It is possible to use your regular bathtub for labor and birth. It is not as comfortable as a birth pool, because in a bathtub, the water won't cover the abdomen and positions are limited by the size and shape of the tub. Also, the husband or birth partner isn't going to fit in the bathtub with the mother. If it's possible to use a birth pool, that will be the best option. It doesn't need to be a fancy, just deep and spacious.

Some home birth midwives rent portable tubs or include the tub as part of their fee. The portable tub comes with a liner, a pump and a thermometer. The hoses are used to fill the tub and then to drain it, so they are not reused.

Another less expensive option is to purchase an inflatable kiddie pool. It should be 24 inches high, in order to cover the mother's belly and low to mid back. The soft walls provide nice support and the pools are big enough for two people.

Parents will need to find a hose to sink adaptor at the hardware store in order to fill the pool with warm water.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.