Everything You'll Need for a Home Birth

Home birth: what kit do I need?

If you are planning to have a home birth, you will need some equipment and supplies to prepare for the delivery and care of your baby. Here are some of the items you may need for a home birth.

Home Birth Kits and Supplies 

A birth kit that contains items like cord clamps, sterile gloves, mesh underwear, plastic-backed pads, and other basic medical supplies You can order a birth kit online or ask your midwife if they provide one.

Linens and clothes for you and the baby, such as sheets, towels, washcloths, receiving blankets, onesies, sleepers, socks, and a gown and pants for yourself, should be freshly washed and dried in a hot dryer and bagged in paper bags.

A directable light source, such as a desk light or head torch, so your midwife can check your vagina, perineum, and your baby after birth.

A plastic drop cloth or plastic sheet protects the area where you want to give birth. You can also use newspapers or plastic bags for extra coverage.

A bowl or bucket for if you feel sick during labor.

Food and drink for you and your birth partner, such as juice, water, snacks, and protein-rich foods

Items that aid atmosphere, comfort, and relaxation, such as candles, music, massage oil, a hot water bottle, flannels, or a birth ball

Pain relief options, such as a TENS machine or a canister of Entonox (gas and air), You can ask your midwife if they can provide these, or you can rent or buy them yourself.

A birth pool if you want to have a water birth. You can ask your midwife if they can provide one, or you can rent or buy one yourself. You will also need a hose, a tap adapter, a thermometer, and a pump to fill and empty the pool.

Maternity pads for after the birth.

A thermometer to check your baby's temperature after the birth

A non-medical cord tie, if you prefer to use one instead of a cord clamp.

A working flashlight and extra batteries in case of a power outage

An extra bag of ice to help with swelling or pain after the birth

 

I hope this list helps you prepare for your home birth. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your midwife or doctor. I wish you all the best for your delivery and your baby!