Gentlewater Birthing Pools - anyone used one?

[KerryJ]

Hi All,

I'm being a bit premature here, as no. 2 isn't due until March, but I'm booked in for a home birth and am keen to hire a pool. Was interested to hear other's experiences, particularly re. the above pools as my midwife has recommended them - but they seem VERY pricey so I want to know they're worth the money!

Thanks!

Kerry

No idea what type mine was but it was self heating which was enormously useful - it meant we could leave it filled and didn't have to think about it once I went into labour. I had it for 3 weeks or something me and ds would get in it sometimes when he got back from school. The water needed changing once a week. It was great!

Hi Kerry

Is this your first baby, if not you are unlikely to have a long labour and stay in water long... have you seen this ? I would definitely buy that one if it wasn't my 1st labour.

So that you know I have been approached by the Gentlewater Birthing company they try to have as many birth "specialists" to redcommend them . I am a birth doula. I have never seen it in use so I can't recommend it from experience.

Just re-read your post (sorry I had a G&T as I just had a birth yesterday for which i am no longer on call for so can drink again!!!)! it isn't your 1st baby....

Thanks so much!

Pupuce, thanks for the link to Birthpool in a Box - I had seen it and it looks lovely, but I am put off by the fact it looks quite shallow.

WWW, yes the GW one is heated, which is what really appeals to me - it sounds as if you may have had that one as I've yet to find another heated one on the internet.

Thanks again for your advice

Kerry x

Hi KerryJ - I'm also expecting my 2nd child in March, and am looking into pools for a homebirth. Not thinking about it in too much detail yet to be honest, but I did notice this other waterbirth thread which has got a great list of pool options (scroll down the thread to see the list).

As far as I understand it these inflatable pools are as deep as the other ones. I know someone who used a "regular" one and then that one and she said that inflatable one was fab.

I did see it and got loads of leaflets!
I did wonder if you could lean on it.... they said best to lean on a chair that would be next to wall of pool but I do know someone who used it and said it was fab.
At least you keep it and can re-use it!

We used Gentle Water pool for our home birth ad it was FAB! There was a built in filter so you can keep the water in there and it heats up really easily and maintains the temperature beautifully.

I was fortunate enough to actually be in the pool to give birth and it was amazing, although the midwife and husband were definitely not allowed in (apparently I growled at them when it was suggested). My husband said that as the baby came out between my legs the baby opened its eyes and looked at him. He was so thrilled by this it made me a bit jealous!

The company were also really helpful for getting the stuff back to them.