Guide to Having a Home Birth

So, you’ve decided on a home birth! These essential items and advice can help make sure you are prepared for your home birth.

If you haven’t quite decided if home birth is for you thats ok! The beginning of this guide goes over some of the benefits to having a home birth.

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You Are in the Comfort of Your Own Home

This was a major deciding factor for me. I loved the idea that I could be at home where I am most comfortable. The idea of being in a hospital with a bunch of lights and people all over was not my idea of a relaxing birth. Word on the street is, the more comfortable you are during labor the better labor goes. I mean that shit is still painful but it is much more relaxing being somewhere you feel 100% comfortable.

Home Birth Is Not as Messy as You Think

If you have a water home birth, then there is really no mess because you will be in a birthing pool. Even if you decide not to have a water birth it is still not as messy as you think. You can use disposable under pads to place underneath of you were ever you decide to birth, like on the bed, or the floor, or your couch if you so choose.

Home Births Are Not Dangerous

Your midwife will evaluate you throughout your pregnancy. If you have a complicated or high risk pregnancy then chances are you would not qualify for a home birth. Of course there is always a chance things do not go according to plan, but your midwife is very well qualified to assess the situation and decide to transfer you to a hospital before anything becomes serious.

RELATED: Guide to Labor and Delivery

Essential Items To Have for A Home Birth

Food/Drinks

You will need to have food and drinks for everyone attending your home birth, this include your midwives, family, your partner, and yourself. It would be a good idea to have easy freezer meals prepared or take-out if you choose, because no one is going to want to have to cook a elaborate meal during your home birth.

Old/Dark Towels

A LOT of towels will be used. And they will get very dirty, so either get a bunch of cheep towels you can throw out, or use dark colours so they do not become stained with blood

** HOME BIRTH TIP ** If blood does get on something that you didn’t want ruined, peroxide takes out blood stains.

Storage for the Placenta

I was responsible for disposing of my own placenta, so I had to store it in a large ziplock bag until it was garbage day. If you are deciding to keep your placenta for other uses you will also need something to store it in.

Area for Supplies

A low dresser or a table would be essential, so your midwife can lay out all her supplies she will use during labor.

Other Items that Are Useful

Mirror (if you would like to see your babies head crowning)
Garbage bags
Birthing Ball
Water Birth Pool
Favourite music play list
Extra blankets and pillows for guest

Setting Up Your Bed for a Home Birth

If you are choosing to birth in your bed instead of in a birthing pool then this is how you should set up your bed.

Have a clean pair of sheets on your bed. On top of your clean sheets lay a table cloth or large drop cloth. Then on top of the drop cloth make the bed with an old pair of sheets.

The bed is set up like this so after you deliver your baby you can rip off the dirty sheets and drop cloth and underneath you have an already made up clean bed. This is very helpful so you are not worried about standing up and cleaning off and making up your bed right after you deliver your baby.

Leave a comment below with what you are most excited about having a home birth!

If you are looking for more tips and advice check out my facebook group. A place where moms can come from judgment-free tips and advice. No mom shaming here. We are a growing group and would love to have you join the community!