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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Birthing Pools

12 replies

snuffle · 27/12/2009 21:53

I have opted to have a home birth with my second baby and as I was lucky enough to have the use of a birthing pool in hospital with my first I'm am very keen to do the same with my second as I felt for me, it was a big help when in labour.
I am after some advice from other mums who have used a birthing pool at home and wondered what people found to work for them. I don't wish to spend a fortune, nor do I want to hire a pool, so I have found 2 companies so far that are reasonably priced.... birthing pool in a box and la bassine.... has anyone used these? If so what are your views on them? Also what 'extra's' did you find useful like a pump, liners etc that I should consider when making my purchase.
My baby is due in 3 weeks time so I am keen to get this sorted asap so any thoughts you may have on helping my decision would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks.

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PootleTheFlump · 27/12/2009 22:13

I got a value bpib kit from boots.com here. It was very quick to be sent to our local shop for collection. We didn't use the liner in the end, and we inflated it with an electric pump we already had for an inflatable mattress. It was emptied out of the patio doors with a bucket. I didn't feel we were missing anything particularly. It was really comfy and the midwives commented on how much they liked it too. Good luck!

thisisyesterday · 27/12/2009 22:23

i had a la bassine and it was LOVELY! it was soooooo deep and all squidgy, the base is inflatable too, so when i was kneeling up it was very comfy.
very sturdy once inflated, so i could easily lean on the sides

i would definitely recommend it.

didn't bother with a liner, unnecessary IMO. but the pumps are very useful. we had the airpump for inflating it, and a water pump for emptying it out which made it all very quick and easy

minnylove · 28/12/2009 21:57

Hi!
i used a BPIB in a regular size for my birth, it was great as i am tall and wanted space for my hubby to get in too if i wanted, which he did. I had a pump for mine which made it really easy to fill and empty after, if money isn't a prob then i reccomend the heat retaining cover, my husband starting filling the pool a few hours before i needed it and it stayed warm for when i jumped in! it also has handles on the side which i held i think! I personally prefered having the extra space to float and wallow, but I am 5'9!

The bassine looks really lovely too and i think is more perfect for one person, it is quite cosy ad private. I prob would of gone for that if i didn't need the extra space.

with regards to liners, if you are going to use it again, or lend it out liners are good as you just throw them away and don't have to scrub out the pool!

Good luck with everything!

AlmostMumof3 · 29/12/2009 13:50

I used a gentlewater for 1st birth and BPIB for second. BPIB was about a 5th of the cost of the first and absolutely fab.

We had a liner, a pump and a heat retaining cover all of which we will be getting again in 7 weeks when number 3 is due!

Original poster

snuffle · 29/12/2009 19:45

Thanks everyone thats a lot of help. I know these companies always try and make you feel that you should buy the 'extras' but I'm not in a position to spend a fortune and therefore would prefer to know from you mums that have used one before what you really do and don't need!
I'm just hoping now that I can get one ordered and delivered in time before NY as I'm not convinced that this baby is staying the course!
Almostmumof3 - Good luck! My 2nd's due 15th Jan but braxton hicks getting stronger each time I have them, I reckon its coming early!
Thanks everyone!

OP posts:

doesntplaywellwithothers · 29/12/2009 21:28

I had a Made in Water pool...LOVED it!! No liners, or anything 'faffy'...just a big blow up pool. Sides were really good, the handles were well placed, and it was huge! It also kept the inflation really well...I was worried that it would deflate while I was hanging over the side...

We used a fish tank heater to keep it warm...was really cheap and worked really well! Think I spent around 60 quid for the pool, and the heater was around 10, so pretty cheap all around.

thisisyesterday · 29/12/2009 21:34

my dp could have fitted in the la bassine with me.

i just didn't want him to!!

Original poster

snuffle · 29/12/2009 21:56

Hmm, fish tank heater, hadn't thought of that to keep the water temp up!
Cheapest I can find a La Bassine is £104 delivered which apart from the pool includes an electric inflate/deflate pump, water pump, hose & tap connector.... has anyone found it cheaper?

OP posts:

thisisyesterday · 29/12/2009 21:58

check ebay, always lots of people on there selling them second hand, and many of them not used either

i sold mine for £67 a while back

Original poster

snuffle · 29/12/2009 22:08

Checked Ebay, only seem to be BPIB.... and are almost as expensive as buying new.

OP posts:

doesntplaywellwithothers · 30/12/2009 13:04

The fish tank heater did have to come out once I was in it, but the pool held the water temp really well (and I was only in it for the birth itself...you aren't supposed to go in water before 5cm dialated), so it was cheap and worked!!

Also, we had hoses and all that, so didn't buy any of that stuff...just got the pool and the pump to blow it up.

loubielou31 · 30/12/2009 22:37

Make sure the temperature in the room is warm enough to help the pool stay at a comfortable temperature. I found that I got quite cold and the pool I'd borrowed had a built in thermostat. I did have a very long labour which is probably why I got cold but that is what I would be most concerned about after filling and emptying the thing.

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