Water Birth in a Flat?

[MrsKat]

Hi there, I'm new on this site, so please be gentle!
It's my first birth and I want to try BPIAB, but I live on the fourth floor of a brand new flat (built only 2 years ago). Has anyone else had a water birth in a non ground-floor flat and were there any problems with weight etc. I'd love to try it, but don't want to feel worried about collapsing floors midway through labour! Plus, did your neighbours complain about the noise or was it sufficiently muffled for them not to hear?

Thanks all!

[fairyjay]

Good luck - I think it would be a brave move!

[twelveyeargap]

On the Made In Water website, I think they say the filled inflatable pool is around the weight of 12 adults. (I can't check as my company have blocked the website for "nudity" if you can believe that!)

They suggest that most houses/ flats can take the weight if the pool is placed in the corner of a room near the support joists.

Did you ask your midwife about pools? I did with mine and she said that the Made In Water pools were sturdier becuase of the design of the inflatable parts and she prefers them. Yours might feel differently, but I thought it was a good idea to ask mine before I ordered.

[MrsKat]

Thx! I'm hoping for words of reasurrance for my DH, who is as uncertain as I am!

[twelveyeargap]

Oh, I'm having mine in my bedroom on the first floor. Edwardian built house... I don't know if that makes a difference.

[MrsKat]

Unfortunately, my widwfe hasn't had that much experience with a water birth at home, as it doesn't appear to be that popular here (South Wales), but is really enthusiastic nonetheless!

[twelveyeargap]

Sorry, managed to find it on Google cache.

A La Bassine from www.madeinwater.co.uk weighs about 4-5 adults when full. A BPIAB weighs 8-13 adults depending on whether you have hte mini or the regular size.

Certainly you shouldn't have problems with a La Bassine if it's in a corner.

[MrsKat]

Although I like the look of Las Bassine more, I have read more favourable stories regarding BPIAB, so am tempted to stick to this one. I am going to have it in a corner of my living room, so hopefully will provide more stability. Still worried though!

[twelveyeargap]

Well would the mini BPIAB be big enough for you? That way it's not so heavy when filled.

It's great that your midwife is supportive. Very good news for you.

[mousiemousie]

I would be worried about the weight if not on a solid floor but do investigate as it would be sad to be put off uneccessarily! Good luck!

[Blu]

I hired an inflatable Splashdown pool and the company said that the water weighed as much as 8 people, so basically, if you could imagine having a party in your front room, you would be ok with the pool.

I had the pool in our front room at street level in a terrace house, but we had the window open because of the heat wave. I was going 'huuuurgh' a lot, but no-one said anything. Likewise my neighbour had her baby in the house nest door (very thin walls) and I knew nothing until I saw it out in the pram!

Good luck!

[MrsKat]

I've got a feeling I'll be going 'huuuurgh' a lot as well!
I might think about the smaller BPIAB, although I know my DH would like to be in the pool with me at the time.
I am really lucky in that all midwives in my midwife's 'team' think that this birth will be exciting! (Especially helpful, as I could get any one of them if I give birth at night or over Easter - due April 5th)

[DivaSkyChick]

I've never heard of anyone getting in the pool with you, is that common?

Seems like it could be really good except for all the ooky stuff that comes out as the baby comes out... Ew.