We hope the following questions will answer some of your queries, if not please do call our Careline on (01243) 265231.

What are the benefits of using water for labour and birth?

Similar to when you first get into a bath and expereince that deep sign of relaxation, which releases a natural hormone (oxytocin), water during labour does the same.  It can help you cope with the pain of the contractions and relax, make it all easier to move around as you are more boyant in water, and feel warm and secure.  Even though you can see through water of course it does provide the Mum with a feeling of being covered and protected whilst in the pool.  For birth, the theory behind the beneifits of waterbirth are that as the baby has been in fluid/water in your womb for the last 9 months, being born into a similar enviroment makes the birth more peaceful and a smoother transfer from one warm place into another.  Waterbabies need not be rushed to the surface either but slowly bought up over a few seconds.  Waterbabies have been known to not cry for some time following birth as they feel so peacful, rather than on land, where it is cooler and dryier and being born can be a bit of a shock.

How do I know my baby won't try and breath underwater?

Understanding the science behind this is very important and will make you feel less worried.  There are two things that are said to trigger breathing in newborn babies.  Babies do not breath of course when they are inside of Mum.  The first trigger is touch.  So touching a baby whilst it is still being born, eg when the head is out, is not advisable because there is a chance that it can trigger your babys first breath.  The second trigger is air on your babies face.  When air is felt this starts the babies first reaction to breath.  So waterbirth is perfectly safe providing these conditions are met.  Other important factors are tempreature: for birth the water should be between 36-37 degrees - the temperature inside of Mum and therefore there it is a simlar enviroment to which they are born.  The other is depth of water, which is why you cannot give birth in the bath.  The water must be deep enough to ensure your babys face cannot reach the surface, which could trigger breathing, during birth.  Our birthing pools are well over the recommended depth by midwifes.  As a rough guide Mum should have the water just below her breasts when knelt in the pool.  This will mean there is plenty of water to cover her back (and the two dimples in her back), even when leaning forward, and most of her bump. A great book to read if you are thinking of a waterbirth is the Waterbirth Book written by Janet Balaskas, to quote her its says - "It is now commonly understood that babies born in water have inbuilt physiological reflexes that prevent inhalation of the water during a water birth. However, it is important to maintain the right conditions to support this reflex." This includes slowly bringing baby to the surface, over 7 - 10 seconds, maintaining pool temperature at 37º C and minimal touching of baby's head and face.

When should I book a Birthing Pool?

We recommend that as soon as you have decided you would like to have a Birthing Pool at home for either your labour or birth, that you reserve one in as soon as possible. We offer you the opportunity to book whenever you like, obviously the sooner you book the more likely you will will be to get the pool you choose.  Your payments become due at the following times:

Your deposit £50, is due on booking.  So when you call in to us to book this will be due to secure your pool.  It also forms the basis of your security deposit but is refunded when we receive the pool back in good order.  If you cancel after this time you will lose your deposit, as we may have lost bookings whilst the pool was booked out to you.  For the Luxury Heated pools the deposit is £80.00.   

Your balance/final payment is due 1 week before we ship to you if you have booked over the telephone.  If you book on-line both payments are due as you book to secure your booking.  That way everything is done on-line in one go and you can be sure your pool is booked.  This is so we can get your pool ready for you and buy in any items necessary for your order.  If you cancel before the pool is shipped we will refund your balance but not the deposit, again this is because we may have turned away others while the pool/stool was booked out to you.

Once your pool has been shipped it has been hired and we are not able to refund your monies.  Even if you find that you cannot use the pool for birth, please do use it for relaxation before or after the birth, so you will feel the benefits of it.  It is great post-natally too, can help to relieve pain and soreness.  

How long do I hire the pool for?

We automatically hire the pool/stool out to you for 5 weeks.  We never charge for extra days if your baby comes later than planed, so please don't worry, there are no extra hidden charges.  If you wish to return it earlier, say you baby comes in your 38th week, then you can of course.  We couldn't offer it for hire again at such late notice so refunds will not be offered I'm afraid for early return.

When should I start the hire of a Birthing Pool?

We recommend that you have your pool delivered for your 37th week. The earliest you are able to have a baby at home in most areas is 37 weeks. Therefore by having your pool there and ready from that date you will not be disappointed if your baby comes early. We have had people in the past who have ordered thier pool for 38/39 weeks only to find thier baby came early and they missed out on the waterbirth experience they had wanted.

What comes with the Birthing Pool?

Your pool comes with everything you will need to fill, use and empty it:-

Non-heated pools contents:

Pool Panels and kit for assembly (no tools required)

Ground Mat (for protecting the liners from the floor and providing a little cushioning)

2x Disposable Liners (1 NEW top liner for hygiene reasons and one re-used that goes underneath for back-up and safety reasons.)

A Filling Hose (10m)

2x Tap adapters (universal fitting*)

A Thermometer

A Heat Cover (useful for keeping heat in and the condensation down)

An Emptying pump and emptying hose (10m)

A Step for getting in and out of the pool.

Folder with very easy to follow instructions. Return packing, box, Label and sealing tape.

Heated Pool Contents:

* We send the most universal tap adapters we can find.   Should these not fit your chosen tap, we suggest trying your local DIY store for others. The hose we send is a standard 15mm diameter size hose so additional adapters should fit it easily.

How can I be sure your pools are clean?

All pools and re-useable parts and cleaned with Milton solution between hires.  The Hexagonal and Oval pools have new disposable liners.   Only our Heated Pool liners are re-used, and thoroughly cleaned with Milton solution between hires to ensure they are extremely clean.  The reason heated pool liners are not disposable is they cost £250 each!.  They are though made of three layers of material so very strong.

What if I have to cancel?

We gaurantee that as long as you cancel your booking before it is shipped (for a medical reason), thats the day before you are due to receive it, (as we use an overnight courier) you will receive your balance payment back.  We cannot unfortunately refund your deposit as we may have lost other bookings whilst the pool was booked out to you.  We know not everything always goes to plan in childbirth so we will refund the balance of your monies in this instance.  Not all companies do this. For this reason we ask you to think carefully before booking your pool.

Where do you deliver to?

We deliver to anywhere within the UK - IOW is the same cost (now thats unusal isn't it Islanders!). We can also to Highlands of Scotlands, but off-shore Islands are an additional £30.  It may also take an extra working day to reach romate/off-shore areas.  Please choose your area at checkout, to be sure the delivery price you are charged is correct.

Which pool is best?

All our pools are suitable for labouring and giving birth in the water. If you are under 5'4" we say the Hexagonal pool is ideal but if over 5'4" up to approx 6' and over,' then the Oval or luxury Heated Pools are better for you. Equally if you wish to have your partner in the pool with you the larger oval and heated pools too maybe a better option.   It also can depend on the space you have free in your room, so bear this in mind when booking, details are in the individual pool details.  The Oval Pool does have a built in seat/step which is lovely for breastfeeding after birth because it brings you up to the right height in the water. The Luxery Heated Pool has water booster seats which you can opt to use or take out.  You can make a seat in the Hexagonal pool by placing a beanbag (nothing hard) between the liners (underneath both liners, not in between each of them) and the panels, it will not be as solid as the purpose built Oval one but will do the job.  You cannot do this in the Luxury Heated pools.

How strong are your pools?

Our pools are extremely strong and made to be used in labour and birth.  They are fibreglass or wooden panelled in the case of the Luxury Heated Pool, which means they are very strong. You are able to grip on our pool rims but do make sure your nails are not sharp as this can puncture the liners.  Your partner or midwife may also wish to lean over to support you at some point during your labour.  Our Heated pool has a thick padded rim too for head and neck comfort.

Can I use other pain relief whilst in the Birthing Pool?

You can indeed use gas and air (or Entenox) if you choose, the cyclinder hose and mouthpiece attachments are normally long enough for you to use within the pool.  Speak with your midwife about this as they normally drop this off a few weeks before you are due, with your homebirth pack.

TENS Machines CANNOT be used in the pool as it is electrical item. 

We encourage you to open and check the contents of your pool on the day it arrives.   It is rare but should you receive a missing or damaged item from transit, we will send you a replacement as soon as possible. If you contact us before midday it will be posted that day.  If you do not check your content until labour begins there is very little we can do at that stage to get anything to you, so please do check!

Do I need any extras?

Its entirely up to you if you would like to hire/buy any extra items.   TENS machines are popular because they offer a form of pain relief / pain distraction that has no side effects on Mum or baby, and can be used in the early stages of labour, before entering the pool. TENS cannot be used whilst in the water.   Our Birthing Mats equally are popular. They can be used anywhere around your home. Are easily cleaned and are great for third stage. They are a thick spongy wipeable mat designed to make being on the floor more comfortable and to protect your floor coverings.  Similar to the hospital birthing mats.  We offer other extras too, see "other items to hire with your pool" for full details.

What if my partner wants to get in too?

There is enough room in the Oval pool and Luxury Heated Pool for you and your partner.  Even if he doesn't want to get in for the actual birth, he may wish to join you in the days leading up to birth to relax, or post birth. We would suggest that you go for the either of these if your partner definately wants to get in too as there is more room for him without obstructing your movements in the larger pools.  Some Mums also wish to have thier other children in the pool, if not for birth, then before or after.  Again choose either of those two pools. 

I have other Children, can they use the pool too?

Please feel free to use the pool as much as you like whilst on hire.  If you have a heated pool, this is slightly easier because its always ready to go.  Be aware of the dangers of water though with other children,.  The pools are much deeper than paddling pools.  With the non-heated pools, you will need to fill and empty each time.  The heated pools come with a lockable cover, because its sat there always full, although you can empty it of course with the pump provided.  Please though keep it locked when full and not in use, pools can be very tempting to children and pets!

When can I get into the pool?

The birth pool can be used throughout pregnancy to relieve pressure on the body. If you suffer from SPD or back pain its particularly beneficial.  During labour it is used as a pain relief it is usual to manage the pain on land, many women use a TENS machine, and then enter the pool when active labour begins. However you can get into the pool earlier, you should discuss your birth plan with your midwife first before the big day.

How do I know my floor will support the pool ok?

We have never had a pool go through a floor, so do take some comfort from that! It is highly unlikely that your home will not support a birthing pool.   If you are worried because you think your home is unsuitable, maybe very old, then do seek professional advice from a builder/structual engineer.  The Hexagonal pool and the Oval pool are fine on all floors.  The Luxury Heated pool definately needs to be on a solid floor, a concrete floor or conservatorys are ideal etc.  Its approx the same as about 10-12 (Hex) 12-15 (Oval), 18-20 (Luxury Heated) people in the same area. We often say to people, if you were to hold a party with 12 people around your table in the room where you are thinking of having your pool, would you worry about them going through the floor - the chances are of course you wouldn't.   If you are worried though follow these steps to help you or seek professional advice:   Remove prior to setting up your pool any particularly large pieces of furniture.   Don't place your pool right in the centre of the room where the pressure would be greatest on the supports.  Towards a corner there is better support but do not place right in a corner as the midwife will need to get all the way round your pool.  If you choose the Hexagonal or Oval Pools though that none of this should be necessary.  Our pools are made to a size that is big enough to allow freedom of movement but not so big that it would cause a weight issue in anyones home.

When should I fill the pool/how long will it take?

Non-Heated Pools - If this is your first baby start to fill when your contractions are about 4-5 mins apart. If this is your 2nd or third baby you could start to fill as soon as labour starts e.g. your waters break or contractions start.   How long it will take to fill, depends on your water system.   With a combination boiler it will take less time from 1.5-2.5 hours.   With a tank system it could take anything from 2-4 hours. If you are worried about filling in time start as soon as your labour starts. You can always place the heat cover on if its sat there for a while before you need to get it, and just top up as needed.   Doing a trial run is a good idea to get an idea of how long it will take you to fill.

Luxury Heated Pool - If you have this set-up and ready to go for your 37th week then you don't need to worry about filling your pool for the birth becasue it will already be done.  Depending on your flow-rate it will take approximately 1 hour to fill.

How soon can I get into the pool?

Before labour has started, i.e. in the days leading up to birth, use it in the same way as a bath, as many times as you like.  We recommend emptying afterwards for safety reasons (with the non-heated pools) as the water will only get cold anyway, but especially if you have other children or pets.  If you have the heated pool you can just get out and put the heat cover on and lock it.  We try to encourage Mums (and Dads too of course) to use it as much as possible up to and after the birth - its great for relaxing after birth, particulally if you are a little sore.  If for any reason you do not get to use it for birth too you will not feel that the hire has been wasted. 

Once labour has started, basically you can get into the pool whenever you like, whenever you feel you need to. The thing to bear in mind though, is that water can be so relaxing sometimes that if your labour isn't well established it can slow down or even stop your contractions.   For this reason its best to get into the pool after you are about 5cm dilated or when your contractions are around 4 mins apart, but use it when you need to, you will know this at the time.   Don't forget you can get in and out as many times as you like and its best to get out after each hour roughly to allow your bodys natural pain relief hormone, Oxytocin, to do its job.  This hormones effects only last for approximate an hour when you enter the water and then wears off.  Its the same feeling when you get into a warm bath, that deep sigh of relaxation.  So our advice is get in, then get out after after the first hour etc, pop to the loo, put on your TENS, go up and down the stairs etc, then get back in again when you need too.  Make sure you have lots of clean towles and robes standing by!

What temperature should the water be?

For labouring it can be between 32-37°. For birth it needs to be as close to 37° as you can get it.   This is because your body temperature is 37° and so when your baby is born its a natural progression from the  temperature inside of Mum to the water temperature.  Most Mums prefer to labour in slightly cooler water as you can become quite hot during labour so just top up for the birth. 

How do I keep my pool warm?  

a.  If you hire our Luxury Heated pool - it will be maintained at the same tempreature by the digital controls.  Its works better when the heat cover is on though and this also helps to keep the condensation down.

b.  If you hire a Non-Heated Pool - When filling and not using the pool keep the heat cover on at all times.  With the cover on, it should only lose approx 1º an hour, depending on the temperature of your room.   When in the pool your partner should keep an eye on the temperature and when you get out to use the toilet or use your TENS machine, use a clean (with Milton or similar) bucket to remove some of the cooler water, if necessary,  and top back up from your hot tap.   Unless your pool is there for a very long time this should only be necessary once or twice. You may prefer whilst in labour (when you can get very hot) to have it a little cooler.  Keeping the pool warm even without a heater reaslly isn't that difficult.

Do you have Heaters?

We have heaters built into some of our pools but not all.  We feel it is simpler and safer not to use heaters in a way,  although we also feel they can have thier place.  For example, if you are expecting a fast labour, may this is your 3rd/4th baby and your past labours have been very fast, you may not think you will have enough time to fill a non-heated pool in time for the birth.  Also if you suffer from bachache or SPD and feel using the pool in the weeks leading up to birth may be useful.

Hospitals do not use heaters in thier pools.  Hiring a pool with a heater is quite a bit more expensive too which may not fit in with everyones budget.  Also heated pools require cleaning agents/chemicals to be added to the water to keep the water clean and free from bacteria, as it sits there for several days.  It is also more complicated to assemble and may not suit those Dads who are not very DIY minded!

When do I have to pay?

Your deposit is due on booking as this books the pool out to you, so no-one else can book it.  The full hire payment is due one week before we ship the pool to you (being your 36th week of pregnancy).  If you book online though the full payment is due on booking so it is all done for you in one go.  Should you have to cancel at any time before your pool is shipped, for a medical reason, we will guarantee to refund your balance but not your deposit. If the pool has been shipped, even if it is still in transit, then I am afraid we are not able to offer a refund. We may have lost bookings because the pool was booked out to you, and can not re-hire the pool at that time. We will of course also still have to pay the couriers.  In this case we recommend you use your pool for relaxation so you don't feel it has been wasted.

How can I pay?

Either book via our website by adding your chosen items to your cart, or if you prefer to call us/send your payment through the post please do.   Please note by hiring via the website or following reading the website you are agreeing to our terms and conditions, if you are sending via post please sign the back page of the booking form to say you agree to the T&C, until we receive this form we cannot fully confirm your booking. 

When / how do I send my Birthing Pool back?

When you have finished with your pool, please either call us on (01243) 265231 by following the details in your hire folder (which comes with every pool) or email us returns@samanthajaynebirthingpools.co.uk. We aim to have the birthing pool picked up the following working day following your call.   Please follow the packing instructions very careful. Remember to send back everything (following the list in your folder). We hate having to charge people for damages and missing items, and these only occur when the pools haven't been packed up correctly/instructions followed.  Panel repairs cost £20.00 each.

When will I receive my deposit back?

Within 28 days of your pool and any extras you have have hired, being returned in good condition.   We normally do this much sooner but courier delays on returning and holidays can effect this timescale.  Refunds will be made in the same way as you paid, i.e. card payments will be refunded back onto your card, cheque will be banked and then a refund cheque issued.