that is all sorted, Christmas is next on the list!