Home Birth Supplies:
We recommend gathering supplies by 36 weeks of pregnancy. Please keep your Birth Kit Supplies together and be sure that everyone knows where it is located. Be sure to ask your midwives what supplies they give to you and what you should buy on your own.
6-12 old towels (you’ll need the larger amount if you plan to use a tub)
6+ washcloths
2 extra, washable blankets for your bed
2 extra fitted sheets- We recommend placing one fitted sheet on the bed, then a shower curtain, then a second fitted sheet.
Clothes to labor in
Clothes for after birth
Clothes for baby
6-8 receiving blankets
Baby wipes and diapers
Large trash bags
Bottle of hydrogen peroxide
Large maxi pads
Maternity panties
Ziploc gallon freezer bags
2 baking sheets
Disinfecting wipes
A strong flashlight
A few bowls or buckets (for the placenta, vomiting, and cool cloths)
Optional: frozen pads (padsicles), tea bags for bath after (or sitz bath herbs), camera, selection of music, candles, a birth ball, a crockpot (for warm washcloths).
Snack Ideas for Labor and Immediately Postpartum:
Frozen fruit- Grapes, oranges, melon, apples
Yogurt
Cottage cheese
Hot cereal
Bone broth
Eggs
Peanut butter
Whole-grain crackers/ Toast
Electrolyte drinks or homemade Labor-Aid
Coconut water
Popsicles
Energy bars
Honey
Creating a Birth Space:
Create a birth plan- Include plans for siblings and pets
Cleaning surfaces, and areas that are thought to possibly be labored in.
Clean bathroom/toilet.
Ensure that there is an extra pair of sheets to replace the used ones during labor.
Candles (battery-powered preferred) and/or dim lights
Affirmations
Emergency plans:
Make sure that there is a clear entrance and exit to the home.
Having a go-bag in case of hospital transfer (think about Covid-19 and restrictions that might apply).
Child care for other children in the house.
Ensure the car seat is properly secured.
Resources:
Websites:
How to Make Labor Aid- https://mommypotamus.com/how-to-make-a-labor-aid-electrolyte-drink/
Preparing for Birth- https://midwiferytraditions.com/preparing-for-birth/
Birth kit:
One Cascade- https://www.1cascade.com/search?q=birth+kit
In His Hands- www.inhishands.com
References
The Association of Ontario Midwives. (2020). Home Birth Supplies Checklist. https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/checklist-home-birth-supplies
Horn A. Fathers and homebirth. Homebirth reference site. Available from: http://www.homebirth.org.uk/blokes.htm [last accessed 9 October 2018].