When making the decision to rent vs buy a birth pool, families must take into account the following factors...
Are you prepared to foot the cost of purchasing not only a pool, but all the accessories? Do you want the job of finding all the additional water birth accessories??
When you rent a pool we provide everything needed for a water birth, except the water.
How do you feel about cleaning, and more importantly, disinfecting the pool after it's use?
When you rent a pool the only thing you have to do is make sure it's dry before returning it.
If you plan to reuse a purchased pool, will you be upset if it has an air leak, several years down the road?
Will you purchase a second pool if this situation occurs? (Keep in mind you'll also have to re-buy the items you throw away after each water birth).
Pools are made out of the same materials as air mattresses; over time they begin to leak air. If stored incorrectly they are also prone to cracking. When you rent a pool you can rest assured that it's checked regularly for air leaks, and stored correctly.
Are you prepared to foot the cost of purchasing not only a pool, but all the accessories? Do you want the job of finding all the additional water birth accessories??
When you rent a pool we provide everything needed for a water birth, except the water.
How do you feel about cleaning, and more importantly, disinfecting the pool after it's use?
When you rent a pool the only thing you have to do is make sure it's dry before returning it.
If you plan to reuse a purchased pool, will you be upset if it has an air leak, several years down the road?
Will you purchase a second pool if this situation occurs? (Keep in mind you'll also have to re-buy the items you throw away after each water birth).
Pools are made out of the same materials as air mattresses; over time they begin to leak air. If stored incorrectly they are also prone to cracking. When you rent a pool you can rest assured that it's checked regularly for air leaks, and stored correctly.
Cost to Buy vs Rent?
Purchase...
|
Rent...
|
ESTIMATED COST TO PURCHASE... $400 - $700
COST TO RENT $270
COST TO RENT $270
We were so pleased that EVERYTHING was included with our pool rental. Our midwives were also impressed with the entire setup!
~ GS, 2019 ~
Why Not Use a Jetted Tub?
Infection control is of great importance to help keep newborn babies safe; so hot tubs, or home jacuzzi style tubs should not be used. Why? It is impossible to disinfect, and guarantee, that filters, or jets are squeaky clean between each use. Strep A has been detected in these tubs which carries the potential risk of causing illness to your baby.
Why Not Use a Kiddie Pool?
These small inflatable pools are not always big enough for you to adopt comfortable laboring positions easily; remember these pools are designed to fit little kids, not fully grown, pregnant humans.
Kiddie pools aren't designed to birth in. They are not necessarily phalate or BPA free.
Often times both you and your birth partner, will not fit into these smaller pools together. This can limit the type of support that your partner can provide.
Many kiddie pools are not high enough, or sturdy enough, for you to lean on.
It is also very difficult to maintain a constant water temperature, which is very important, in these smaller pools.
It's also very challenging to empty a kiddie pool because you can't purchase a disposable liner for these pools; often times you'll need a bucket to empty these types of pools.
Kiddie pools and disposable birth pools also have the tendency to leak, which certainly can be super messy!
Kiddie pools aren't designed to birth in. They are not necessarily phalate or BPA free.
Often times both you and your birth partner, will not fit into these smaller pools together. This can limit the type of support that your partner can provide.
Many kiddie pools are not high enough, or sturdy enough, for you to lean on.
It is also very difficult to maintain a constant water temperature, which is very important, in these smaller pools.
It's also very challenging to empty a kiddie pool because you can't purchase a disposable liner for these pools; often times you'll need a bucket to empty these types of pools.
Kiddie pools and disposable birth pools also have the tendency to leak, which certainly can be super messy!
A Note About Regular Residential Tubs
Many families utilize their homes regular tub to birth in. When considering this option take the following into account beforehand...
When you are in your tub can you fully submerge your tummy?
A large part of the "comfort" water brings, is based on if you can submerge your tummy fully. We suggest trying this out ahead of time. Hop into a lovely bath and see what positions you'll be able to comfortably labor in. Kneeling, on all fours, and laying back (but not laying on ones tailbone) are all favourite positions during water births.
Is your bathroom large enough to accommodate your partner, 2 midwives, your doula, and/or other support people?
This one is self explanatory, you have invited these people to attend your birth.
When you are in your tub can you fully submerge your tummy?
A large part of the "comfort" water brings, is based on if you can submerge your tummy fully. We suggest trying this out ahead of time. Hop into a lovely bath and see what positions you'll be able to comfortably labor in. Kneeling, on all fours, and laying back (but not laying on ones tailbone) are all favourite positions during water births.
Is your bathroom large enough to accommodate your partner, 2 midwives, your doula, and/or other support people?
This one is self explanatory, you have invited these people to attend your birth.
