This article is part of my homebirth series, written to help parents and others get factual answers to their questions about birthing at home.
One of the most common questions I get asked is “What will I need for a homebirth?” There are two answers that I give, depending on who’s asking. Answer one is “Ask your midwife, she will have a list or can tell you where to get a birth kit.”. Answer two is “Towels. Lots of towels.”
Humor aside, when you are planning a midwife-assisted homebirth, most likely that midwife will make sure that you have what you need. Around the time the 3rd trimester begins (around 27 weeks) you will get a list from her and she will go over the supplies you need for your homebirth. Most midwives will recommend a company where you can purchase your homebirth supplies. Some homebirth supply companies offer kits that meet the specifications of your midwife. This makes it very easy to get many of the supplies your midwife recommends.
Every midwife is a little bit different. Some want more supplies than others. Sometimes these supplies won’t make sense to you, but all you have to worry about is getting your homebirth kit. The midwife will do all the rest.
All you typically have to do is input your midwife’s name on the website and her homebirth kit will be made available for purchase. You can also call them and get it that way.
Your homebirth kit may include things like cord clamps, gloves, lubricant, gauze, chux pads, a baby hat, a footprint kit, straws, a thermometer, and other things like that.
If you intend to have a waterbirth, talk to your midwife to find out what you’ll need to do for the pool. Some midwives have pools or birth tubs that they teach you how to set up before the birth. Some will tell you where to order a birth tub for rent or where to buy a pool. There are certain specifications for pools for a birth, but I was able to get my birthing pool at the local toy store. It should be deep, it should have an inflatable bottom, and it should have thick, sturdy sides. Not too big, not too small, somewhere in the middle is just right. You can get them online cheaply too, but you have to wait for them to arrive.
Besides the birth kit (and possibly the pool and faucet kit), she will also give you a list of homebirth supplies that you will have to pick up. Some of these will have to be cleaned thoroughly before you use them for your homebirth. It isn’t as hard as it sounds.
On this list will be several items.
Towels are always on the list. We joke about towels, but they’re very important. You don’t need to spend a fortune, just check the house or head to a garage sale or a thrift store and pick up some old towels. The reason you don’t use your good towels is because it can stain them.
Sheets are also usually on the list. If you may deliver on your bed, you’ll want a bottom sheet that you won’t mind throwing away. Again, this is in case of stains. You can pick these up when you pick up your towels.
A bowl. You might be willing to use of your kitchen bowls, but be warned that a placenta is going in it. If this makes you squeamish, pick up a bowl too.
Baby supplies: Hat, socks, first outfit (including an undershirt), and diapers. You should have these on hand by the time you deliver.
Receiving blankets. These are for bundling up your wee one.
Drop cloth. Any waterproof tarp will do. This either goes on your mattress under the sheet, under the birth pool, or wherever you will be delivering. You can even use a shower curtain liner in many cases. You can buy a new one or pick one up at the dollar store or a thrift store. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It has to be waterproof.
Trash bags. Trash bags are for the cleanup. Luckily, midwives get paid to clean up so you don’t have to.
A working flashlight with extra batteries is a good idea, but not required by every midwife.
You may also be asked to pick up herb capsules or tinctures. Your midwife will tell you what you need and where to get them.
The midwife will teach you how to sterilize the sheets, blankets and towels.
Other things that you may want to have on hand for your homebirth include:
Camera and film (or digital camera) and extra batteries. Does this even need explanation?
Candles or essential oils. If that’s what you want for your birth, then go for it. Essential oils in particular can relax you.
Birthing music. You may want to have some music playing to keep you relaxed and centered, or to offer a distraction. Your choice of birth music for your homebirth is up to you. Some people like soothing music. Some like upbeat music. Some like the music they always listen to because it’s comforting.
Lotion. No one wants to be putting up with dry skin during their homebirth, and if you want your back massaged, this can help keep your skin from getting irritated.
Chap stick or lip balm. Your lips can dry out during labor.
Ice. For drinks, for sucking on, for applying cold compresses.
Peanut butter or other high protein, easy to serve foods (like eggs and cheese). Protein gives you energy for labor or after the birth.
Juice, water, or other drinks to keep you hydrated.
It’s always a good idea to have your house essentials on hand. You don’t want to run out of toilet paper, towels, or anything else while you’re in the middle of a homebirth!
When you’re having a homebirth, it’s hard to know what you’ll need. You may find that you used more towels than you thought you would, or that you barely touched any supplies in your birth kit. Some things are necessities, others are merely luxuries. Regardless, it’s better to have everything you might need than to find yourself short handed.
Getting your homebirth supplies together isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds. You’ll have a few weeks to get it together, but generally, you should have all of your homebirth supplies ready by week 37 of your pregnancy.
Feel free to look at some of my other articles on homebirth, including Introduction to Homebirth, which lists many of the homebirth articles I will be writing. I’m so glad to see that interest in homebirth is growing. I myself have signed up for a homebirth 3 times (2 were waterbirths), and haven’t regretted it once. I’m glad that I stumbled upon homebirth and was able to experience how wonderful it is. It has truly changed my life.
