I’m officially at the point where this baby could come literally any moment. I have been hard-core nesting for the past few weeks as if the queen herself is coming to visit my house LOL. I know I would be this way whether we were having a hospital or home birth, but there is specific prep that goes into having your baby at home. Here are some of the ways I have prepared my home for a home birth.
PREPARING FOR A HOME BIRTH
Homebirth preparations include preparing your physical space as well as your mental and emotional self! Especially since this is my first baby – it’s the biggest change I’ve ever gone through!
Preparations are different for everyone. If you don’t have the time/desire/money to do everything I’ve listed – that’s totally ok! We’re all different and have different priorities.
I know I have likely gone overboard with prepping, but that’s just my personality and it’s how I deal with the nerves and anxiety leading up to birth.
PREPARING YOUR PHYSICAL SPACE
COLLECT SUPPLIES
If you have a midwife attending your birth, they will likely provide you with a list of items to have on hand for the birth. This will differ from one midwife practice to the next. Here’s a list of the items my midwife wanted me to have available:
- Lots of towels
- Lots of facecloths
- Warm blanket for baby + mom after birth
- Large Container for the placenta
- Large plastic bowl (in case I throw up)
- Waterproof mattress cover
- Extra sheets that can get dirty
- Waterproof pads (doggy pads)
- Bottle of olive oil for perineum/baby’s bum
- Clothing for mom + baby immediately after birth
- Diapers and/or large pads for mom
- Diapers for baby
- Large trash bags
- Bendy Straws
- Handheld mirror
- Tarp (if using a birth tub)
- Birth Tub (If desired) with proper hose attachments, pump, liner, etc.
- Heating Pad
- Copy of medical records
You’ll want to have all of these items somewhere the is easily accessible. I have a few laundry baskets full of supplies
PREPARE THE BIRTH SPACE
There’s a good chance you have an idea of where you’d like to give birth. Personally I have rented a birth tub and would love to give birth in it – if that’s what feels right in the moment!
I’ll also have extra sheets + waterproof pads in case I end up on the couch or my bed.
The atmosphere of my birth is really important to me – and one of the reasons I chose a home birth! I have my home set up so that no matter where I chose to birth I feel comfortable and safe.
NEWBORN ESSENTIALS
Newborns need very little when they are first born! But there are a few essentials you’ll want to have on hand for when baby first makes their appearance.
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Olive oil/Coconut oil to make the meconium (first poop) easier to wipe
- Blankets
- Possibly a few outfits, unless you’re planning on just doing skin-to-skin!
- Hat if it’s cold
FOOD AND DRINKS
Another perk of homebirth is that you can eat and drink as much as you’d like! Many women don’t want to eat during labour, but it’s also important to be getting some nourishment especially if labour ends up being very long.
I have lots of snack options on hand and hopefully something will sound appetizing at the time!
Plus, these snacks will also be available for my husband and birth team!
SNACK IDEAS:
- Honey Packets
- Cheese Strings
- Yogurt
- Homemade Popsicles
- Toast + Peanut Butter
- Fresh fruit (obviously harder to prep beforehand)
- Crackers
- Apple Sauce
Even if you can’t eat anything, hydration is SO important during labour. I plan on having coconut water and juice available plus tons of ice cubes (one of my pregnancy cravings!). Coconut water is an excellent source of electrolytes and a good replacement for sports drinks like gatorade.
A CLEAN HOME
This is likely not important to everyone, but to me the idea of giving birth in a messy home is stressful!
I had been deep cleaning my home for several weeks before reaching full-term. Now I’m just trying to keep up with it every day in case I go into labour.
I also knew that I wanted my pantry + fridge organized since there’s a good chance other people (my doula, husband, family members) will be looking for things during labour and in the early newborn days!
I know that a clean and organized home will allow me to relax and feel safe during my labour.
JUST IN CASE – HOSPITAL BAG
I know that some home birthers believe it’s bad luck to pack a hospital bag. Personally it feels like the smart decision and will be easy to unpack if we end up not using it.
I’d always rather be over-prepared and end up not needing something than the other way around!
MENTALLY PREPARING FOR A HOME BIRTH
There are many reasons why women choose to give birth at home. Regardless of your reasoning, as the day approaches you’re likely starting to feel a combination of nerves, excitement and maybe a little bit of anxiety!
While preparing our physical home for a home birth is important, it’s equally important that we prepare and protect our minds in the days leading up to our birth!
EDUCATION
I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power. Most often women who fear childbirth do so because they don’t understand the process or their bodies. There are so many ways we can educate ourselves about the birthing experience, from breathing techniques, to understanding the physical process of contractions, to familiarizing yourself with any interventions and procedures that might take place.
WATCH POSITIVE BIRTH STORIES
My go-to when I’m feeling anxious about my birth is to watch videos or listen to podcasts of other women sharing their birth stories. Keep in mind that it’s VERY important to limit these to only positive stories, especially at the end of your pregnancy. I like to find stories that are similar to the birth I envision myself.
I often listen to podcasts while I’m walking, cleaning, or cooking! Some of my favourites are “Happy Homebirth”, “The Homebirth Midwife”, and “Doing It At Home”
A SUPPORT NETWORK
We live in a culture built around hustle, success and independence. In many places around the world it’s still expected that the older generations of women will come help a new mom with cooking and cleaning so that she can solely focus on her new baby!
A support network will look different for everyone. None of our family lives local to us, but both of our moms will be staying with us in baby’s first month.
No matter what your support circle looks like, it’s important to be clear about your expectations post-partum. Have conversations with your close friends and family about when and how often you’ll be allowing visitors. Tell them specific ways they can support you in the newborn days. Don’t just assume that people know!
