Birth Tub/Pool Rental FAQ
Are there any hospitals in Northwest Arkansas that will let me use the birth pool?
Yes. At this time, I have received approval from Mercy Hospital in Rogers to use the tub in their facility. However, use of the tub in labor and birth depends on approval by your care provider. Please contact me if your care provider would like more information on the safety/efficacy/ease-of-use for water birth. I can often meet with you and your care provider to discuss the option. I can also provide referrals if your current care provider denies your request to use the tub for labor and/or birth.
Can I rent the pool for a home birth?
Of course. Every home birth midwife in the area is very experienced in the use of water for labor and birth.
How do I use the tub during labor and/or birth?
Use the birth tub to find the most comfortable position for labor and birth. The water takes the pressure off your wrists and knees in kneeling or all fours positions. Water allows you to float and go completely limp during contractions. Using a birth tub does not mean you will give birth in the tub. Water during labor offers benefits of it’s own. However, there are many benefits for mom and baby to birthing in the water. See www.waterbirth.org for articles on the benefits.
Is a birth tub easy to set up?
OF COURSE! This tub can be set up in 20 minutes or less, but may take more time to fill depending on the size of your water heater. Your tub will come with an instruction booklet and I am available for “tech support” by phone or email. It is a good idea if someone besides mom has read the instruction booklet before labor begins.
Does the tub have a heater?
The Birth Pool in a Box does not, although Waterbirth International is now in the process of developing a heater for the pool. We hope this will be available soon. In the meantime, you should keep the pool covered if you are not in it to retain heat. In the case of a long labor, the BPIAB may need to have some hot water added. This is easy to do with the provided water pump and hoses.
How deep should the water be?
The water should be at least 18” deep to achieve buoyancy, providing a significant level of pain relief. It is also important that the baby remains underwater until deliberately brought to the surface. The BPIAB is 26” with a water depth of 23”. Do not settle for a “kiddie pool” that may not be deep enough or have sturdy enough sides.
When should I fill up the tub?
Fill the tub when mama says to! You may want to wait until contractions are closer together if using the BPIAB. One thing to remember is that warm water immersion can slow labor if begun in early labor. However, make adjustments if you are using the pool at home and you have a small capacity water heater. One nice thing about hospitals is that they have a never-ending supply of hot water!
How much does it cost?
The Birth Pool in a Box is $150. This includes the tub, birth kit, and rental support and materials. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit to reserve the tub. Your deposit can be used toward the balance due upon delivery of the tub to you. If for some reason you don't use the tub while you have it in your posession, the entire rental fee is still applicable. I am also happy to speak with your care provider or doula if they have questions or concerns.
What else do I need?
Any accessories you desire to use such as a pillow or bathrobe. If you are interested in accessories, let me know and I will try to help you find what you are searching for.
What do I do when I am finished with the tub?
When you are finished, please drain the pool with the provided water pump and garden hose. Make sure that the pump remains submersed because running it without water will ruin the pump. You may also need an extra person to hold the hose over a sink our bathtub to make sure that water goes where it's supposed to! Remove the disposable liner and deflate the pool. Make sure the pool is completely dry by wiping it down with a towel before packing it in the rolling suitcase. If you have trouble fitting it back in the suitcase, just place it in the provided blue carrying bag and I will pack it myself. I also sanitize all shared equipment when it is returned to me.
With the BPIAB what is the risk of puncturing the pool?
Every tub is tested before leaving the factory. It is important that you take precautions to minimize risk of puncture. If a tub is damaged while in your possession, you will be billed for the replacement. Here are a few reminders:
- Keep pets away from the pool, both in storage and when inflated.
- Prepare the floor where the pool will be, i.e. sand, vacuum, sweep thoroughly to remove sharp objects or surfaces.
- If the pool is going on a floor that might have jagged edges, be sure to cover the floor with a plastic sheet or cloth first.
- Take care when handling the pool. We advise against moving the pool between rooms when inflated to avoid unnecessary wear & tear.
- Remove jewelry prior to using the pool.
- In the unlikely event of a puncture, BPIAB is designed with 3 independent air chambers so that if one chamber punctures, 2/3 of the height of the sides remains, causing considerably fewer problems than if a single-chambered pool is punctured.
How long does the BPIAB take to inflate?
8-12 minutes!
What’s the best thing about waterbirth?
It feels good for mom and creates a gentle experience for baby!
*Thanks to Barbara Harper and Waterbirth International for help in developing this FAQ.
