Filling the birthing pool – a step-by-step guide
Christine Clausen
Filling a birth pool – a step-by-step guide
A home birth is an event where safe, familiar surroundings play a very important role. A birth pool can help relieve pain and create a relaxing atmosphere. Here is a detailed guide to setting up, filling and taking good care of your birth pool – with timings and extra tips that make the experience even better. And do not worry - you get everything you need in the package!
Equipment and preparation
Time: 15-30 minutes
If you rent a birth pool from Homeborn, all the necessary equipment is included, including liner, hoses and pumps. If you have rented extra equipment such as a lid, thermometer and waterproof underlay, you are even better prepared.
Preparation tips:
- Keep everything together so you can easily find what you need. Test the full setup, including warm water in the pool, well before you expect the birth to take place. That way you have complete control of the timing and all details. If, unexpectedly, you find defects in the pool or equipment, there is time to react and replace the defective item.
- Place the pool on a stable, even surface, and make sure there are no sharp objects that could puncture it. Feel free to use a soft blanket together with a waterproof underlay to protect the floor.
- If the pool has been stored cold, make sure it has stood at room temperature for at least 24 hours before inflating it.
Tip: For home births, midwives recommend a room temperature of 22-24 degrees, so turn the heating up a little at home as your due date approaches.
Set up the pool well in advance
Many people keep the pool inflated in the living room well before the birth. That way you avoid the trouble of inflating it when it matters. If you inflate the pool and leave it standing in the living room, a good tip is to use a lid, so you avoid dust in the pool.
If space is tight, it is wise to start setting up as soon as you feel the first contractions. This ensures that the pool is ready when you need it, and you avoid last-minute stress.
Setting up the birth pool
Time: 10-15 minutes
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Placement: Make sure the pool is close enough to a tap and a drain, and that the area is free from obstacles and sharp edges. Make sure you have an extension cord for power to the pumps and possibly a light chain. The hose for filling is 15 metres long and the hose for emptying is 20 metres. Lay a waterproof underlay and possibly a blanket underneath to create a comfortable base.
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Inflation:
- The base: Use the air pump with the pointed nozzle to inflate the base and possibly the seat (2-5 minutes).
- The sides: Switch to the large or medium nozzle and inflate the sides (about 3-5 minutes).
- The pool should feel stable, but avoid overinflating it.
- If a light chain is going between the pool and liner, it should go in now.
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Fitting the liner: Place the liner correctly over the pool (3-5 minutes). Remember that the pool is oval, so turn it half a rotation if it does not fit. Pay attention to any holes for cup holders and adjustments for handles. With some liners that fit tightly, it is easiest to inflate the pool 90% and then put the liner on - afterwards you can add the last air.
You can find liners for La Bassine here, and liners for Saga Birth Pools here. If you are looking for a budget-friendly solution, we also offer unbranded liners for La Bassine.
Tip: Take a picture of the pool before you inflate it, while it is still folded, so it is easier to pack it correctly again.
Filling with water
Time: 30-45 minutes (depending on water pressure)
- Connecting the hose: Use the clear hose free from harmful substances and attach it to the tap with the adapter (5 minutes).
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Filling: Turn on the water and fill the pool to the recommended height. Leave a little room for topping up with warm water (25-40 minutes depending on water pressure and the size of your hot-water tank).
- Check the temperature regularly with a floating thermometer (36-38°C is recommended).
- Never use boiling water to top up, as it can damage the pool and create a safety risk.
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Tip: If the water hose moves while you fill the pool, you can fasten it to the floor with masking tape.
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Tip: If you have a small hot-water tank, you can turn up the heat on it well before the birth - that way the warm water will go further when it is time to fill the pool.
Keep the heat in:
- The greatest heat loss from a birth pool happens through the surface. A lid for the birth pool can reduce heat loss and keep the pool and water clean along the way.
- Top up with warm water as needed, but check the temperature first with a thermometer to avoid large fluctuations.
Use the waiting time to create a relaxing atmosphere
While the pool is filling, you can arrange the surroundings to create a calm mood:
- Use dimmed lighting, candles or LED lights or light a lavender scented candle to promote relaxation. An aroma diffuser with your favourite essential oil can also help create just the right atmosphere.
- A beautiful light chain placed between liner and pool creates a magical mood. Make sure it is a type of light chain that can tolerate moisture.
- Have a neck pillow or similar ready for support between contractions.
- Have snacks and drinks with straws within reach of the birthing person. A cup holder for the pool is lovely to have here.
- Put on relaxing music with soothing sounds or your favourite playlist.
- Our innovative hedgehog balls can be used for light massage and for effective pain relief when birth is underway.
Wishing you a wonderful birth!
Cleaning and packing down
Time: 60-90 minutes
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Emptying the pool (about 30-45 minutes depending on the pump and the size of the pool):
- Use the extra fine-mesh debris net to remove impurities before starting the pump.
- Connect the hose for emptying to the water pump, and lead the hose to a drain (5 min). Fasten it with masking tape if needed so it does not move.
- Put the water pump down into the water (it is designed for this) and let it work.
- Pump out as much water as possible (about 40 min). It will “gurgle” when the pool is almost empty of water.
- Tip the pool to get the last water out.
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Cleaning (15-20 minutes):
- Remove the liner and wipe the pool with a damp cloth.
- Rinse hoses and pumps with clean water, empty them thoroughly, remove any tape residue and let them dry overnight.
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Packing down (10-15 minutes):
- Use the air pump’s deflate function to suck the air out. First the sides until they are 80% flat (that way they can still bend easily - vinyl becomes hard when it is completely vacuum-packed), then the base and possibly the seat. When the base is empty of air, you can suck the last air out of the sides. Fold the pool and pack it in the storage bag.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a birth pool from you?
Yes, you can. We have high-quality birth pools from both La Bassine and Saga Birth Pools. You can check availability and book directly on the page. You have the pool for a full 6 weeks, and everything you need to set it up is included. There is also the option to rent extra equipment that makes the whole thing a little easier.
You can see our birth pools for rent here
Should I fill the pool well in advance?
Yes, and it is a really good idea to get started as soon as you feel the contractions. 20 cm of water in the pool is not much use when baby suddenly wants out. Use a lid for the pool or top up with warm water to keep the temperature stable.
Can I test the pool with the liner in?
Yes, and we recommend it. A liner is a single-use product because of the risk of contamination with foreign bacteria - but your own bacteria from the skin are the same as baby will be exposed to during birth. So you can easily both test your liner and use it for the birth.
Can I test the pool without water in it?
We advise against that. The pool is designed to distribute your weight when it is filled with water. The base will feel hard and the pool will be more exposed to damage if you sit in it without water.
What do I do if the hose moves during filling?
Fasten the hose with masking tape to prevent it from jumping off.
How quickly does the birth pool empty?
Emptying takes 30-45 minutes with the water pump. Fortunately, you only need to connect it and lead the water hose to a drain, and the pump takes care of the rest.
Can my floor support the weight of a birth pool?
Most likely it is no problem - read the article here for a thorough guide.
With all the practical details under control, you can confidently prepare for a home birth. Visit homeborn.dk for products that help you all the way through birth and the time before and after. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write to us using our contact form. We wish you a truly wonderful birth!
