Waterbirthers--what tub did you use?

[Sashahomeschoolmama]

I had planned on renting my midwife's AquaDoula. When I asked her about it the other day she told me that another client, who is due July 29, has it but that as soon as she gives birth my midwife will bring me the tub.

I'm due around August 15-19ish. I had my first three days "late", went into labor with my second on his due date, and my third was born on October 1 but was due October 17. I'm not at all sure about when this child was conceived because medication screwed up my cycles. It could be earlier than the due date range but probably not later (unless the baby is late, but based on when I had a positive hpt conception probably wasn't *later* than the due date range).

Would you take your chances with the AquaDoula? Or would you buy something like this:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4174BBBCKCL._SS260_.jpg
I know a lot of homebirthers have chosen this pool and really enjoyed it. At first I was worried about the water staying warm enough but it'll be mid-August--how fast can the water cool down? I also like that the bottom is inflatable for more comfort when sitting/kneeling.

Anyway, what tub did you use? Did you like it? I don't want to spend a ton of money on a tub since we're reaching the end of our childbirthing journey. It can't be huge because my birthing space is limited (I'll be at my mom's trailer) and it doesn't need to be large--I'm only a shade over 5 feet tall.

[Joyto5]

This is what I used with my last 2 births. It's large enough for you and your partner if you want him in with you yet small enough not to be taking up so much space, the floor is inflated and the walls are high. I picked up another one at target not long ago. We used my other one as a ball pit for the babies the last 2 years. The cost of the pool us about $20.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/bpure/58480E.jpg

Here is me in it after the birth. I am NOT a small woman. I'm 5' 10".

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v475/bpure/Birth/45.jpg

[Ilovemonkeys]

We used a large rubbermaid type deal, I think it was made by rubbermaid, my midwife had a bunch of them b/c they retain heat well, are very large and are cheaper than the aquadoulas.
I was in warm water up to my shoulders and 3 more adults could have easily fit in as well.

http://www.equinehits.com/photos/10/products/12439x1.jpg

All we had to do was line it with sheets and plastic and it was pretty soft.

[cc1003]

Sasha, how much is it to rent the Aquadoula? I have no experience with this but I would think that it would be much less expensive to just buy a baby pool like the one above and probably more comfortable. Also, your kids could then use it. :)

[Babyblue]

I would just get my own like the ones above, you can use it for the kids later then and its already ready and available in case you go sooner then expected.

my dh would like to add that even though he knows that the aquadoula is disenfected it would still ick him out that somebody else birthed in it before me.

[Justicedog]

The ick factor would weigh on me too. I'd go with a baby pool.

[Joyto5]

For those with an Ick factor, the Midwives usually have a thick plastic liner they use over the pool and fill it up with the liner inside. I used the Midwives baby pool just like the one I have with my 4th baby with a liner. If you don't know that's what she'll do, Ask.

[LiquidLove]

I used my midwife's aquadoula. water heater, pump, liner, everything. twice. It was great. My midwife didnt make it for my third, though, so we used the bathtub. Didnt miss the aquadoula tub.. but since my DH and I dont have to clean out any tub we use since we have a midwife and a doula there, ther was little ick factor for us.

In hanging squat for pushing:

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb212/frellechildren/JacksonBirth/JacksonsBirth006.jpg

[2much2luv]

I used a kiddie blow up pool. I think it was only about $20 and worked just wonderfully for me. I think I ordered from quality inflatables or some such company.

[2much2luv]

Oh, and to keep the water warm we just put a big piece of plastic (we used a paint drop cloth kind of thing) over the top. It sealed and worked great for hours.