The simple act of getting into the pool is one of the most misunderstood aspects relating to the use water birth pools.
We’ve considered this deeply over the past 37 years and have designed water birth pools that are internationally regarded as the safest on the market.
The combination of the extra-wide rim and single step are a game changer that make Active Birth Pools safer and easier for mothers to get in and out of.
Mothers are grounded and have three points of contact at all times.
The distinctive extra-wide (15cm-20cm) rim is easy for mothers to sit on while they make the transition from land to water.
With support from her midwife mothers simply step onto the sturdy step unit turn and sit on the big, wide, comfortable rim.
They then gently swivel on the rim and into the pool – simple and safe!
There is no climbing – mothers are grounded at all times and safeguarded from risk.
The single step helps makes it even easier for mothers to get in the pool by giving them height advantage in relation to the pool .
All women no matter what their shape or size will find it exceptionally easy to get into our pools.
Mothers don’t even think about it – they move instinctively and naturally lower themselves into the water.
Midwives are safeguarded from the risk associated with physically supporting mothers.
To put this in perspective:
The average height of our pools is 75cm – about the same height as a desk or dining table.
Our 15cm high single step makes the height of the pool 60cm – the same height as an ordinary bathtub.
Warning: Risks associated with Multi-Step Units
There is a wide-spread misunderstanding that multi-step units that are equipped handrails are necessary for mothers to use for getting in and out of water birth pools.
Most birth pool companies offer big multi-step units with handrails for mothers to get in and out of their pools.
The design of their water birth pools with narrow rims and higher sides necessitates them.
Multi-step units are dangerous and in the case of Active Birth Pools unnecessary
Health and Safety experts advise against multi-step units as they present unacceptable safety risks.
They say that,
“The thought of wet room conditions with mothers in strong labour climbing up a multi-step unit, stepping over a rim and down onto a submerged plinth is abhorrent.
When not in use these these bulky step units take up too much space, obstruct movement around the pool and are present a trip hazard.”
Water safety and infection control risks you should know about before choosing a birth pool
