Will I want the tub? Home birth question.

betseysunshine · December 2012

We're due Sunday! We had DD1 in a hospital with no intervention, and are planning a midwife assisted home birth. The doula that helped with DD1 will also be with us.

I didn't want to deliver in the tub initially, so I didn't book one to rent or buy. I wanted to labor around the house then be in an upright/gravity assisted position for delivery. I'm starting to obsessively read birth stories now, and it sounds more and more like the tub is a good thing to have.

I guess I'm hesitant because a)I didn't have a tub last time and was fine b) it's $300 more out of pocket c)I honestly have mixed feelings about being in the tub surrounded by birthing fluids - I worry that this would preoccupy me and I'd be thinking about a shower instead of immediate bonding.

Did anyone deliver at home, sans tub?

kkchisholm · December 2012

I delivered at the hospital, but they had a very big jacuzzi... I went in thinking I would definitly want it. Its the LAST thing I wanted!

meltoine · December 2012

I have no interest in a water birth for the same reason you mention. I'm not getting the tub. I figure if I'm really craving the water, I have a shower and a tub of my own.

aylafsu88 · December 2012

I did not deliver in the tub but did labor in the tub. It was kinda gross to see things floating by but at the time I did not care. The tub helped me deal with my contractions and it helped me relax. I transition out of the tub to the bed for delivery.

barnwife · December 2012

I have had two HB. With J. the tub was the last thing I wanted. With A., I couldn't get in soon enough. And while I had only planned to labor there, I absolutely wasn't getting out. So she ended up being a waterbirth.

FWIW, we bought the fish kiddie pool. I think it was about $30. Definitely worth the investment, even though I was only in it for about half and hour!

amandaleigh1 · December 2012

I delivered in a hospital not in a tub. The tub was the best thing for me while I was in labor. I was in there for 5 hours straight! I honestly did not notice the stuff floating around in there as I was hypnobirthing and not too terribly focused on my surroundings. Plus we had very dim lighting.

StefandTodd · December 2012

The tub is really important to me this time around, though I'm being realistic that I might not want it when the time comes.

That said, my MW provides it automatically...so it'll be set up and there for my use whether I want it or not, so long as I call her quick enough

Tough call. It would be/is important to me though, despite having had a hospital birth (no tub) las time.

betseysunshine · December 2012

Tell me more about his 30 tub you bought at this point, I'm thinking that it would be nice to have something as an option that isn't our little bathtub old house :, but I don't think I'm up for a 300 alternative.

Thank you very much for your replies and insights I'm really excited to have this baby!

babydontforget · December 2012

Can you rent one from your homebirth midwife? The HB MW we interviewed had one that she rented out, and birthing families needed only to buy a liner.

I actually ended up deciding against HB, but I switched hospitals such that I can have the option of a waterbirth if I want one. Who knows what I'll actually want, but I would like to have the option.

xnbride · December 2012

I delivered a the hospital, but used their little tubs (standard size) during labor. It was amazing but mostly because it had high powered jets and they felt so good as counterpressure on my back. I am not sure it would be worth it otherwise. The idea of a water birth is a bit off-putting to me as well, but I think if I was doing a homebirth I would definitely be open to the idea because you just never know what you will instinctively need during labor and maybe being in the water will be the only thing you want.

Maybe just plan on having your home bath tub for part of your labor. I personally could fit in and out of it just fine even in the midst of labor.

barnwife · December 2012

betseysunshine:
Tell me more about his 30 tub you bought at this point, I'm thinking that it would be nice to have something as an option that isn't our little bathtub old house :, but I don't think I'm up for a 300 alternative. Thank you very much for your replies and insights I'm really excited to have this baby!

The one I mentioned was the one someone linked to on amazon.

As for keeping it warm, I would have had DH boiling water on the stove if necessary! It wasn't a problem though, as it stayed plenty warm for the half an hour I was in it.

bandwife · December 2012

Delivered my first at home sans tub for many of the reasons you listed.

Plus, my DH would've been in charge of getting it set-up and taken down and he's just terrible with that stuff. I feel like it would have distracted me to be helping him with it.

Have similar feelings when I read all these wonderful home birth stories with a tub. But as you said, I did it last time without one so I should be fine this go around.

MrsSandro · December 2012

My Midwife showed me a inflatable tub that she recommends for home birth. I think it's like $30-40 dollars.

https://www.amazon.com/60-x-22-Aquarium-Pool/dp/B000O1F20I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354554293&sr=8-1&keywords=inflatable+pool+birth

She said she would supply the bubbies, etc.

Want a personalized experience?

Will I want the tub? Home birth question.

Re: Will I want the tub? Home birth question.

Choose Another Board

Search Boards