Re: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools
As we make our own "demountable" birthing pools, I would like to tell you about them. The most economical, suitable sized and transportable way is to start with a 8foot X 4 foot (imperial measure) panel of either outdoor or marine ply. A single cut from top to bottom = 2foot x 8 foot. Cut these equally in half and again, until what you have is 8 panels x 2 foot. this makes square panels 2foot x 2foot (60cm x 60cm) hinged on all four corners, equals a very good sized pool when erected. We usually break them down to 4 pairs. hinged like books.(we use wing nuts on the "undo" side for ease of erection) When in a hurry or a poor hot water supply, then 7 panels, or for quick multips, 3 panels, makes a great smaller birthing pool. We put sponge mattress inside the walls of the pool, then line with either a blue tarpauline and 2 clear plastic liners 4mtrs x 4 mtrs (12foot x 12 foot) square(looks great)or 2 black plastic liners sized as above. All bought from the hardware store (Bunnings Balcatta here in W.A.) We also add comfort things like pool noodles over the hard edge of the wooden tub, underneath the plastic,so that arms are more comfortable. We also have put carrying holes in the panels so it is easier to get them from storage to car and house etc.I have personally made two of these myself, so it is not difficult. We fill them from the hot water supply with a new garden hose and empty them by siphonage the same way into a floor drain or out the back door into the garden. Each woman has her own new, pool lining plastic for infection control. We have birthed hundreds of babies in these pools over the last 20 yrs. Great privacy and pain relief- way to go. cheers, MM
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools
I wrote: "When in a hurry or a poor hot water supply, then 7 panels, or for quick multips, 3 panels, makes a great smaller birthing pool." Obviously I meant 6 panels. (3 pairs) sorry for the confusion. 3 panels would be a good baby bath. MM
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools
Hi Tania, what sort of pool would he be making? Leigh - Original Message - From: Tom, Tania and Sam Smallwood To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2003 9:03 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools Just wondering if there is anyone out there with a pool laying idle who would be prepared to sell it, or if anyone knows where I can get one made for a reasonable price? Or maybe even if there is anyone else looking to buy one in the near future, as Ihave someone here in Adelaide who will manufacture one for me, but only if he has a couple of orders to start with. After being caught the other day with my midwife partner having to go to another birth, methinks we need another pool! Tania
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools
Hi Leigh, The pools we currently use are made from panels of marine ply, with these really strong plastic and steel hinges that hold the panels together. There are about 12 panels from memory, and it comes apart into 3 concertinaed pieces, which you just hook together, and then stretch a pool liner over. Very sturdy, easily transportable, 160cms diameter and about 50cm deep, so big enough for at least 2! I like the idea of a blow up pool for ease of setting up, and also transporting, but I'm just not sold on the idea of soft sides that can't really be leant heavily on, either by me, or the woman/support person etc Hope this helps, if you need me to, I can privately mail you a photo Tania - Original Message - From: Leigh Evans To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, October 27, 2003 8:39 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools Hi Tania, what sort of pool would he be making? Leigh - Original Message - From: Tom, Tania and Sam Smallwood To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2003 9:03 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools Just wondering if there is anyone out there with a pool laying idle who would be prepared to sell it, or if anyone knows where I can get one made for a reasonable price? Or maybe even if there is anyone else looking to buy one in the near future, as Ihave someone here in Adelaide who will manufacture one for me, but only if he has a couple of orders to start with. After being caught the other day with my midwife partner having to go to another birth, methinks we need another pool! Tania
RE: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools
Dear Tania The midwifery practice I work in sells pools - please contact me off list for details. Cheers Jane Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond www.pregnancy.com.au -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Tom, Tania and Sam SmallwoodSent: Thursday, 23 October 2003 9:03 PMTo: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Subject: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools Just wondering if there is anyone out there with a pool laying idle who would be prepared to sell it, or if anyone knows where I can get one made for a reasonable price? Or maybe even if there is anyone else looking to buy one in the near future, as Ihave someone here in Adelaide who will manufacture one for me, but only if he has a couple of orders to start with. After being caught the other day with my midwife partner having to go to another birth, methinks we need another pool! Tania
Re: [ozmidwifery] Birthing pools
Dear Tania I purchased a wonderful birth pool in Brisbane at a store called "Clarkes Rubber and Pools". It's a round crown shape fully inflatable. Great depth and size for birthing. Back in 1999 it cost around $150. Perhaps there's a store in Adelaide? Goodluck For Gentle Birthing Choices Rashelle Szoke. Tom, Tania and Sam Smallwood wrote: Just wondering if there is anyone out there with a pool laying idle who would be prepared to sell it, or if anyone knows where I can get one made for a reasonable price? Or maybe even if there is anyone else looking to buy one in the near future, as Ihave someone here in Adelaide who will manufacture one for me, but only if he has a couple of orders to start with. After being caught the other day with my midwife partner having to go to another birth, methinks we need another pool! Tania
