Birthing pools are heated pools used for water births, which are said to be less stressful for both mother and baby. They can be purchased or rented and come in different types, including inflatable and hard plastic versions. While some believe water births are healthier, safety issues include difficulty accessing the mother and newborn and the risk of infection.
A birthing pool is a pool of heated water, about the size of a bathtub or wading pool, used for water births. Water birth is the practice of delivering a baby while submerged in water, a practice that proponents say is healthier and less stressful for both mother and baby. A birthing pool is often used at home, although some clinics and hospitals have on-site pools for mothers who wish to use them. Water birth pools can be purchased or rented, either from online retailers or from local water birthing associations, midwives or doulas.
There are many different types of birthing pools. Some mothers choose to save money by simply purchasing a paddling pool and retrofitting it for use as a birthing pool. Pools made specifically for water parties are also available, usually in the form of a small inflatable pool, although hard plastic versions are also available. Some pools include an attachment that can be placed directly on the faucet head to make filling the pool easier. Another common feature of a birthing pool is a built-in heater, which helps maintain the temperature of the water inside the pool.
Many mothers believe that giving birth in a birthing pool is healthier for both them and their babies. The experience is less stressful for the newborn because it eases the jarring experience of leaving the warmth of the uterus and entering a cold, unfamiliar environment. It is also less stressful for the giving mother, as giving birth in a birthing pool is said to be more relaxing than a traditional birthing experience. The warmth of the water reduces the muscular pains experienced by the mother, especially pains in the lumbar region, which in turn reduces the mother’s need for epidural anesthesia or other pain-relieving medications that could potentially be harmful to the baby.
It is important to keep in mind that there are a number of safety issues associated with water parties. The depth of the birthing pool can sometimes prevent a midwife from having good access to the mother and newborn. Also, because birthing pools are often used in a home birthing setting, they are not always properly sanitized and could present a risk of infection. It can also be difficult for a midwife or attending physician to determine if the mother has lost too much blood, because the lost blood will diffuse into the water.
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