Water Birth Tubs

When you are planning a water birth, it is very important to know about the types of water birth tubs available. While some hospitals and birth centers will have built it tubs, this may not be the norm at all facilities where water birth is an option. There is also the question about planning a home water birth and finding an appropriate water birth tub.

Here are some of your options:

• Existing Bathtub
  Using your existing tub for a water birth might be an option. Typically you will want the water deep enough to cover your abdomen, but this is not necessary. Older, deeper tubs are usually best, but some of the two person bathtubs can also be useful.

• Portable Water Birth Tubs
  These are available for purchase or rent, for hospital, home or birth center. They vary in size and shape, so you will have options. You can also look into various accessories like a heating pad for the water, built in stools, etc.

• Kiddie Pools
  One of the most popular ways to get a water birth tub is to buy a kiddie pool. Some women choose the hard plastic, others prefer the blow up, softer edges. This saves some money, but also risks not being as comfortable.

• Other Containers
  One time I attended a home birth, where the mother had purchased a large, dark plastic, feed trough from Rubbermaid to use as her water birth tub. The shape was great and she place a small plastic stool in the bottom. The doctor who attended the birth, when I asked about the trough, said that it would have been perfect had the bottom not been dark. (We solved this issue with an underwater flash light.)

When searching for the perfect water birth tub for your next water birth here are some things to keep in mind:

• Price
• Width
• Depth
• Visibility (color)
• Portability
• Rent or Purchase
• Accessories you would need