Preparing for a Homebirth {My Supply List}

Alrighty folks, I’m 39 weeks pregnant…and counting! It’s still unbelievable to me that after our losses the Lord has blessed us and we’ll soon meet this little girl or guy!!

Many of my “in-real-life” friends have told me how brave they think I am for having a homebirth, but can I let you in on a little secret… I am nervous, not about something going wrong but about the pain of childbirth. It’s been over 5 years since my daughter Julia was born so I can’t remember everything… but I’m going to put my “brave” face on and get ready for this!

If you’re having a homebirth there are a lot of supplies you should have on hand. Your midwife will give you a supply list you’ll need for the delivery day, a lot of the items you’ll already have around the house. Most likely she’ll have you purchase a birth kit which has all of the medically necessary tools needed as well as a list of supplies need to make the day go smoother, some required and some suggested.

According to my midwife, you should have all of your supplies ready at 36 weeks. Ahem… I just finished mine last week, I would not recommend waiting. You never know when you’ll go into labor so preparation is key! (speaking to myself here…ha!!!)

Here’s My Homebirth Supply List:

Labor & Birth:

• birth kit-medically necessary tools (still wondering what the straws are for lol)
• birth supply area- place where all your supplies are stored and ready for the BIG day, you should tell your midwife where your supply area is located before birth (ours are inside of the crib)
• plastic mattress cover or shower curtain
• music- create a playlist of songs you like, that encourage you
• encouraging scripture notecards or affirmations
• 4-6 large towels
• 3 washcloths
• 2 sets of sheets- one for during birth, if needed and one clean, fresh set for after
• gown to birth in (or sports bra or whatever you are comfortable with)
• flashlight with extra batteries- in case of a power outage
• 2 rolls of paper towels
• several trash bags
• 2 bottles of hydrogen peroxide
• juice, natural sports drink or coconut water
• 1 small bottle of oil- to help with perineal massage
• birth tub and cover- we are lucky to have a nice spacious tub in our home but if you would like to have a water birth, here’s some more info on what you’ll need

• emergency hospital bag- just in case, you never know and want to be fully prepared
• child care with kids bags ready- some people are comfortable with their children at the birth, however, we personally are not. I have a friend who is willing to come get out kids if I go into labor before my Mom gets here, and she still might come get them so my Mom can be present at the birth. We plan on them leaving for the day or even night if it takes that long.
• *birth ball or exercise ball- I do not have one of these but will use a wobble disc if I want/need to
• ice pack for cooling

Postpartum:

• after birth pj’s or robe
• peri bottle- which comes in the birth kit
• homemade relief pads, I plan on making some similar to these
• extra pads/adult diapers
• nursing bras/pads
• mother’s milk tea
• postpartum bath herbs
• new mama bottom spray (luckily the last 3 items were given to me from wonderful friends at a baby shower, Earth Mama Angel Baby have some awesome natural, organic products!)
• nipple cream
• heating pad

For baby:

• 6 receiving blankets
• baby gown(s)-I have one for a boy and girl since it’s a surprise
• baby cap(s)
• socks or booties
• 2 blankets
• newborn diapers (or cloth diapers)
• free and clear baby wipes
• carseat
• *optional- I got 2 different kinds of bpa-free pacifiers, just in case, my other 2 never took to one
• mittens- to help prevent scratching

Extras:

Where did you birth? If you had a homebirth, are there any other supplies you had? Or if planning one, any other suggestions?