There are a few options when it comes to birth pools. You can purchase an inflatable tub specifically made for water birth, or you can buy a less expensive kiddie pool – aka “fishy pool.” Hard-sided, heated pools are usually available for rent either online or in your local area. Some midwives have pools available for families. Many people have garden-size tubs in their homes, which is great for a water birth as long as it is deep enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of pool should I get?
Pools range in size from about 118 gallons to 172 gallons. Don’t be fooled – bigger is not always better. When you have a big pool, you need enough hot water in your hot water tank to fill it up. If you have a tankless water heater, that is a different story. I have been to many home births where the pool was not ready because the hot water ran out. When this happens, helpers frantically heat large pans of water on the stove and make trips back and forth to the pool to pour in the water.
How deep does the water need to be?
The minimum recommended depth of water for a mother in labor is 18 inches.
What is the best temperature for the water?
For water to relieve pain and promote relaxation, the temperature needs to be close to normal body temperature as possible. Maintain the water temperature between 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t let it get too hot. A temperature that exceeds 101 Fahrenheit could make mom’s body temperature rise, which could also cause the baby’s heart rate to rise.
Is there any danger of the pool falling through my floor?
A 118-gallon birth pool’s weight is equivalent to about six average-sized men sitting around a table. Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon, so a 118-gallon pool once filled weighs close to 1,000 pounds.
What kind of hose should I use?
Use a NEW hose and a NEW tap connector for filling your pool. Use a hose that is marked either “suitable for drinking,” “lead-free,” “non-toxic,” or “water potable.” Be sure to run the water through the hose into a sink for a couple of minutes – before filling the pool.
Do I need special protection under the pool for the floor?
A tarp, vinyl table cloth, or even a cheap shower curtain works well under the pool to protect the floor.You can also put a tarp over the pool to help keep the water warm.
When do I set my pool up?
Have your pool set up and ready a few days before your due date (not filled). You can throw a plastic drop cloth over the top or a tarp until you are ready to fill it.
List of special gadgets, adapters, and accessories:
- Birth pool liner.
- Tap adapter – the thing that goes on your water faucet so you can hook up the hose.
- New, lead-free hose for filling the pool.
- A mirror, waterproof camera, waterproof flashlight.
- A submersible pump (optional) or hose for siphoning water out of a pool.
- Two large pots and a bucket with a handle. If your birth pool does not come with its own heater and you don’t have a super large hot water tank or tankless system, you will need to heat water on the stove to refill the tub. Use the bucket with a handle to remove some of the cool water and refill with boiling water. You will need a helper for this.
- Towels – you will need a lot of dry towels!
- Floating bath thermometer – you need to monitor the temperature of the water.
- A goldfish net – used for any matter that needs to be scooped out of the pool. Do not confuse this with the fishing net used with fishing.
The Fishing Net Story
A goldfish net is all you need.
