Home Birth Supplies Checklist: What You Need
- Kat Allen
- Jan 24
- 4 min read
Preparing for a home birth involves gathering both practical essentials and comforting items to help you create the optimal environment. Having everything ready beforehand allows you and your birth team to focus on the process and makes for a more peaceful experience.
Essential Supplies for a Home Birth
Birth Pool (if planning a water birth)
A birth pool provides natural pain relief and comfort, especially during active labor. Some midwives may provide pools, but if not, you can rent or purchase one.
A hose for filling and draining (ensure it’s long enough to reach your water source).
A water thermometer to monitor the temperature.
A liner to maintain cleanliness (if using a rented pool).
Birthing Kit
These kits often come prepackaged and contain essentials that a midwife may need.
Disposable underpads to protect surfaces.
Gauze, sterile gloves, and other sterile supplies.
Perineal cold packs for postpartum relief.
A newborn hat and a bulb syringe for the baby.
Absorbent Pads and Towels
Birth can be messy, so having plenty of absorbent pads (often called “Chux” pads) is essential to protect floors, beds, and other surfaces. Large towels are also helpful for drying off after a water birth and for creating a cozy, comfortable space for bonding.
Bowl or Container for the Placenta
After the birth, your midwife will need a container for the placenta. Some families also choose to keep their placenta for encapsulation or other traditions, so having a sturdy container ready is useful.
Comfortable Bedding and Waterproof Mattress Cover
Laboring and birthing in bed is common, so a waterproof mattress cover protects your mattress. Layering a fitted sheet over the cover with another fitted sheet on top makes for easy cleanup if necessary.
Heating Pad or Hot Water Bottles
These can be used to relieve back pain during labor or provide warmth after birth, especially for the baby.
Large Trash Bags
You’ll need a few large bags for easy cleanup, especially for towels, pads, and other used items.
Optional Comfort Items
Birth Ball or Peanut Ball
A birth ball is great for staying mobile and easing contractions. A peanut ball can be useful for resting in certain positions to help labor progress.
Essential Oils and Diffuser
Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or clary sage can create a calming environment. Make sure to have a diffuser or add drops to a warm washcloth.
Music or White Noise Machine
Music or gentle white noise can be grounding and calming, helping you focus and set the mood you want.
Snacks and Hydration
Have light, energy-boosting snacks available for you and your birth team. Coconut water, electrolyte drinks, and honey sticks can help keep you hydrated and energized.
Warm, Cozy Clothing and Robe
Have easy-to-remove, soft, warm clothes or a robe for comfort. Post-birth, you might appreciate cozy socks or a favorite blanket.
Postpartum Essentials
Peri Bottle
A Peri bottle is essential for gentle postpartum cleansing. Some birthing kits may include one, but you can also purchase these separately.
Herbal Sitz Bath or Postpartum Herbs
Herbal soaks can soothe and support recovery. These can be added to a sitz bath or directly to a bath for comfort.
Mesh Underwear and Maternity Pads
These provide comfort and coverage for postpartum bleeding and are convenient for the first few days after birth.
Baby Supplies
You’ll need a few basics for the baby: newborn diapers, a soft swaddle, and a baby blanket. You might also want a few simple onesies or gowns, especially if the birth area is cold.
Postpartum Support
As important as preparing for the birth itself is ensuring you're ready for the postpartum period. Recovery can be challenging, but having the right support can make a huge difference. If you haven’t already, consider reaching out to a doula (like myself) for postpartum support. I offer guidance and emotional support during those first few weeks after birth, helping you navigate new parenthood with confidence. We can also talk about creating a postpartum plan to ensure you have everything you need, from feeding support to assistance with newborn care and recovery.
Links to Resources
If you're ready to gather your supplies, here are some trusted resources for purchasing your home birth. Birth Pool Rental and Purchase:
Sacred Birth offers a birth pool rental as part of their home birth services, which you can include in your birth plan with Geneva. For more details, you can visit her website, Sacred Birth
.
La Bassine offers high-quality, ergonomically designed birth pools. You can rent or purchase pools such as their Original Regular Birth Pool or Maxi Regular Birth Pool directly through their website. They are globally recognized for their design and safety standards, perfect for home water births. Check out their full range at La Bassine
Birthing Kit Supplier:
Sacred Birth also provides a complete birth kit for home births, which is included in their packages, ensuring you have everything necessary for a smooth delivery
Postpartum Supplies:
Postpartum care items like herbal baths and pelvic floor rebuilding sessions are offered through Sacred Birth as part of their comprehensive care packages
Before your due date, ensure your supplies are organized and easily accessible. Discuss your setup with your midwife or doula to confirm if they recommend additional items specific to your plan. Preparing early lets you relax and focus on the journey ahead, surrounded by what you need for a peaceful, supported home birth experience.
If you need any guidance or have questions about preparing for your home birth, please don't hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you every step of the way!
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