Homebirth Supply List from my Midwife

J and I have been supported and loved by the same midwife for 5 of our 6 pregnancies. We love her to pieces!

I remember when she first handed me this list with K’s pregnancy. I was sooooo overwhelmed. Why would I need all of this stuff, just to deliver a baby and how was I going to pay for it? What is all this stuff anyway??? Well, now the list is not so daunting. I’m gonna post it here and explain what and why each item is suggested or needed.

Supplies For A Home Birth
Things To Purchase

at least 12 disposable incontinence under pads (22 in by 30 in) – These are the blue plastic-y things they put under you in the hospital, although sometimes the hospital ones are washable. I’ve had both.
maxi pads (overnight) or toddle size disposable diapers for mother for first couple of days postpartum. Do not buy Always brand maxi-pads. – Always brand irritates the skin that is already tender from the birth. She said Kotex was a good brand. These are huge and cover from front waist to back waist!!! You won’t want to wear them more than the first couple of days!
thermometer
fresh ginger root – this is for a hot poultice. She uses the crock pot, listed below to warm water and the root together. Then as the head is crowning she applies wash clothes dipped in this and I have never torn!!!
Gatorade (at least 2 liters) – Gotta keep everyone hydrated!!
K-Y Jelly (small tube, unopened) – to listen to the heartbeat of the baby as contractions hit and such
1 bottle hydrogen peroxide – disinfecting things??? lol

Things To Gather
Linens – please note that all linens used for underpads should be light colored.

3 old, large bath towels (for baby, any color) – for clean up after birth.
3 old double size sheets for underpads; folded separately: 36″ by 36″ finished size (for mother, light color) – These are much nicer to lay on than the plastic. We actually made ours a little different. We took those blankets that are kinda rough and yet fuzzy cut to 36 by 36 doubled and covered with a white sheet. We sewed around the edges. They are great for more than just after the birth; we’ve used them for night potty training, for sickies, for “the time of the month”, etc. They protect the matress quite well.
3-4 hand towels (for midwife)
plenty of old wash clothes; or several extra hand towels or old cloth diapers (for mother, light color)
2-3 large, flat flannel sheets or cotton blankets (for mother, any color)
3-4 bath towels for using after bathing following the birth (any color) – All of the above are simply for wash up and clean up and keeping warm. Whatever is needed.

These need to be washed in hot water (with bleach, optional) and dried in a very hot dryer or hung outside in the bright sunshine. Wash six old pillowcases with the load. Once everything is clean and dry, place the items according to type into the pillowcases. Label each package and place the packages into a clean plastic bag. Most of these items will be washed after the birth, but they should be old things that could be thrown away.

Clothing

clean panties, overnight maxi pads, and nursing nightgown for mother; bra if you wish – or whatever clothes mother will be comfortable in after delivery
clothing for baby, a diaper, and a receiving blanket or two – just to clothe the baby
pack a separate bag for mom and babe (3 weeks before your due date) in the even of transfer to hospital

Other Essential Items

heavy plastic sheet for the bed and extra heavy plastic for floor; duct tape – gotta keep the mess contained!
1 flat cake pan (9by13) for the placenta; 2 ice cream buckets with lids – something to put the placenta in for examination; to make sure it’s all there.
crock pot or large soup pot – mentioned above
large garbage pail with 3-4 bags handy – to help contain the mess
laundry basket – to help contain the mess
squeeze bottle – for rinsing bottom after birth, as wiping can be painful

Extras

pillows with old pillowcases – for comfort during labor
baby powder or oil for massage
straws that bend – it’s hard to drink from a cup when in labor!!!
ice chips or popsicles made ahead of time from a favorite juice or herbal tea – I’ve never done this. Just drank the Gatorade or pop from below.
flat ginger ale with sugar; snacks and juice
hot water bottle or heating pad – this is nice to have. I might see if I can get a heating pad from a secondhand store, or just use wheat bags (homemade Magic Bags).
extension cords. – incase outlets aren’t handy.

Making The Bed
First put on the sheets for resting after the birth. Have the top sheet and fresh pillowcases handy but not on the bed. Next, securely cover entire mattress with heavy plastic. Finally, place on the bed an old fitted sheet that could be thrown away if needed. Remove your best blankets, but have other blankets handy for the bed during the birth. – I have never given birth on the bed while birthing at home, but I guess it could happen this time.

Well, we are doing okay with collecting things as I know I have most somewhere here in the house. It is just a matter of collecting them all into one place. I’d like to have this done by the middle of October.