Labor tub=a must?

KdgTeacher · January 2013

My hospital allows you to rent/reserve a tub for $200. Is this something I must have? I'll also have the option to be in the shower at will.

You are charged only if you use the tub and they mention that insurance may not cover it.

Is it worth the possible $200 price tag???

jinnymb · January 2013

I went med-free with DS2 without one in the hospital and will again since it is not an option.

If you can afford it I would reserve one, I heard it helps a lot!

side note: It's funny to me that insurance probably wouldn't cover this. (I'm sure it doesn't) It would be a lot cheaper for them then you getting an epi, lol.

barnwife · January 2013

I would reserve it if you can afford it.

I have had 2 med-free homebirths. Both times I had a tub ready if I wanted. With J., I wanted nothing to do with the tub or shower. Actually, the thought of a shower with the water pelting me sounded like torture and I couldn't understand why everyone kept suggesting it! With A., I couldn't get in the tub fast enough. A shower wouldn't have cut it. I wouldn't have been able to get as comfortable.

You just don't know what will help ahead of time. So it would be nice to have the option.

MisN · January 2013

I really appreciated being in the tub for transition labour - so yes, I would pay the $200 price tag. Personally, I wasn't interested in being in the shower at that point as I really felt the need to be semi-laying down so the tub was perfect (well nothing is perfect during transition...but you get the idea). Since you are only charged if you use it, no harm in reserving, right?

nosoup4u · January 2013

I would reserve it. It really helped me out the first time, no question.

wifeofadam · January 2013

Yes. It is worth it. I pay $300 to rent my MWs birth tub for my HB.

irishsweetheart83 · January 2013

the tub is not a must, however i have used the tub in 2 out of 4 of my births and ill tell you it was worth every penny!!!

aylafsu88 · January 2013

For me it would be a must. I labored in the tub at home and at the hospital. It was the only way I could deal with the back labor.IMO it would be money well spent. I think you should reserve it just so you have the option for the tub when in labor. If you end up not needing the tub then at least you will not be charged.

iris427 · January 2013

It was a must for me. The shower is good too but the tub is better in my experience. It made things so much more bearable for me.

What hospital are you delivering at? When I had my first, only one practice at one hospital in STL allowed water birth, so I'm curious if things have changed since then.

KdgTeacher · January 2013

iris427:

It was a must for me. The shower is good too but the tub is better in my experience. It made things so much more bearable for me.

What hospital are you delivering at? When I had my first, only one practice at one hospital in STL allowed water birth, so I'm curious if things have changed since then.

I'm at MoBap. I wouldn't have the baby in the tub though (per website). I know St John's (now Mercy) has tubs in each room I THINK. OH, and the free standing birth center in St Charles is a go now!

https://www.mybirthandwellness.com/

WashingtonQueen · January 2013

The tub felt fantastic! For me it is a must.

iris427 · January 2013

KdgTeacher:
iris427:

It was a must for me. The shower is good too but the tub is better in my experience. It made things so much more bearable for me.

What hospital are you delivering at? When I had my first, only one practice at one hospital in STL allowed water birth, so I'm curious if things have changed since then.

I'm at MoBap. I wouldn't have the baby in the tub though (per website). I know St John's (now Mercy) has tubs in each room I THINK. OH, and the free standing birth center in St Charles is a go now!

https://www.mybirthandwellness.com/

Oh OK. When I delivered in 2008, you could labor in a tub at those hospitals but you could only deliver in a tub at Barnes, and only with one practice (that had only 2 OBs). Maybe that is still true?

MoBap is really nice. I was with a friend when she gave birth there and it seemed like a good place to deliver.

I'm SO happy that the birth center is opening.

iris427 · January 2013

Oh and when I paid to reserve the tub at Barnes-Jewish, it was non-refundable. Then they told me I couldn't use it because I was on Pitocin. $200 down the drain.

So I'm glad you only pay if you use it!

sballok83 · January 2013

We're having a home water birth, so we'll be reserving one for sure. For the $200, it's just a deposit and we only have to pay $40.00 for the tub liner.

Oleg&Liz · January 2013

I am currently receiving care from Jessica Henman from the birth & wellness center in St. Charles. My next appt will finally be at the center. Excited to see it. However, I think I'm going to rent a tub from her $75 and have the baby at home since we have a 2yr. Old and I think it would just be more convenient that way we don't have to disrupt her schedule too much. Much less of a hassle.

kxp004 · January 2013

MisN:
I really appreciated being in the tub for transition labour - so yes, I would pay the $200 price tag. Personally, I wasn't interested in being in the shower at that point as I really felt the need to be semi-laying down so the tub was perfect (well nothing is perfect during transition...but you get the idea). Since you are only charged if you use it, no harm in reserving, right?

this definitely

clariknittist · January 2013

There was a certain point in my labor, probably around the 20-hour mark, where the relief I got from laboring a couple hours in the tub was exactly what I needed. It helped dull my contractions so much, it was almost like having drugs! I was surprised they let me use it since my water had broken, but it was wonderful. I'm not sure if I have to pay for it or not, but whatever - it was worth it if I do.

MrsBigTime · January 2013

I thought for sure I'd want to be in the water when I was in labor, but when I was actually laboring, it wasn't helpful for me.

So, no, I don't think having a tub is a must have for a med free hospital birth

BLPL101 · January 2013

I had one in my room but couldn't use it because 1) I wasn't 36 weeks yet (this is hospital policy where I gave birth) 2) I was induced with Pit so you can't use it with an IV. I had horrible back labor so I wouldn't have used it anyway. I needed constant pressure on my back. So no, I definitely don't think it's necessary.

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