Pool

Abstract

An apparatus for water birthing in which an occupant of the tub is raised. The apparatus may include a tub, a stand and a connector, the tub having a floor with an outlet therethrough and a peripheral side wall, the stand being configured to support the tub, in use, at or adjacent a terminal edge or lip of the peripheral side wall such that the floor of the tub is spaced from the ground upon which the stand rests. The connector may be fluidly connected or connectable to the outlet, removably and fluidly connected or connectable to a drainage apparatus, and accessible during use of the water birthing apparatus. Assistants of an occupant of the tub have reduced distances to bend and/or reach when assisting (e.g. lifting or otherwise moving) the occupant.

Claims

1. An apparatus for water birthing, the apparatus comprising a tub, a stand and a connector, wherein the tub is configured to be separable from the stand and is separable from the stand, the tub having a floor with an outlet therethrough and a peripheral side wall, the stand being configured to removably support the tub, in use, at or adjacent a terminal edge or lip of the peripheral side wall such that the floor of the tub is spaced from the ground upon which the stand rests, wherein the connector is fluidly connected or configured to be connected to the outlet at a first end thereof, a second end thereof being removably and fluidly connected or configured to be connected to a drainage apparatus, the stand comprising a recessed portion into which the second end of the connector extends, said second end of the connector being accessible through said recessed portion and is accessible during use of the water birthing apparatus.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the tub is supported by the stand, in use, the terminal edge of the peripheral side wall of the tub has a height of greater than 920 mm above the floor or other surface upon which the stand rests.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tub comprises an out-turned lip at the terminal edge, the out-turned lip being configured to be engaged, in use, by an abutment member of the stand to thereby support the tub.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the stand comprises one or more support members having a ground engaging member at one edge and the abutment member at the opposed edge.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the one or more support members comprise a support wall configured, in use, to surround the peripheral side wall of the tub.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the floor of the tub comprises a sloped portion inclined relative to the floor or other surface upon which the stand rests, when the tub is supported by the stand, in use.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the outlet is through the sloped portion of the floor of the tub.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stand comprises an aperture for passage therethrough of the connector, where the stand is arranged or configured to be arranged, in use, such that when the stand supports the tub the outlet of the tub is aligned with or adjacent to the aperture of the stand.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a removable drainage apparatus attached or configured to be attached to the connector.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the removable drainage apparatus is attached or configured to be attached to the connector by push fit.

11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the removable drainage apparatus comprises a valve arranged or configured to be arranged to selectively allow or prevent fluid flow through the outlet.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a screen arranged or configured to be arranged to filter fluid flow, in use, through the outlet.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tub comprises an internal ledge for seating an occupant of the tub, in use, and/or for aiding ingress into and/or egress from the tub.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the internal ledge is integral with the tub.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a removable liner configured to line, in use, the internal surfaces of the tub.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the removable liner comprises a base portion from peripheral portions of which a wall portion extends, the base portion comprising a screen arranged to filter fluid flow and positioned in the base portion such that, when the liner is arranged to line the internal surface of the tub the screen is aligned or configured to be aligned with the outlet through the floor of the tub.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the screen is non-removably attached to the base portion of the removable liner.

18. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tub and/or the stand are formed from a polymer.

19. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tub and/or the stand are formed by moulding, e.g. by injection moulding or by rotational moulding.

20. An apparatus for water birthing according to claim 1, wherein the recessed portion of the stand comprises an aperture through which the second end of the connector extends.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for water birthing according to a first embodiment of the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is an alternative perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is an alternative perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

(10) FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of an apparatus for water birthing according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

(11) FIG. 10 is a plan view of an apparatus for water birthing according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(13) Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 8, there is shown an apparatus for water birthing 1 (e.g. a birthing pool) according to a first embodiment of the invention, comprising a tub 2, a stand 3, a platform 4 for kneeling, a step apparatus 5, and a drainage apparatus 6.

(14) The tub 2 comprises a floor 20, from a peripheral edge of which there extends a side wall 21. An out-turned lip 22 extends from the terminal edge 23 of the side wall 21 about the circumference of the tub 2. A return portion 24 extends from the out-turned lip 22, partially overlying the side wall 21. The tub 2 has an ovoid or oval shape, in plan (as best seen in FIG. 6). However, in embodiments, the tub 2 may have any suitable shape in plan, for example circular, polygonal, and the like. The tub 2 comprises an immersion area and a support area (as shown in FIG. 6 divided by line F). Importantly, to allow users to move relatively freely within the tub, the immersion area A1 has a greater area, in plan, than does the support area A2. The use of an ovoid or oval shape is beneficial because a user can move around the pool as the need arises, in contrast to the pools referenced above. When the tub 2 is an oval it may have a maximum length dimension x (in the direction of line A-A) and a maximum width dimension y (orthogonal to line A-A) and wherein yx2y, preferably 1.3yx1.8y. By providing a pool within the above limits we believe the tub is highly suited for use as a birth pool.

(15) As shown in FIG. 1, the tub 2 comprises an inner rebate 22A along the periphery of the side wall 21 and an outer rebate 22B along the terminal edge 23. Advantageously, the inner rebate 22A may be used as a holding point for the birthing mother to grip whilst moving into, out of, and within the tub 2. This enables greater manoeuvrability around and within the tub 2 by providing a secure and stable weight bearing point for supporting the birthing mother. An assistant may also use the inner rebate 22A and the outer rebate 22B whilst leaning into the tub to provide help to the mother and/or baby during labour and birth.

(16) As best shown in FIG. 7, the terminal edge 23 of the side wall 21 defined a first plane P.sub.1. The major portion of the floor 20 defines a second plane P.sub.2 which is inclined relative to the first plane P.sub.1. The tub 2 comprises a first, shallow end 25 and a second deep end 26. The side wall 21 has a greater height at the second, deep end 26 of the tub 2 than it does at the first, shallow end 25 thereof.

(17) As best shown in FIG. 8, an outlet 27 is provided through the floor 20 of the tub 2, at the deep end 26 thereof. In this embodiment, the floor 20 of the tub 2 is partially countersunk surrounding the outlet 27. However, in embodiments the floor 20 of the tub 2 may be free from such countersinking.

(18) A ledge 28 is located inside the tub 2, and is positioned toward the first, shallow end 25 thereof. The ledge 28 provides a support surface 28a, which is arranged such that a plane defined by the support surface 28a is substantially parallel to the plane P1 defined by the terminal edge 22 of the side wall 21. The support surface 28a can be used as a step or as a seat. Importantly, the floor 20 is free of projections which might hinder a user from adopting a certain position within the tub 2.

(19) The stand 3 comprises a support wall 30 which is configured to surround, in use, the side wall 21 of the tub 2. The support wall 30 comprises a first edge 31 and an opposed, second edge 32. The first edge 31 of the support wall 30 comprises an abutment member 32, which, in this embodiment, is an out-turned, abutment lip 32. The out-turned abutment lip 32 comprises a return portion 33, partially overlying the support wall 30. In embodiments, the abutment member 32 may have any suitable shape and/or may comprise plural separate abutment portions.

(20) The opposed, second edge 34 of the support wall 30 comprises a ground engaging member 35, which, in this embodiment, is an in-turned lip 35 (as shown in FIG. 8). Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, the ground engaging member 35 comprises one or more foot portions. In embodiments, the support wall 30 comprises one or more interruptions around its surface. In embodiments, the support wall 30 is supplemented by one or more support columns. In embodiments, the support wall 30 is replaced by plural support columns. Where the support wall 30 is replaced by plural support columns, the columns are interconnected in order to provide structural rigidity.

(21) The stand 3 comprises first and second ends 36, 37. The support wall 30 comprises a recessed portion 38 at the second end 37 of the stand 3, adjacent the second edge 34 of the support wall 30. The recessed portion 38 comprises a recessed support wall 38a connected to the main portion of the support wall 30 by a connection wall 38b. The connection wall 38b defines a plane which is substantially orthogonal to the main portion of the support wall 30. An aperture 38c is provided through the thickness of the connection wall 38b. The aperture 38c has a similar shape to that of the outlet 27 through the floor 20 of the tub 2, and has a size which is equal to or greater than the outlet 27. The aperture 38c through the connection wall 38b is positioned such that, when the tub 2 is positioned on and in the stand 3, with the second, deep end 26 of the tub 2 at the second end 37 of the stand 3, the outlet 27 in the floor 20 of the tub 2 aligns with the aperture 38c through the connection wall 38b of the stand 3 (as shown in FIG. 8).

(22) The stand 3 is configured to surround the tub 2, in use. The stand 3 has a similar ovoid shape, in plan, to that of the tub 2, but with a slightly larger length and width. In embodiments, where the shape of the tub 2 is other than an ovoid the shape of the stand 3 will be similar to that of the tub 2 and will be configured to closely surround the tub 2.

(23) The platform 4 for kneeling comprises a bearing surface 40 supported by platform walls 41. In embodiments, the bearing surface 40 may be supported by plural legs in addition or alternatively to the platform walls 41. The bearing surface 40 is provided with a cushioning layer 42, which may be formed from a foam or sponge and covered by a cover layer. One of the platform walls 41 is shaped to conform to the shape of the outer surface of a support wall 30 of the stand 3. In embodiments, platform walls 41 may extend around only part of the circumference of the bearing surface 40, for example one side of the bearing surface 40 may be free from a platform wall 41.

(24) The step apparatus 5 comprises a stair portion 50 and a hand rail 51. The stair portion 50 comprises plural steps 52 (two, in this embodiment) positioned at different relative heights. In embodiments, the stair portion 50 may comprise a single step 52 or may comprise any suitable number of steps 52, for example three or more steps 52. Each step 52 comprises a tread surface 52a and a riser 52b. A step wall 53 obverse to the risers 52b is shaped to conform to the outer surface of the support wall 30 of the stand 3. In embodiments, the stair portion 50 may not include a step wall 53 obverse to the risers 52b. The hand rail 51 comprises a rail member 54 supported at either end by rail legs 55. The rail legs 55 are attached to the stair portion 50 at their free ends. The hand rail 51 may be formed from metal, e.g. stainless steel. In embodiments, the hand rail 51 may be formed from, or at least partially covered by a layer of, a polymer.

(25) The tub 2, the stand 3, platform 4 and the stair portion 50 are preferably formed from a polymer and, in embodiments, are formed by injection or rotational moulding.

(26) The apparatus for water birthing 1 comprises a connector 7 for connecting the outlet 27 of the tub 2 to the drainage apparatus 6.

(27) The connector 7 comprises a tube 70 having a first, sealing end 71 and a second, connection end 72. The first, sealing end 71 comprises, in this embodiment, a sealing member which comprises a flange 73 which extends radially and outwardly. The flange 73 is secured to the floor 20 of the tub 2 such that it surrounds the outlet 27 in a fluid tight sealing manner. Securement of the connector 7 to the floor 20 of the tub 2 may be effected by any suitable means, for example using adhesive, etc. The bore of the tube 70 includes an annular rebate 74 at an adjacent the first, sealing end 71. The bore of the connector is smooth and substantially free from interruptions and/or projections.

(28) As shown in more detail in FIG. 8, the drainage apparatus 6 comprises a screen member 60, a first valve 61, a second valve 62, a drainage tube 63 and a spillage collector 64.

(29) The screen member 60 comprises a grill 60 in this embodiment. The grill 60 is shaped and sized to fit within the annular recess 74 in the bore of the connector 7, and to extend across the width of said bore. Prior to use, the grill 60 is removably installed within the first, sealing end 71 of the connector 7. Apertures through the grill 70 are sized in order to allow, during drainage, a relatively free flow of water therethrough but to prevent the passage of contaminating matter, such as faecal matter.

(30) The first valve 61 is an isolating valve, in this embodiment, and includes first and second connection sockets 61a, 61b. In embodiments, the first valve 61 may be any suitable type of valve, for example it may be a pinch valve, gate valve or the like. The first valve 61 comprises a control member 61c on its outer surface for controlling opening and closing of the first valve 61. The second valve 62 is a pinch valve, in this embodiment, and is located or locatable about the drainage tube 63, in use. The second valve 62 comprises a control member 62a on its outer surface for controlling operation of the second valve 62.

(31) The drainage tube 63 comprises a first, attachment end 63a and a second, distal end (not shown) for positioning at a waste water disposal destination. The drainage tube 63 is preferably formed from plastic tubing, which, in this embodiment, is at least partially deformable. The first, attachment end 63a of the drainage tube 63 is formed, in this embodiment, from a relatively more rigid material than is the remainder of the drainage tube 63. In this embodiment, the drainage tube 63 has a substantially flat cross-section when fluid is not flowing therethrough (e.g. when the tube 63 is not at least partially inflated). However, in embodiments, the drainage tube 63 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape when fluid is not flowing therethrough, for example circular, ovoid, and the like.

(32) The spillage collector 64 comprises a drip tray 64a with an outlet conduit 64b extending from one side thereof. The outlet conduit 64b is connected or connectable at its free end (not shown) to a waste water disposal destination. In embodiments, the spillage collector 64 is provided without an outlet conduit 64b and instead the drip tray 64a is configured to retain any waste water spilled thereinto, prior to its disposal therefrom. The drip tray 64a is sized and shaped to be positioned, in use, underneath the outlet 27 in the floor 20 of the tub 2.

(33) Prior to use, the apparatus 1 is transported to a site of use, typically in a disassembled condition. The apparatus 1 is then assembled at the site of use, for example at the home of a mother-to-be or in a hospital. The connector 7 is secured to the floor 20 of the tub 2, as described above. The stand 3 is then positioned on a substantially flat surface. The tub 2 is installed on and in the stand 3, such that the out-turned abutment lip 32 of the stand supports 3 the out-turned lip 22 of the tub 2. In this way the tub 2 is supported by the stand 3 with the floor 20 of the tub 2 spaced from the ground upon which the stand 3 rests. The first, connection end 72 of the connector 7 extends through the aperture 38c in the connection wall 38b of the stand 3. The first, connection socket 61a of the first valve 61 is attached to the connector 7 by push fit onto the first, connection end 72 thereof. The first, attachment end 63a of the drainage tube 63 is attached to the first valve 61 by push fit into the second, connection socket 61b. The second end of the drainage tube 63 is located at or toward a site of waste birthing water disposal or storage. The spillage collector 64 is located beneath the outlet 27 in the floor 20 of the tub 2. The platform 4 and the step apparatus 5 are positioned adjacent the support wall 30 of the stand 3.

(34) In this installed condition, the out-turned lip 22 of the tub 2 has a first height d.sub.1 above the ground upon which the stand 3 rests. The out-turned lip 22 of the tub 2 has a second height d.sub.2 above the floor 20 of the tub 2 at the second, deep end 26 thereof. The difference between the first and second heights d.sub.1, d.sub.2 is the distance by which the floor 20 at the deep end 26 of the tub 2 is spaced from the ground upon which the stand 3 rests. In embodiments, the first distance d.sub.1 is between about 920 and 1400 mm, say between about 900 or 920 and 1200 mm, for example between 900 and 1100 mm. In embodiments, the second distance d.sub.2 is between about 500 and 800 mm. In embodiments, the ratio of the first distance d.sub.1 to the second distance d.sub.2 is between about 1:1 and 1:2.

(35) Before a mother-to-be uses the apparatus 1 the first valve 61 is closed, to prevent fluid flow therethrough, by hand manipulation of the control member 61c. The tub 2 is then filled with water.

(36) A mother-to-be enters the tub 2 by climbing up the step apparatus 5, optionally using the hand rail 51 to aid her balance. The ledge 28 toward the first, shallow end 25 of the tub 2 provides a step within the tub 2 which aids the mother-to-be entering thereinto. An assistant can assist the mother-to-be entering and exiting the tub 2 and during the birthing procedure therewithin. The assistant may be at least partially supported on the platform 4. In particular the assistant may kneel on the platform 4.

(37) Advantageously, by raising the tub 2 relative to the ground or other surface upon which the stand 3 rests, the mother-to-be is relatively higher than she would otherwise be, when she is located in the tub 2, relative to said ground. Accordingly, the vertical distance by which the assistant(s) are required to bend and/or reach during assistance is relatively reduced. Reduction of this bending and/or reaching distance has been found to relatively reduce the risk of injury occurring to the assistant(s) and/or the mother-to-be, and to relatively increase the comfort of the assistants during the birthing procedure.

(38) Provision of the platform 4 adjacent the tub 2 has been found to beneficially aid reaching of the assistant(s) into and/or across the tub 2, in order to assist the mother-to-be. The platform 4 allows the assistant(s) to maintain a more upright position of their upper torso whilst assisting the mother-to-be. The risk of injury (for example to the back(s) of the assistant(s)) is thereby relatively reduced, whilst the assistant(s) are also in a stronger position to aid the mother-to-be such that relatively greater weights may be more readily lifted. Furthermore, provision of the platform 4 reduces the rate at which the assistant(s) become fatigued whilst assisting the mother-to-be. Accordingly, the assistant(s) using the apparatus 1 are less likely to become exhausted than are assistant(s) using prior art birthing pools. Hence, the assistant(s) using the apparatus 1 are less likely to suffer an injury at least partially caused by fatigue.

(39) When the birthing procedure has ended the woman leaves the tub 2. This exit is typically assisted by the assistant(s). The assistant(s) may be at least partially supported on a platform 4 as described above. For example, in embodiments of this invention plural platforms 4 may be provided.

(40) After the birthing process the waste water must be drained from the tub 2. The first valve 61 and the second valve 62 are moved into open positions such that water may flow therethrough.

(41) Raising the tub 2 up from the ground or other supporting surface upon a stand 3 allows the shape of the floor 20 of the tub 2 to be non-parallel relative to the plane P.sub.1 defined by the terminal edge 23 of the side walls 21. Beneficially, it has been found that by inclining the floor 20 of the tub 2, with respect to the ground upon which the stand 3 rests, waste water is more effectively drained therefrom. By positioning the outlet 27 in the floor 20 of the tub 2 at a location at or adjacent the second, deep end 26 of the tub 2 a pool of waste water is prevented from remaining within the tub 2 subsequent to draining. Furthermore, by raising the tub 2 up from the ground the potential energy of water contained therein is increased and hence drainage of that water is more readily, completely and/or rapidly accomplished via the effect of gravity.

(42) Raising the tub 2 up off of the ground has also been found to beneficially allow for the use of a relatively less complex drainage apparatus 6, which does not require the use of a pump (in contrast to prior art systems). The drainage apparatus 6 of the invention is entirely gravity fed, using the potential energy of the water within the tub 2 to effect drainage and accordingly does not require the assistance of a pump. Prior art birthing pools which require a pump to effect drainage are necessarily more complex and expensive and relatively more at risk of failure. Accordingly, the apparatus 1 for water birthing according to the invention is less expensive and more reliable than such prior art birthing pools.

(43) The simple arrangement of the drainage apparatus 6 is enabled by the presence of a space underneath the floor 20 of the tub 2, which is itself a consequence of the tub 2 being raised by the stand 3 above the level of the ground. Furthermore, ensuring that the connector 7 is relatively short in length enables the first valve 61 and drainage tube 63 to be attached therebeneath (in use) without fouling the ground upon which the stand is located.

(44) Advantageously, it has been found that the relatively simple drainage apparatus 6 according to the invention allows for more rapid and complete cleaning of the apparatus 1 for water birthing than is the case with prior art drainage systems. Due to the push-fit connection between the various components the drainage apparatus 6 can be rapidly disconnected and disassembled after use, thereby providing a quick release drainage system 6. Furthermore, because the drainage tube 63 is inexpensive (due in part to being formed from inexpensive materials) it may be disposed of after a single use. Consequently, the drainage tube 63 does not require cleaning, further speeding up the cleaning process. Moreover, the first valve 61 and the connector 7 have an uncomplicated shape which is well-suited to rapid and effective cleaning. In particular, the smooth bore of the connector 7 aids with cleaning thereof. In embodiments, the first valve 61 may not be provided and, instead, the flow of fluid through the drainage apparatus 6 may be controlled by the second valve 62 only. In this way, the drainage apparatus 6 may be simplified even further and consequently the cleaning process may be sped up yet further.

(45) Ensuring that the drainage apparatus 6 is accessible during use, enables the open/closed condition of the first valve 61 to be easily seen and, furthermore, this condition can be rapidly altered as desired (for example in the event of an emergency). Furthermore, the drainage apparatus 6 is consequently more easily and/or rapidly connected and disconnected from the connector 7. The apparatus 1 may, therefore, be more easily installed at a site of use without the need for more substantial, permanent and/or expensive plumbing arrangements.

(46) Beneficially, the drainage apparatus 6 according to the invention does not require the use of electricity. Prior art birthing apparatus which utilize electrically driven pumps in order to drain waste water from a tub necessarily require electrical connection. As will be appreciated, the juxtaposition of water and electricity increases the risk of injury to persons nearby by electric shock. By removing the requirement for an electrically driven pump, the apparatus 1 for water birthing according to the invention mitigates this risk.

(47) Provision of a support wall 30 on the stand 3 which extends around a major portion (and in this embodiment the entirety) of the side wall 21 of the tub 2 provides a protective barrier against impact damage of the side wall 21.

(48) Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown part of an apparatus for water birthing 11 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, wherein like features are identified by like references preceded by a 1, which will not be described herein further. The apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 9 differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that a removable liner 18 is provided.

(49) The removable liner 18 comprises a base portion 18a from peripheral edges of which a wall portion 18b extends. The wall portion 18b comprises a rim (not shown) which is configured to engage, in use, the out-turned lip 122 of the tub 12. The removable liner 18 is sized and shaped to closely conform to the internal surfaces of the tub 12, for example such that the removable liner 18 lines said internal surfaces.

(50) The removable liner 18 comprises an outlet port 18c extending from the base portion 18a and arranged to align with the outlet 127 through the floor 120 of the tub 12 when the removable liner 18 is installed thereinto. A screen member 18d, which in this embodiment is a grill 18d, is located inside the bore of the outlet port 18c. When the removable liner 18 is installed in the tub 12 the outlet port 18c projects through the outlet 127 in the floor 120 of the tub 12. The outlet port 18c may comprise a seal 18e on an outer surface thereof for sealing between the outlet port 18c and the outlet 127 in the floor 120 of the tub 12.

(51) Beneficially, after using the apparatus for water birthing, the removable liner 18 is rapidly and easily removable from the tub 12. The removable liner 18 may be disposed of after use, thereby beneficially further speeding up the process of cleaning the apparatus 11.

(52) The screen member 18d of the removable liner 18 and/or the removable liner 18 itself may usefully retain matter for further analysis. In such a circumstance the removable liner 18 may not be disposed of after use but may instead be retained so that the contents thereof may be analysed.

(53) Referring now to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, there is shown an apparatus for water birthing 101 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. A apparatus 101 comprises a tub 102, a stand 103 and drainage apparatus 124. The tub 102 is shown comprising a floor 1020, an internal ledge 1028, a side wall 1021 and a terminal edge 1023. An outlet 125 extends through the floor 1020 of the tub 102. The apparatus 101 comprises a connector 126 for connecting the outlet 125 of the tub 102 to the drainage apparatus 124. The stand 103 comprises a drainage housing 123, in this embodiment.

(54) A stair apparatus (shown as integer 5 in FIG. 6) and a platform (shown as integer 4 in FIG. 6) for kneeling are not shown but may also be included with the apparatus 101, if desired.

(55) In this embodiment, the drainage apparatus 124 comprises overflow pipework. However, if desired, the overflow pipework may be omitted from this embodiment. In this embodiment, the drainage apparatus 124 may be reusable, for example one or more component thereof may be reusable. However, if desired the apparatus 101 may comprise drainage apparatus 6 similar to that described in respect of FIG. 1.

(56) The drainage housing 123 is positioned to at least partially enclose the drainage apparatus 124. The drainage housing 123 comprises an openable or removable portion, thereby providing access to the drainage apparatus 124 whilst the apparatus for water birthing 101 is in use. In embodiments of this invention, one or more portion or panel of the drainage housing 123 may be hingeably attached to the remainder of the drainage housing 123 and/or to the stand 103. In this way the drainage apparatus 124 may be protected (for example from damage from impacts) whilst still remaining accessible during use of the apparatus 101. In embodiments. However, within broader aspects of this invention the drainage housing 123 may be omitted from the apparatus 101.

(57) The tub 102 further comprises orientation points 80 and bracing portions 81. The orientation points 80 comprise rebates extending into the tub's 101 side wall 1021 and terminal edge 1023. The bracing portions 81 comprise projections upstanding from the tub 101. The projections comprise ribs, in this embodiment. The bracing portions 81 are located at the intersection of the floor 1020 and the side wall 1021 of the tub 102. In this embodiment, the bracing portions 81 are formed integrally with the tub 102. However, if desired, the bracing portions 81 may be attached or attachable to the tub 102.

(58) Advantageously, the orientation points 80 and/or bracing portions 81 may provide hand holds and/or foot holds for the birthing mother to grip and/or push against whilst moving into, out of, and/or within the tub 102. This enables greater manoeuvrability around and within the tub 102 by providing a secure and stable weight bearing point for supporting the birthing mother. Further, a birthing mother may position and/or reposition herself more rapidly and/or precisely through use of the orientation points 80 and/or bracing portions 81. Additionally, an assistant may grip or otherwise engage the orientation points 80, for example whilst leaning into the tub to provide help to the mother and/or baby during labour and/or birth. Further, a birthing mother may at least partially brace or otherwise support herself against one or more of the orientation points 80 and/or bracing portions 81.

(59) An inner rebate 122A and an outer rebate 122B are also provided on the tub 102 as an additional means for the birthing mother to grip with either her hands or feet. These may be used as weight bearing points for the birthing mother to use to provide stability and comfort when she is sitting or lying in different positions, and also provide greater control when moving within the tub 102.

(60) The apparatus 105 shown in FIG. 10 differs from that shown in FIG. 6 in that the tub has a different shape in plan view, with the ledge 1028 (ledge 28 in FIG. 6) located at a side of the tub 102. The shape of the tub 102 is now a distorted oval shape, in plan, comprising an immersion area A1 and a support area A2 (divided by line F). The length L of the tub 102 is not obstructed or hindered by the ledge 1028. Advantageously, this design provides a relatively large space for the birthing mother to have freedom of movement, allowing her to stretch out and rest against the internal surfaces of the side wall 1021 using the entire length L of the tub 102, without needing to rest against the ledge 1028. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be preferred by some birthing mothers, whereas others may prefer the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, in which the ledge 28 is located at the end of the tub 2.

(61) In certain embodiments, the tub of FIGS. 10 and 11 may have a lower profile (e.g. height above the ground) than do the tubs of earlier embodiments. In certain embodiments the tub may have a terminal edge which is spaced from the surface upon which the stand rests by say 700 to 1000 mm, preferably from 700 to 800 mm.

(62) It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the tub 2, 12, stand 3, 13, platform 4 and stair apparatus 5 are shown as being separate components they need not be and instead some or all of the components may be fixed to or integral with one another.

(63) Additionally or alternatively, the support wall 30, 130 of the stand 3, 13 may be absent a recessed portion 38, 138 and may instead comprise a cut-out portion at the second end 37 of the stand 3, 13. Additionally or alternatively, the drainage apparatus 6, 16 may be provided without either the first or second valve 61, 161, 62, 162.

(64) Additionally or alternatively, more than one platform 4 may be provided.

(65) Orientation points and/or bracing portions may be provided on any of the aforementioned embodiments.

(66) It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.