At one point I was considering a home birth and labouring and possibly birthing in a pool. My SIL offered to lend us her birth pool. Due to some issues, we are now choosing to birth at the hospital. I plan on labouring at home as long as possible, but am wavering about using the tub (do I really want to set it up if we might not be there that long, etc?). SIL gave it to us anyway. I think I'll leave the decision about whether I want to use it or not for when I'm in early labour. But, I'd like to plan ahead where I'm going to put it if I decide I want to use it. There are two options:
Master bedroom: second floor, but I will have my bed, master bathroom, pillows, towels, linens, toiletries, etc. nearby. When I was considering HB this is where I imagined labouring, moving freely from the pool to the bed to the toilet or shower... DH is worried about the carpet.
Living room: main floor, hardwood floors, fireplace, television/music, big comfy couch, bathroom and kitchen nearby. I would have to bring down pillows, blankets, towels, etc. I feel like it is less private - I'd have to close all the blinds and tape something up over the front door window (and place a big do not disturb sign on it).. although it sounds cozy with the fireplace and all, I don't know that I'd feel as secure and private (our front door opens right into the living room).
Any thoughts?
bfp#4 3/19/2014 edd 12/1/2014 please let this be the one!
beta @ 5w0d = 12,026! u/s 4/22/14 @ 8w1d it's twins!
Re: s/o birth pools, I can't decide where I want mine
I've always heard that you shouldn't really use the tub during early labor, because it can stall things (unless that's what you want to do). From what I understand you should only use it once you are a little more dilated.
If I were you I would put it wherever it would be easiest to empty the pool, since you won't have midwives there to help you. Do you have a pump to help empty? If not and you plan to use something like buckets, you'll probably want it somewhere not on carpet and close to a sink, tub or outside.
Thanks, good point about emptying it. I don't know if there is a pump. I plan on taking it out and setting it up soon just to see how big it is and stuff anyway. I don't plan on using it in early labour because it can slow things down and I want to save my best arsenal for when I really need it, I was just saying I was going to wait to decide whether I was going to use it at all until the time comes.
bfp#4 3/19/2014 edd 12/1/2014 please let this be the one!
beta @ 5w0d = 12,026! u/s 4/22/14 @ 8w1d it's twins!
Hardwood would be damaged by the water also and could cost more to replace if damaged. But with the amount of water I would think it would leak downstairs it something did go wrong. That being said, I doubt that you would have a problem with water leaking either way. I had a pool and a homebirth. But looking back honestly if I was birthing at the hospital, I don't think I would put up with the hassle of the birth pool.
Now that I have given you advice that you didn't really ask for, I would probably put it in the bedroom.
Haha thanks for the unsolicited advice I am also thinking this.
bfp#4 3/19/2014 edd 12/1/2014 please let this be the one!
beta @ 5w0d = 12,026! u/s 4/22/14 @ 8w1d it's twins!