Has any one used a hired birthing pool at home?

[michellejeffers]

I'm planning on having a home birth and am very tempted to hire a pool. The cost does put me off a bit but I think I would want to use a pool if I was in hospital, so I don't want to regret not hiring when the time comes. Any thoughts? x

[Dozymum]

I never hired a pool at home, but had a pool birth at a birthing centre. I was very glad to have chosen a pool birth as I had a very rapid labour and delivery (not as good as it sounds) and I felt that being in the water helped so much.

I would choose the same again if there is a next time x

[Hidden]

I'm hoping for a home birth this time, having gone to a midwife led unit last time and spent time in the birthing pool. My friend is selling hers to me and I need to buy a new liner, I agree it is expensive but I'd say worth it. I'm really looking forward to giving birth this time! Only got about 10 weeks to go.

[michellejeffers in reply to Hidden]

Aww not long to go. Thank You guys. This is my first baby so I think I am being especially brave staying at home but I am terrified of hospitals and we live pretty much next door to it, so god forbid if I do end up being transferred we are very close. We don't have a birthing centre near where we are which is a shame as I think that would have been perfect for us. It's just such a big decision deciding where to give birth etc. I feel that I am really responsible for how things go on the day which is scary! :s

[Hidden in reply to michellejeffers]

I would have loved to have had a home birth first time round, but our local hospital had a bad reputation and my husband had had bad experiences in other departments there, so we opted to go to the birthing centre for that reason. My friend who I'm buying the birthing pool from had both her children at home and she was partly my inspiration for wanting a home birth. The other was watching videos at my hypnobirthing classes of positive births and all the evidence that it's much better if you're relaxed and in a familiar environment. I hated the idea of travelling anywhere while in labour and after getting in the car to go to the midwife led unit it really slowed things down. We've moved to a new area and I feel much more confident about our local hospital this time, heard some good stories from local mums, so happy to have a home birth with the knowledge that if we have to go to hospital I'm happy to go there.

[dons88]

I think you're very brave too! I'm a birthing centre girl but have delivered both of mine in the water so really recommend that aspect. I love hearing about home births, make sure you tell us about it afterwards, I'm sure you'll be great. x

[michellejeffers in reply to dons88]

Thank You. I definetley will share my experience on here after. Its really hard to find accounts of people that have had home burths with their first babies, even though I am assured by my midwife that it is quite common, so it will be nice to give other Mums something to read xxx