Having a baby at home can be a beautiful and fulfilling experience. Getting the home birth supplies ready is a great way to fill time at the end of the pregnancy and help a woman gear herself up for the hard work of labor and the ultimate joy of bringing her baby into the world in a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment.
Basic Home Birth Supplies
Most midwives will have a list of birth supplies to be collected by clients depending on what they provide themselves when attending the birth. In general, however, midwifery clients will need to have some basic home birth supplies on hand, including:
Sheets. Some midwives recommend having two sets of flat and fitted sheets, plus pillowcases available to keep the bed clean and comfortable. A plastic sheet or liner big enough to cover the bed is also needed. One good idea for keeping the bed clean is to make the bed up two weeks before the due date as follows: put the fitted and flat sheet on the bed, covered with the plastic sheet, then another fitted and flat sheet. During the birth, if the water breaks on the bed or it is otherwise soiled, the top sheet set and plastic can be easily removed and the bed is already clean and made up for mom after delivery.
Towels. Set aside six to eight old towels and four to five washcloths. If a water birth is planned, add three to five additional towels. Towels and other linens do not need to be sterile.
Baby Items. In a separate bag, pack the items the baby will need soon after birth. These include two receiving blankets, two outfits, two soft cotton caps, two washcloths, and four old receiving blankets or towels. Also include newborn-sized cloth or disposable diapers and wipes.
Sanitary pads. One package of super absorbent maxi pads should be available. If the midwife does not supply adult diapers, having a couple of those on hand as well is beneficial. A pack of Chux pads, absorbent liners to protect bed linens, is also recommended.
Large disposable container. A disposable container (such as a large, empty ice cream tub or foil baking pan) may be needed for storage and disposal of the placenta. The midwives may be able to handle placenta disposal, or it can be buried.
Breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding herbs, nursing pads, nipple cream or ointment, nursing bra, and pump (if using) should be onhand to avoid last minute inconvenient trips after the birth. It is also a good idea to have the name and phone number of a local lactation consultant or La Leche League leader handy.
Trash Bags. Two to three large trash bags will be needed for trash and soiled linens.
Some additional supplies to have on hand for a homebirth include:
- Toilet paper. Keep a couple of extra rolls with the birth supplies.
- KY or other lubricating jelly, unopened
- antibiotics, if using for a positive GBS (Group Strep B bacteria) result
- flashlight (with batteries)
- mirror (so the mother can see the baby’s head crowning)
- two new squirt bottles (for cleansing the perineum after using the toilet postpartum)
- Tylenol and ibuprofen. The midwife can advise on the use of these over-the-counter pain relievers for postpartum pain and/or breast engorgement.
- Camera and film or empty memory card. Camera battery should be new or fully charged.
- Videocamera and tripod. Videocamera battery should be new or fully charged.
Preparing for a Home Birth
Aside from the physical preparations, it is important to make arrangements for things like the care of older children (and perhaps a “present” from the new baby), emergency back-up plans for transportation to the hospital (including an installed infant car seat for the baby), and a birth plan to keep handy so those around the mother can know her wishes. Homebirthing moms may also want to consider arranging for additional home birth supplies for water birth, recommended food and drink, and items to assist with comfort during labor.
Last of all, keep some good, positive books on the bedside table for reading before bed each night, or during early labor. Low stress and a positive attitude can go a long way towards creating a joyful, safe, and satisfying birth experience.
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