the birth pool reservoir: November 2010

If you're reading this, chances are good you're about to give birth.

Welcome to the Brooklyn Birth pool community... although this pool isn't bound to brooklyn...that's just where it started. Families from all over the boroughs have hauled it on trains, handtrucks, cars and even their backs to enjoy the benefits of a warm bath during natural home birth. I'm not even sure how many women have labored in it, or how many babies have been born within its humble rubber blue walls. Which is one of the reasons for this blog.

My husband and I bought a tub three years ago for our daughter's birth, and thought it was a good idea to let others use it, to facilitate a growing home birth movement here in NYC and throughout the US. Since then, we've blown the manufacturer's recommendations of usage wide open, and at least 10 families have used the pool to bring their bundles of joy into this world in their own lovely homes.

This blog was created to continue to bring the community of home birthers together, share stories of our children, and to raise a little bloggy platform of activism for home birth rights and the midwifery model of care.

If you've given birth in this particular pool, please share your story with us! If you've given birth at home, or support the home birth choice, please leave your thoughts as well. And if you'd like to use the brooklyn birth pool, check out the guidelines and leave a post.

thanks, and happy home birthing!

Judi Lewis Ockler

Friday, November 5, 2010

LEAK ALERT!!

here's a report from the pool front lines: there may be a leak in the top ring of the pool, from recent birther Havalah:

Sarah, did you find that the top of the pool didn't stay inflated fully? We didn't have any issues with the bottom or middle of the pool, but couldn't keep the air to stay in the top layer. We didn't look for a leak so if it can be spotted and duct taped that would be good.

If anyone finds the leak, pls let me know-- also, I think there is a patch kit in with the instructions.

Hopefully its a false alarm....

Brooklyn Birth Pool guidelines

Since many families have reached out to ask about using the pool, I've written out a few guidelines here for everyone to follow.

First, please consider the size of the pool. It needs 6'4" x 5'6" of space and fits 2 adults.
Second, I ask that you purchase your own liner for sanitary reasons. You can go to www.waterbirth.org and purchase the Eco pool in a box brand liner (make sure you get the large/regular size). The cost is approximately $35.

You are responsible for coordinating pick up, drop off, and passing on of the pool. Chances are very good another family is using it right before/ after you! I will make sure you have the contact information for those parties, or with me if no one is ready to use it.

Also, a new family has been kind enough to donate the accessories needed for inflating, filling, emptying, and carrying the pool! Please keep all the equipment together and packed up nicely for the next family, and I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know if there's anything missing or damaged.

Lastly, There's no fee for the use of the pool, I ask only that you share your birth experience by leaving some kind of momento for the other families- a journal entry, or photo, drawing, poem- feel free to express your thoughts/feelings in whatever medium you choose- the only requirements are that it fit into the birth pool package!

Please feel free to email me at thepiratecircus@earthlink.net with any questions... If I don't respond right away, I apologize. Don't be afraid to try me again!

all the best for a happy healthy home water birth,

Judi Lewis Ockler

the birth pool reservoir

If you're reading this, chances are good you're about to give birth.

Friday, November 5, 2010

LEAK ALERT!!

The Eco Birth Pool in a Box Regular Size

BBP real birth stories!

First Brooklyn Birth pool baby-Elah Michelle Ockler

Birth Pool Calendar

Brooklyn Birth Pool guidelines

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