Waterbirth/homebirth how do I protect the carpet/mattress - Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Forums ~ BellyBelly

puffin · #1 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2008, 11:59 AM

I am planning a home waterbirth.

At the moment I am living in a rented appartment and it has cream coloured carpet throughout. There is no way I can fit the pool in either of the bathrooms.

I was after some tips on saving my carpet and also how to protect my mattress if I decide to labour on the bed.

Any experiences would be appreciated.

Cheers
Merrie

Schmickers · #2 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2008, 01:39 PM

Try buying a plastic drop sheet, the same that painters use - $3 from Bunnings, and they're quite large. If you don't like the feel of plastic, cover it with an old sheet as well.

Alina0210 · #3 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2008, 08:16 PM

i had a homewater birth 6 weeks ago (YAY)... anyway.. we are in a rental too, and he lounge room where we set the pool up has creamish coloured carpet too... the pool came with a capet liner, and then i also bought a bunch of plastic drop sheets from bunnings, they cost about $2 each... also on top of them we grabbed a bunched of old towels (they ended up washing really clean)... also make sure you have a doona or blankets for after the birth, i was a bit chilly.

Kristin27 · #4 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2008, 08:29 PM

Drop sheets are good, or for the bed you could use a shower curtain for something bigger? Or for something not as plastic you could get a cheap table cloth, you know the ones with the plastic on one side and fabric-ish on the other?

lilias · #5 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2008, 08:40 PM

How about a tarp?

Cricket · #6 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2008, 08:44 PM

My midwives suggested that I make up the bed with a set of clean sheets, then put down a shower curtain, then another set of sheets. That way, after baby is born, you can just strip off the dirty top set of sheets, and crawl into a clean bed.
The carpet can be covered with a drop cloth, as others suggested, or I've heard of people using old quilts...?
I also gave birth in the water at home (lovely choice!

) but I used my own bath tub, so that wasn't an issue so much for me.
As far as chills after birth - get someone to put some blankets in the dryer when baby is just about here, both for you and the little one. They feel WONDERFUL!!!

All the best for a great birth!

hoobley · #7 (**permalink**) July 23rd, 2008, 09:25 PM

IKEA shower curtain 1.49GBP. I bought 2, one on the bed (which she was born onto) and one on the (wooden) floors for when i was rocking on hands and knees. I still have the one she was born onto (i pooped on the other one during the early 2nd stage and even though it cleaned up fine, we threw it away

), it's in the cupboard for the next babe to be born onto

Bx