Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of using a labor tub?
Many women find that warm water immersion enhances relaxation during and between contractions, often leading to less need for pain medication. Buoyancy can reduce pressure on the abdomen, promoting better circulation and more efficient contractions. The tub also increases mobility so that it is easier to change positions to aid in the progress of labor. Some women also choose to have water births

Why should I rent a tub when my hospital has Jacuzzi tubs?
While the Jacuzzi tubs at hospitals and birthing centers are larger than household tubs, they still only accomodate one person and do not facillitate position changes. Our tubs are spacious enough to accomodate the presence of a supportive partner or midwife, if desired, and the soft foam sides and bottoms of our tubs are much easier on the body than hard-sided Jacuzzi tubs.

What services are provided by Labor Tubs Northwest?
Labor Tubs Northwest (LTN) delivers a specialized, portable labor tub to your home or hospital room. Our service includes setup, support, cleaning, takedown, and removal of tubs. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week for tub delivery.

When should I call for the tub to be delivered?
For health reasons, warm water should not be maintained for more than 24 hours. Therefore, it is crucial that LTN not be called until active labor is established. Call your birthing professional first. When they have confirmed you are in labor, call LTN.

What is the rental period?
LTN will work with you and your birth professional to determine when it is time to deliver and set up your tub. Typically, you may keep the tub until the birth is complete and then call LTN to arrange pick up. In the unusual circumstance that labor is not progressed after 24 hours, LTN will reassess the situation. At that point, the tub may be drained or refilled, or picked up and delivered again at a later time for an additional fee.

What does the tub look like?
LTN uses AquaDoula tubs. They have a hard plastic shell wrapped around a soft foam interior. A sturdy re-usable liner wraps the whole tub and a disposable liner wraps it a second time. A circular foam pad is used as a base.

What are the physical speicifications of the tub?
Diameter:                            54 inches (4.5 feet)
Height:                                 24 inches (2 feet)
Water level:                         18 inches
Water temperature:            99-101 degrees F
Water capacity:                  175 gallons (approx)
Filled weight:                      1450 pounds (approx)

How much space should I allow for the tub?
We need to be able to walk completely around the tub during set-up, so you should allow an area 7 feet by 7 feet.  After the tub is set up, but before it is filled with water, it can be shifted closer to a wall or into a corner.  Once the tub has water in it, it cannot be moved.

How is the tub filled and temperature maintained?
The tub should ideally be within 35 feet of a combined hot and cold faucet and within five feet of an electrical outlet to plug in the heater. It should be filled with water close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A waterbed heater helps to maintain water temperature.

How do I get in and out of the tub?
The tub walls are 2 feet high and firm. Stepping into and out of the tub is not difficult for most people. LTN suggests that mothers be assisted.

How much does it cost to rent a tub?
The normal tub rental fee is $276 plus tax ($300.56).

For those in outlying areas, or those expecting a very fast labor, we offer a limited number of extended rentals, for an additional fee.

When should I make a reservation?
LTN recommends making a reservation at least four weeks prior to your due date. For those who call to receive a tub during labor and have not previously made a reservation, a $50 late registration fee is applied. Late registration is arranged on a space available basis.

What is LTN's refund policy?
Full refunds are gladly provided to any client who cancels at least 14 days prior to her due date. A client who cancels less that two weeks before her due date, who does not request delivery of a reserved tub, or whose labor prevents us from setting up a tub after arrival, is refunded $226 plus tax. No refund is available once the tub is set up at a specified location.