Homebirth- birth pool or bath?

[Allotmentgarden]

Hi, I’m on track to be having a homebirth in a couple of months (second birth but first was a very medicalized induction) and starting to put plans in place. I am hoping to labour in the water to help with pain relief but am not sure if I want to actually give birth in water or on dry land.

My question is this- I am worried about all the hassle of setting up and filling a birth pool. We have a Japanese onsen type bath, which means it is shorter but a lot deeper (I can’t stretch my legs out fully but I can inmerse myself sitting up to my chest.

Those who have had home water births is the birth pool really nessesary/amazing or do you think I can make do with my bath?

Thanks for reading

Can you ask your midwife when they come to do the home visit / risk assessment for home birth? They'll be able to see your bath and might be better placed to advise.

I think some people find a big benefit of the birthing pool is being able to move around and change position - is your bath big enough for that?

Do you have a birth partner who can be responsible for filling (and emptying) the birthing pool?

Hi thank you for responding- I will ask when they come to do the check- though not sure when that is.

Yes have my OH just afraid I would be worrying about it when I just want to get in the zone.

Hopefully the midwife can advise.

I don't think they will let you give birth in a bath, they have to keep an eye on the temperature quite closely, and the midwife needs to be able to get all the way around to monitor, best bet is to ask!

I've had 2 home births and used a birth pool. I love that I can stretch out in them but my midwife said that women very commonly give birth in the bath.