A Guide to Home Birth Preparation

 

I can hardly believe the time is approaching for my first home birth. If you’re here on a journey to baby as well, I want to say congrats!

Home birth has always been a dream of mine. This will be our fourth and final baby, so I am overwhelmed with gratitude to be cleared for home birth. I have gained so much trust in my body, studied many techniques, applied cultural practices, and it all led me here. Shall we get to it?

First Step:

I feel like this is a no brainer. Do your own research and decide with your partner if home birth is a fit. My husband was a little hesitant to come around to it. His trust in me and our ability to make the best decision for myself and our baby won. If my health or the baby’s health was at risk, we’d call it off. He was also reassured understanding the supplies midwives actually bring to homebirths. Then we made sure to get all necessary labs done for myself and baby.

These sites/books/apps may help you start:

Evidence Based Birth

Spinning Babies

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May

Childbirth Without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read

Christian Hypnobirthing App

Second Step:

Find a midwife. This was not an easy task given where we live. I reached out to some of my home birth experienced friends after many dead ends. Through my friend’s midwife I got the homebirth directory site. (nyhomebirth.com) This makes it easy to find all registered/ certified midwives in our state.

Other factors for my choosing: Distance, Experience, Personality, Cost

My midwife worked at the hospital in town for many years. She now has her private practice, and trains upcoming midwives in the area. Her personality is a vibe. My appointments feel so personal, so I love that it feels like I’m trusting a friend. One of the first conversations I had with her, I knew she was the one. It just all aligned! If you need a few interviews before selecting, do it. They provide a service that lasts you a lifetime.

Third Step:

Prep and enjoy all the little moments. I’ve loved this nesting stage and preparing for this birth. It is far more special to me than anyone will know. Here are the things I have prepared or will be getting in the coming weeks to aid in the big birthday party.

Birth Tote

My midwife has a birth kit set up on In His Hands that I purchased. It smells like a hospital. I cried. I wish to have a waterbirth, so things like a 25 ft hose, connectors, and pool liner were also needed.

Plastic Backed Sheets/ Waterproof Mattress Protector

This is great to have even just in the last weeks. You never know when your water could break, and mattresses are not cheap!

Old Linens

I went against my own advice on this and purchased some new towels and washcloths. The washcloths are mainly to support me during labor. The towels will most likely be ruined, as well as sheets. Just be mindful not to have your favorite linens out for this.

Bump Ball

Every birth I’ve used an exercise ball. It is my favorite. It helps alleviate my back labor, dilate, and is just fun to sit on. I would say it’s a MUST HAVE!

Pads/Postpartum Panties/Padsicles

Call me captain obvious! I was over the moon to see the hospital mesh boy shorts for purchase. I am their biggest fan. I prefer Honey Pot pads with Earth Mama Perineal Spray. I also purchase the cold pack pads, but always see mamas making their own padsicles.

Baby Things

diapers

muslin blankets

first outfit

 baby wrap

baby wipes

bows/bonnet

haakaa

birth certificate/ footprint keepsake

Nursing Bra/Robe/Cozy Clothes

Nothing much to say about this one!

Blanket

I get cold and have the baby shakes are delivery. I want a specific blanket my husband can just grab for me.

Birth Playlist

I always have music during my labors and choose birth songs for my kids. It brings me a lot of peace and center.

Birth Pool 

This is provided by my midwife. My husband and the birth assistant will take care of the set up.

I think that covers it all. I will pack a little hospital bag just as a precaution. I’ll be sharing meal prep and body prep for labor over on my Instagram.

I hope this helped you get excited and feel equipped to welcome a new life!

Thanks so much for reading.

XO,