Penny from Sale, Cheshire: Preparation made Perfect
The last few months have passed somewhat in a whirlwind but following my previous email I wanted to let you know that we were lucky enough to have the water birth at home that we had planned, resulting in the relatively swift arrival of our beautiful baby boy (now 4 months old!).
It was a little touch and go as I'd been booked in to be induced the following day but at around 5.30am on Thursday 20th May my contractions started and by 11.25am Edward George Ellis DeGruchy had been born weighing 8lb 15oz. I loved my labour experience - and much of the credit goes to the birth pool!! I floated(ish) around, in relaxing home surroundings, and due to the warmth and comfort of the water managed to give birth without any other pain relief (other than the TENS machine before I got in the pool).
The pool really has been well thought through - handles were all just where I needed them; the sides firm yet comfortable enough to lean over; just the right water depth; and surprisingly, easy to keep at the right temperature. We'd thoroughly recommend the 'birth pool in the box' to anyone interested in a water birth. The only thing we would say is make sure you do have a practice run - we nearly didn't bother but thankfully did as we needed to get different air pump and hosepipe fittings in order to set it up.
Best wishes and many thanks.
Jackie and Nigel: water gave support and freedom to move
We used the birth pool in a box for the birth of our second child at home. It was a lovely experience as she was born in such a relaxed way and it really helped the labour as not only did the warm water provide excellent pain relief but it really supported you so that you could move around into what ever position you needed. The pool was easy and quick to blow up and really kept the heat in of the water which was great. The pool did however take quite a long time to fill [from our tank] so best to start early! I would highly recommend the birth pool in a box as it made my birth experience very special and our baby very relaxed!
Emma Brown: home plus water equals magic
We had a little girl on the 27th 9lb 10 called her Amelia Rose. I delivered her myself on all fours with the midwives around the pool. She is perfect, pink from the moment she came out and so calm and relaxed it was a truly magical experience. I do not believe i would have been able to push her out if it had not been for the fact i was at home and the use of the water pool for pain relief and security.
I will be recommending the birth pool in a box to my friends as a must have if they are planning a home birth, from the moment i got in it relieved my contractions and made me feel totally in control of everything.
You have a fantastic product. Thank you so much
Caroline Foulkes: unexpected breech home waterbirth
Just wanted to let you know that Lucy was born yesterday at 5.11 am. 6 lb 4 oz. Labour started at around 2 am, and I got in the pool at about 4.30 am after the midwife had examined me. I had previously been feeling a 'limb' which I presumed 'hand' in my groin rather than a head and the babies movements in recent weeks had been quite uncomfortable. During the contractions the sensation was quite odd and was totally relieved when I got in the pool. I cannot describe how fantastic the water felt and how comfy the pool was to be in during contractions. When I felt the urge to push the water was beautifuuly supportive. We were all a bit suprised to see a foot appear, midwife included. The second midwife had not yet arrived so the first midwife asked me to stand up and called the paramedics in case. Subsequent pushing resulted in the second leg, she asked me to get out of the pool, and on the third push, Lucy appeared. The paramedics then arrived and a few minutes later so did the second midwife. Lucy is perfect and despite my breech delivery all is well. Second stage lasted a mere 15 mins.
I had asked my GP to confirm the baby's position last week as I was a bit unsure where the head was, I am so glad that no-one diagnosed breech, otherwise I would have been in hospital with a c-section rather than at home in the lovely pool for a natural - drug free delivery of my gorgeous girl.
Please share my story. I am convinced the home environment and water enabled me to stay calm and trust my body. At no point did I panic or feel anxious about the unexpected breech and was happy just to get on with it, and the midwife was amazing and also really calm and supportive too.
Louise Bradbury: 2nd waterbirth, 1st at home
I recently gave birth to my second child in water, at home and the experience was everything I had hoped for. Both my labours were quick and incredibly intense, this time I initially used the TENS machine but having had my first son in water, I really couldn't wait to get in the pool. By the time the midwife arrived (she didn't waste any time), I was already 8cm dilated and so my husband started to fill the pool straight away. As soon as the pool was full I got into the water and immediately felt more in control of my body and managed to feel some relief in between contractions, which prior to getting in the pool had felt almost constant.
The water soothed my whole body and the pool became 'my little world'; private and surprisingly calm. I had planned to used gas and air but given the speed that my labour had progressed, the midwife had not had time to collect this from the hospital on her way to my house. However,even though my first reaction was mild panic, I quickly decided that I was actually 'doing fine' without it and I am so pleased that I didn't use it. I felt confident in the water and was able to take in so much more detail of the birth and keep control. Such that this time I didn't tear and even delivered my beautiful son onto my chest myself. Completely magical.
Bernice Littleboy: Birthing Pool and Pain Relief
The birth pool in a box was a fantastic shape and size, I am 5ft 10 and still found that it was deep enough for me to kneel and strong enough for me to lean on the sides.
I cannot explain how fantastic the pain relief was from using the pool, I was begging for gas and air but found that once I got in the pool I did not need anything at all!
As a midwife and now a mother I would highly recommend this pool for anyone planning a waterbirth.