11. The Essential Guide to: Homebirth Supplies
Embarking on the beautiful adventure of home birth requires thoughtful preparation. Beyond mastering coping techniques for labor, delving into the intricacies of birth physiology, and curating a collection of essentials for the newest family member, there's an enchanting task at hand – gathering the perfect items and supplies for your birth haven.
I’ve created this blog as your trusted companion, unveiling the comprehensive guide to transform your home into a cozy sanctuary for this extraordinary experience. Delve into the details with me, discovering that the art of preparation is neither overly complex nor exorbitantly expensive. Let this blog be your map through this journey, making home birth preparation as seamless and delightful as the magical moments it promises!
For the Birth
Chux Pads
Towels
Washcloths
Old Sheets
Plastic Shower Curtain for the Bed
Large Trash Bags
Large Bowl for the Placenta
Handheld Mirror
Non-Sterile Gloves
Space Heater & Electric Heating Pad
Flash Light
Water Bottle with a Lid & Straw
Water
Caloric Beverages
Diffuser & Essential Oils
Affirmation, Prayer, & Scripture Cards, Drawings
Low, Soothing Lighting
Snacks (Groaning Cake, Protein Bars)
Camera or Birth Photographer
Rice/Lavender Bag
Laboring Dress, Robe, or Loose Clothing
Calming Music/Christian Hypnobirthing App
Water Birth Essentials
When preparing to use a tub for your labor, it's important to carefully select the location within your home. Take a moment to envision where this serene oasis will be situated. Since you'll be filling the tub with water from a hose connected to a hot water source (often the shower proves to be the most convenient), ensure that the chosen spot is within a 50-foot radius of a bathroom. Additionally, laying down a protective tarp underneath the tub is a wise precaution. Before the excitement of labor commences, thoroughly test the connection between the hose and the hot water source. It's wise to anticipate any potential hiccups and procure any necessary adaptors from the hardware store ahead of time. This ensures that everything flows seamlessly when the magical moment arrives.
Think about what will make the birth space feel most special and calming for you. Some people write out or buy cards with mantras, and tape them to the walls around the space. Some people build an altar with pictures, important objects, flowers, etc. Consider lighting: string lights or a dim lamp create a soothing environment. Make sure the room where you imagine spending the most time has curtains on the windows; most people appreciate privacy and darkness while laboring.
Birth Tub Supplies
Birth Tub :: If you’re local to Mid-Michigan, I offer birth tub rentals, you can find out more >>HERE<<. If you’ve hired a midwife, ask if she has a birth tub for your use. You can also buy your own birth tub on a midwifery supply website such as >>In His Hands<<
Disposable Liner
Sink/Shower Adapter
Potable Water Hose :: for filling and draining the tub
Air Pump :: to inflate the birth tub
Water Sump Pump :: to empty the birth tub
Fish Net :: to catch debris in the water
Thermometer :: to make sure the temperature of the tub is not too hot nor too cold
Large Tarp :: to protect your flooring
Comfortable Bra
Postpartum Care
Peri Bottle
Bulb Syringe/Nose Frida
Hydrogen Peroxide :: for cleaning blood
Scrub Brush
Rubbing Alcohol
Baby Book
Ink Pad for Footprints
Cord Clamp/Cord Ties & Scissors
Digital Thermometer
Thick, Heavy Blanket
Comfortable Pajamas with Easy Access
Depends or Period Underwear
Mesh Panties
Overnight Pads
Sitz Herbal Bath Blend
Nipple Cream
Orange Juice
Smoothie Ingredients
Foods You’ll Want in the First 12 Hours
Tinctures & Remedies
Angelica Tincture :: to encourage release of placenta
Wombstringe :: for excessive bleedings
Shepard’s Purse :: for a trickle bleed
Rescue Remedy :: can also be applied to baby’s soft spot
AfterEase Tincture :: for after-pains
Arnical Oil :: for bruising & on bottom for meconium
Childbirth Homeopathy
Labor Massage Essential Oil Blend
Carrier Oil of Choice
Helichrysum
Peppermint
Ylang Ylang
Clary Sage
Myrrh
Frankincense
Labor Diffuser Essential Oil Blend
Frankincense
Lavender
Peppermint
Wild Orange
Geranium
Clary Sage Essential Oil :: 4 drops to inner ankles if labor is slow to start
Jasmine Essential Oil :: to help with uterine contractions
Myrrh Essential Oil :: 4 drops to lower abdomen plateaued or slow labor & 1 drop applied to cord after tied off
Peppermint Essential Oil :: for nausea during labor
Basil Essential Oil :: 2 drops applied to temples for transition
Helichrysum Essential Oil :: apply to bottoms of feet, perineum, & abdomen in case of threatened hemorrhage
Cypress Essential Oil :: massage into upper inner thighs before teh birth of the placenta
Book List for Home Birth Preparation
Home Birth on Your Own Terms :: Heather Baker
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth :: Ina May Gaskin
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering :: Dr. Sarah Buckley
The First Forty Days :: Heng Ou
Homeopathic Remedies for the Birth Bag :: Patty Brennan
A well-prepared home birth kit is a vital component in ensuring a positive and empowering birthing experience. By gathering these essential supplies, you can approach the journey with confidence, knowing that you have created a safe and supportive environment for the miracle of childbirth. Remember, every birth is unique, so tailor your kit to your specific needs and preferences. May your home birth be filled with love, strength, and the joy of welcoming new life.
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
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