Home water birth advice needed

[lucie1979]

Hi there, I wonder whether the knowledgable ED mums can help me.... I am planning to try a home birth for my second baby in the next couple of weeks and am keen to get hold of a birthing pool. I am not sure whether to go for an inflatable 'pool in a box' which seems to be the most popular choice these days? Or whether there's anything else people would recommend. Also is it best to hire one (appreciate a new liner will need to be purchased) or buy one? Has anyone had any bad experiences of hiring?

I don't really know anyone who has had a (planned!) home/water birth to speak to so any advice welcome. If there's anyone who woe be prepared to meet up for a coffee to share their experience/wisdom, I'd be very keen to hear from you.

Thanks so much

Lucie

[jollymummy]

Hi Lucie,

I had a planned water birth with my second child two years ago. I bought a birth pool in a box, the regular size with inbuilt seat. It worked really well and I had a great experience. Very happy to chat over a coffee x

[etta166]

I'm also happy to meet up with you if you'd like. I have planned 3 home water births, and finally did manage the water part for #3. So I have plenty of experience of getting it "wrong" as well as right :)

[blackkat]

I had my second six months ago in the pool in a box which was really great. I think ut must have been the mini one (no seat) but plenty big enough. Couldn't have asked for a better experience! Also more than happy to do that coffee. K

[lucie1979]

Thanks for the replies, really helpful. I have pm'd you!

[Rosalie78]

Hi

I have had a home water birth for my first child in June 2012 for which I bought a "pool in a box" (the large one, as I am very tall) and I ended up having a great experience. Planning to have my second one (due in August) the same way.

PM me if you want to have a chat!

R x

[Hollybush]

Another vote for birth pool in box. I've had two straightforward home water births (after a first attempt where I loved the pool but had to transfer for actual birth. Would really recommend and it gives your partner something practical to be doing.

BOught and sold all on ebay, using new liners.

I'm not sure about hiring - I think the cost of hiring with Brierley midwvies at least is quite high compared to getting hold of a second hand one. And they don't guarantee it will be available.

[melbourne groover]

I borrowed the small pool in a box and bought a new liner. I am tall (5'10) and it was fine for me. I have had two water births and found I didn't need lots of room. Highly recommend it!

Best advice we had was to get the pump to empty it....