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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