Water Birth Supply List and Tips

By:Nikiah Seeds

Congratulations! 
You are planning a Water birth and the pool is the first step in getting prepared. Below are a few suggestions of what you may need that can make everything just that little bit easier.

1: It is recommended to use a NEW hose for filling your pool It is also suggested that perhaps a Garden variety hose is not the best idea since hot or warmish water will be running through it, and it could possibly cause the release of harmful chemicals into the water. Drinking water hoses are created to be safe for hot and cold water that will be consumed, however they are more expensive and there has been no actual testing on them for this specific reason. However it seems likely that it would be less of a problem than with garden hose. Each mother needs to decide for herself how much of a concern this is, and which option suits her birth.

2: A tap adapter is an important, yet simple little gadget, that is used so that the hose fits to whatever water source you will be using.

3: A debris net or colander. They are used for any matter that needs to be scooped out of the pool.

4: A tarp or even a cheap shower curtain words well, for under the pool as well as to put over top to keep the water warm if the pool has been filled before the mother wants to go in.

5: An electric pump is the best way to get the pools blown up fast and easily.

6: A waterproof Flashlight and mirror are great to use for visibility when the baby is being born and if you are interested in capturing the big moment a waterproof camera is a wonderful addition.

7: Waterproof, shoulder length gloves—can be used by the caregivers or whoever is cleaning the pool after the birth. Handy items to have for a waterbirth!

Tips:
-Have your pool blown up and ready a few days before your due date, just to be on the safe side! This way you can check for holes etc…

-Wash your pool out beforehand with a mild mixture of soap and water, rinse well and do not use bleach! Bleach can compromise the plastic.

-Make a line of towels from the pool to the bathroom this way you can get in and out to pee if you need and don't have to worry about the floor.

-Keep the pool warm by having a big bucket near by this way you can take a few bucketfuls out and add more warm water easily.

-The bucket will also be useful after the birth for scooping out the water—unless you live in a house that you can siphon the water out the window from without disturbing a landlord or tenants. Another option is to use a submersible utility pump with the hose. This will allow you to attach the hose to the pump, sink the pump into the water, put the other end at the emptying site (at any level) and simply plug the pump in. This option allows you to empty into a nearby toilet with ease.

-After the birth mom's are always cold and shivery. For some reason the Amazing water properties that helped the mom before baby came out do not feel so great right after. The mother may want to get out fairly soon after baby is born because of the water cooling off. Have a warm robe or large blanket close by!

-We liked having our pool close to the couch. This way we just scooted over to it and got on. For this reason I had a plastic sheet on both bed and couch—that way I would choose either one to push on—It is all about choices!! 
Lots of mom's use the pool for their whole labour and than need to get out to push! We think it may have something to do with needing to feel their feet on the earth, so often mom's have their babies beside the birth pool! If this should happen the towels you have set out will come in real handy!!

Congratulations and Best of luck with your upcoming waterbirth!