Are you ready to prepare for a natural water birth? While some hospitals and birth centers have birthing pools for you, others require you bring your own. You’ll also need to considering buying water birth pools if you plan to give birth at home. A number of companies now sell birthing pools, as well as accessories like underwater Doppler devices.
Buying Water Birth Pools: Things to Consider
The first decision is how big the pool will be. Take into account your height, the space in your room or birthing center and how heavy the pool will be when it’s filled with water. You may want a larger pool if you plan to have your partner there with you. Some pools even include heating and filtration systems so you can keep it ready before you go into labor. If the pool doesn’t have filtration in place, don’t fill the pool until you’re in labor so the water is clean.
Buying Water Birth Pools: Where to Buy
There are many places to get water birth pools, including:
- Used birth pools from women who have had a water birth before
- Companies that sell permanent or inflatable water birth pools
- Online stores that specialize in natural at home birth supplies
- Recommendations from your birthing center, doula or midwife