A right to use a pool?

[Levanna]

I'd really like to use a birthing pool for labour rather than for birth during my homebirth. None of the local community midwives have experience of water birth though, and though I don't intend to birth in water, using a pool for labour seems to be causing some concern (not that I've pushed too far yet, just tested the water).
I had intended to use a pool diring my DD's birth, but that would have been in a different hospital where pools could be provided and staff were involved regularly in waterbirths. Unfortunately, the pool rooms were under renovation at the time , so I really would like the opportunity to use water for pain releif this time 'round.
Like I mentioned, I am happy to give birth out of water, in fact I've never intended to give birth submerged. Does anyone have any tips or pointers on securing my right to the birth I want (if fate allows of course!) before I approah the midwives to talk it over.
TIA!

I dont think you can be guaranteed use of a pool as it depends on availability, unless you hire one yourself. I think there are some conditions which make it difficult to use a pool - pre-eclampsia, a breech baby (you will need regular monitoring), or if your waters broke more than 24 hours before (I presume because of infection).

I was refused one when having ds, no explanation given. I would really like to try one this time.

At the labour hospital near us (Sheffield) the birthing pool cannpt be guaranteed. There is only one (or was 2 years ago) so if it was being used already when you went in, there was no availability.

levanna - check out the aims website. They have a great publication "am I allowed?" (beverly beech) which has lots of info on your rights and how to get the birth you want. You are perfectly entitled to use a pool at home. I think you are really wise not to plan the birth in the water, although you never know what might happen!

thanks for pointing me in the direction of 'aims' midden. I've yet to get down to the 'serious' stuff, but had a good giggle at this (a tongue in cheek 'letter' re water birth) a bit of light reading?
Thanks also for the other replies .

ROFL!!!!!!

Seriously I had the same issues when I had my homebirth in February. Basically I just hired the pool, told my midwives I had hired it and then just smiled sweetly whe they started talking about not being confident etc.

I did actually give birth in the water, the m/w who delivered ds had never done a waterbirth before. However the other m/w on call wanted me to get out if she had been there.

If you wanted to use your bath for pain relief no-one would bat an eyelid. Having done that with dd I can safely say a birthing pool is uch better as there is space to get in whatever position you feelcomfortable in.

Just go for it!

This is interesting Levanna as I have agreed to update community midwives for an impending waterbirth at home. You have the right to give birth any way you choose. Let the midwives know now so that they have plenty of opportunity to learn more about it all. If there is a pool at the local hospital then they can be updated by experienced hospital midwives. There will be a concern that you might decide at the end not to get out of the water (often happens). Waterbirth is not rocket science IMO, but midwives without experience do get concerned. They have a duty to update themselves though. I bought a really good video that shows a waterbirth close up. The midwives who see it during my seminar are always amazed at how easy it is.
Here is a link video which has a few videos. The one I use is the first one.

Thank you so much Mears. That could be a really constructive way of approaching this. I mean I am on quite good terms with a couple of the local midwives so I'm hoping to work with them towards this if at all possible. The video looks like a good place to start . It is frustrating as although I don't wnat to lock horns with these ladies in particular, I know they are under certain pressures from elsewhere. I'll get in touch with them during the week to talk it all through - fingers crossed for a good outcome for all!

Mears - have you seen Ponette's (Ostende) video ???? Very interesting !