I had a tub at RWH both times. First time, didnt use it. Second time, got to use it after intervention from our IM. Apparently they don't have a 'policy' for using the tub in a stillbirth. FFS. So I was allowed to labour in the tub, but not allowed to birth. My team, including DH, IM and Mum were back and forth to the staff kitchen filling up jugs of hot water to pour into the bath, as the water was only lukewarm. What's the point of using water as pain relief if it's cold? At least we had our IM, both times. Irrespective of place of birth, I wouldn't birth without our IM. No way, no how.

Anyhoo. I dont believe that a hospital birth can come close to a HB. I just see HB as the standard other environments should be reaching for. Yanno, in an ideal world. In my dream world, I'd birth at home, in or out of a birth pool, with only my chosen support people around me, rather than strangers rostered on for a shift. I wish I could have that, but with our history and fear etc, it's not going to happen next time and I won't have a baby just to have a HB, ITMS. I do like the idea of hiring a birth pool for use at home and then transferring at the last minute.... and maybe baby slipping out at home anyway. oops.

We'll cross that bridge if we ever manage to get there.