So, I was planning on renting a birth tub, but after Jason broke his wrist and hasn't been working for like 2 weeks, realized I might need an alternative to this pricey rental. Not to mention, it's a 3 week rental and I can't say for sure which three weeks I should have it for. So, I want to get a birth tub. I'd rather not have something with fishies and toys and stuff on it because I don't want the kids to feel like it's their toy.
I've looked at a few different ones, but now my concern is maintaining warmth. I've seen pools that aren't heated and they're much more affordable for me, while still being supportive enough. I'm still hoping on a relatively quick birth (less than 5 hours) since it was only 2 hours with DS2 :blush:.
What do you all think of birth tubs? Which ones have you used? What did you and didn't you like about them? Did adjusting the temperature bother you at all? Was it more worth it to just rent the tub?
ceilismom
06-28-2008, 04:20 PM
Not sure how helpful this will be, but: I used an Aquadoula that was provided by my midwife. It had a waterbed type heater in it, and it started out at 102 degrees, but was down to 99 by the time the baby was born, 6 hours after I first got into it. I liked it fine, it was big enough for DH to get in with me and help catch the baby, but I really wish it had some kind of handle on the inside wall. When I was pushing, I was on all fours, and really just wanted to hold onto the side rather than supporting my weight on my arms.
JeDeeLenae
06-28-2008, 04:27 PM
Not sure how helpful this will be, but: I used an Aquadoula that was provided by my midwife. It had a waterbed type heater in it, and it started out at 102 degrees, but was down to 99 by the time the baby was born, 6 hours after I first got into it. I liked it fine, it was big enough for DH to get in with me and help catch the baby, but I really wish it had some kind of handle on the inside wall. When I was pushing, I was on all fours, and really just wanted to hold onto the side rather than supporting my weight on my arms.
That's what's available to rent around here, but it's still going to cost about $250 to rent. The only upside of it is a heater.
jennsmile
06-29-2008, 07:35 PM
I haven't used them but I have heard good things about Rubbermaid Water troughs. You can get them at tractor supply for a little less than $100. you want the 75 gallon one I think. The sides are hard and you can hold onto them. I also hear they maintain water temperature.
Jenn
kimofrog
06-30-2008, 08:52 PM
I just made the decision and bought a La Bassine birth tub online. It was about $100 plus I opted to buy a liner for easy clean-up (and so I can use it again if needed). It does have the handles inside, which is a main reason I chose it. My midwife recommended it as well. No heater, though, so I hope the water temp is bearable for whatever length of time I need to be in it. (My labor with DS was fast, and I was only in the tub for the last 45 minutes.)
Good luck deciding!
JeDeeLenae
06-30-2008, 08:53 PM
I'm now considering the Electra too.
Edensmomma
06-30-2008, 08:54 PM
I used the fish print blow up kiddie pool for $20 at toys r us. It worked great!!!!! I would use it again, but I threw it away since I didnt want to clean it :)
JeDeeLenae
06-30-2008, 08:57 PM
I used the fish print blow up kiddie pool for $20 at toys r us. It worked great!!!!! I would use it again, but I threw it away since I didnt want to clean it :)
I'm worried because a few people said it didn't hold up well when both them and the midwife were on one side and there was spillage. I don't want to worry about spillage while in labor.
foodie.yarnie.mommie.
06-30-2008, 09:05 PM
I just made the decision and bought a La Bassine birth tub online. It was about $100 plus I opted to buy a liner for easy clean-up (and so I can use it again if needed). It does have the handles inside, which is a main reason I chose it. My midwife recommended it as well. No heater, though, so I hope the water temp is bearable for whatever length of time I need to be in it. (My labor with DS was fast, and I was only in the tub for the last 45 minutes.)
Good luck deciding!
I'm planning on getting this one too, my birth with DD was fast, so I don't think losing temperature will be an issue for me. How quickly did it yours ship mama? I'm not sure when to order mine.
amandaev
06-30-2008, 09:31 PM
I just made the decision and bought a La Bassine birth tub online. It was about $100 plus I opted to buy a liner for easy clean-up (and so I can use it again if needed). It does have the handles inside, which is a main reason I chose it. My midwife recommended it as well. No heater, though, so I hope the water temp is bearable for whatever length of time I need to be in it. (My labor with DS was fast, and I was only in the tub for the last 45 minutes.)
Good luck deciding!
My MW lets you rent tubs from her, and this was one of the coices. I think I'm gonna go with this one, even though it doesn't have a heater. It is insulated, doesn't take up as much room, less water to fill up, and smaller for when you need to bare down and push. I was thinking about buying some of those pocket warmers that you "break" and put in your pocket when you are camping. Like, maybe buying some of those to put in the water. To keep it warm, since I am due in Jan. I dont know, I've never used those pocket warmers so, it might be a no go of an idea. But we can always boil pots of water and mix it in if it gets cold. Maybe I just wont care if it is cold??
Bella Catalina
06-30-2008, 09:38 PM
I think I'm going to go with the La Bassine, too. Our midwives don't do rentals, and because DS was born at 36 weeks, I'd need to have it set up by then and do a "double rental" if he didn't come before 39w and that is just ridiculously expensive.
My other option (currently) is to purchase a BPIAB Eco and keep it for future births, too...
As far as heating, you can siphon some water off and refill with water from the stove if necessary. Labor with DS was under 3 hours, so I am not too worried even if it's a little longer this time.
Edensmomma
07-01-2008, 08:04 AM
I'm worried because a few people said it didn't hold up well when both them and the midwife were on one side and there was spillage. I don't want to worry about spillage while in labor.
:( I didnt notice any spilling but it could have and I just didnt see.
ChurchPunkMom
07-01-2008, 09:25 AM
I used a fishy pool last time and had no problems with either water temperature or spillage.:thumbsup:
As far as spillage (and we have two cats in our house ;)), just make sure you have it fully inflated and not over filled. With a quick birth, you're not really that likely to have water temp issues, but if you do, you can always add buckets of warm water (and remove buckets of the cooled water) as needed. :)
Here's me, laboring in the fishy pool, hanging (all my weight) over the side..
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v616/CrazyFritz/Birth%202/IMG_4145.jpg
hippydippymama
07-01-2008, 09:58 AM
In your sitch I would still go with the fishy pool and just keep it covered when not in use so the kids don't think it's time to go swimming. That's what I was going to do, but my MW is going to let me use her Gentle Birth Pool for free, bless her. It's similar to the Aquadoula which I've heard mixed reviews on, but hey, you can't beat free. All I have to supply is the liner and a hose to drain it with.
Kimbellishments
07-01-2008, 12:45 PM
I wish I could have a water birth. I can labor in the tub but the hospital won't allow water births. I have one question though, How do you empty the pool when it is inside your house?
JeDeeLenae
07-01-2008, 12:49 PM
there's a birth pool kit that has pumps and hoses so you can do that.
gabesmamamadeit
07-07-2008, 10:40 AM
I love this thread over at MDC. There are reccomendations for pools and instructions for filling and draining the pool and it lists all the things you need to go with it.
I have always used the Intex fishy pool kiddie pool w/ all of my waterbirths, except my fourth. I birthed in our garden tub. Big mistake. The bottom was hard, unlike the blow up bottom of the kiddie pool. W/ longer labors we put a plastic shower curtain liner over the top of the water or if needed emptied some cooler water and added just hot. We did have spillage w/ my third when my mom leaned on it. It was the furthest thing from my mind and dried well after. I think we did not have the pool filled tight enough w/ air.
