Are liners for birth pools only for single use?

Yes – but there's one important exception you should know.

A liner for a birth pool is a disposable cover that lines the entire pool and is discarded after the birth. The liner is there to ensure a hygienic environment for the birthing person and the baby. And the general perception is therefore that liners for birth pools are something you may only use once – full stop.

And yes, that of course also applies during the birth itself. Hygiene and safety are absolutely crucial.

But there is actually one exception that makes good sense and saves you unnecessary trouble.

You must test your birth pool – and here’s the smartest way to do it

Once your birth pool has arrived, I always recommend that you test the entire setup well in advance of the birth.

It’s not just about checking that the pool holds air and water, but also about becoming familiar with both the pool and the process of filling and emptying it:
How do you fill it? How long does it take? And most importantly – how does it feel to sit in the warm water?

For the test, you can actually advantageously use the same liner you plan to give birth in.

“But won’t the liner get dirty then?”

No – and this is where the exception makes sense.

When you test the tub, some bacteria from your own skin will naturally get into the water, but they are your own bacteria, and the small amount of bacteria that might get on the liner poses no risk during birth – neither for you nor your baby. There are also no waste products in the water, as during the actual birth. You just sit in it for a moment, feel the warmth of the water, and then empty it afterwards.

By using your liner during the test, you avoid having to clean the tub after the test, as the liner protects the tub.

Therefore it’s actually best to test with liner

• The liner protects the pool from unnecessary strain, helping you prevent damage or leaks.
• You get a realistic experience of what it will be like during the birth.
• You don’t have to clean the pool afterwards – just drain the water and you’re ready for the birth.
• Remember to dry the liner thoroughly after use.
  

It is both practical and safe.

But – this only applies to the heavy-duty liners

This trick applies only to heavy-duty liners, such as the original La Bassine liners and original Saga liners.
They are extra strong, with a thickness of 0.22 mm and have welded seams, which makes them sturdy enough to handle both testing and the birth itself.

I would not recommend doing the same with the thinner “bag liners”. I simply don’t have experience with whether they can withstand that kind of strain several times without leaking.

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In short: 

Liners are for single use with one important exception:

You can advantageously use your original Saga/La Bassine liner when testing your pool before birth.

It protects the pool, saves you cleaning, and gives you peace of mind because you know everything is working as it should.

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💧 Tip

When you test the pool, make sure to:

• That the pool is level and stable.
• That the bottom is inflated before you sit down.
• That there is water in the pool.

That way you get a safe, cosy little dress rehearsal for the birth and a pool you know you can rely on when it really matters.

Are you ready for the birth?

Have you already got hold of a birth pool, or are you still in the research phase? We offer birth pools both for rent and to buy. Whether you prefer one or the other is largely a matter of taste. There are advantages to both choices. If you need help deciding whether to buy or rent, you can take a look at my article “Rent or buy a birth pool? What makes most financial sense?”

Preparation is absolutely crucial when it comes to birth – whether at home or in hospital. The time after birth can be tough – with a postpartum body, healing and the start of breastfeeding. I’ve gathered lots of great products that can help both mother and baby through this transformative time. You’ll find them here: The postpartum body