I have a post on supplies to have for a homebirth based on watching videos and reading blogs from other moms. You can check that one out here.
This post will go over the supplies I actually used.
What you need for a homebirth will depend on you and your baby’s needs. I think it’s best to prepare well because birth isn’t 100% predictable. However you don’t actually need a lot. If you’re low income like us you will be fine with the bare minimum.
I would suggest to have some money saved up for any unexpected expenses. Maybe you’ll need your husband to run to the store and grab another pack of adult diapers OR a bottle of sunflower lecithin.
Part 1: Before Labor & Birth
Nutrition
1. NORA tea
A nourishing tea blend good to drink during pregnancy and postpartum.
2. Electrolyte powder (you can also make your own electrolyte or just drink coconut water)
An electrolyte drink is good to help keep your body hydrated.
Has many benefits, including improved sleep quality and muscle cramp relief.
4. Dates
It is recommended to consume 6 Medjool dates daily towards the end of your pregnancy. It helps with preparing your uterus for labor.
5. Water Bottle
Make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Education
1. Breastfeeding Course – The Thompson Method
2. Helpful YouTube Videos – see this Pain-Free Nursing video & this video on Establishing Breastfeeding from Day 1.
Be as prepared as possible to breastfeed baby.
- How to position & hold baby
- How to get baby to “latch” correctly
- What to do with flat/inverted nipples
- What day does the milk come in
- How to prevent engorgement
- What to do if/when you have nipple pain
- What to do if/when you get clogged ducts
- How to produce & establish milk supply
I will make a post about my experience with breastfeeding & what I am doing differently next time.
A good textbook of nutritional information for pregnant moms (and also postpartum moms).
Part 2: During Labor & Birth
Movement
I used it before labor as a seat at breakfast and dinner.
- Figure 8s
- Swayed side to side
Space Set Up
Placed where I was laboring (on the couch and on the floor next to the couch).
Part 3: After Birth Itself
For Baby + Placenta
1. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl
The midwives will use this for the placenta to collect it and examine it. They makes sure the full placenta is there.
The midwives gave my husband the scissors to cut the umbilical cord. Once cut they used the clamp on the cord stump attached to the baby.
3. Arnica Oil/Coconut or Olive Oil
This was used to smear on baby’s butt to make cleaning meconium off easier. Meconium is VERY sticky.
4. Diaper
Put on baby after he attempted to breastfeed, and he was measured/weighed (which doesn’t have to happen immediately upon birth).
The midwives fill it out as a memento of the baby’s birth.
The midwives use this to print your baby’s footprints on the homebirth certificate.
For Mom
1. Chux Pads
It was used under me while the midwives helped me birth the placenta and examined me for tears. Some were used for me to sit on. We used the dog pads we had on hand with the original intent of using to potty train.
2. Shower Liner
It was used to cover the couch for me to sit on. They layered it: liner, towels, chux pads.
3. Pillows
Helped to make me comfortable while I rested on the couch, my temporary bed.
4. Adult Diapers/Period Underwear
Used immediately after helping clean me up and use the toilet.
5. Regular/Heavy Pads
Used after the lochia decreased significantly. (This postpartum, the regular Kotex pads that I use gave me a rash. I switched to a cotton brand. I have not gotten a rash since.)
6. High Waisted Boyshorts/Other Comfortable Underwear
Nutrition
1. Water Bottle
Postpartum Pain/Healing
1. Ibuprofen
I don’t normally take medicine. I took some because my body was hurting pretty bad.
2. Sitz Spray
I had this on hand, so I used it. My midwives made some sitz bath tea, and I used it in my peri bottle.
It helped a little with the constipation (which I had pretty bad this postpartum. I never had constipation postpartum before). I also drank some prune juice.
3. Peri Bottle
Definitely used to this the first few weeks postpartum since I was sore.
Postpartum Supplements
1. Collagen
Helped a lot with my hair loss, which was so much this time around. I originally purchased Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, but we returned it because, upon opening it, you automatically agree to their arbitration agreement.
Breastfeeding Support
1. Nursing Cups
My sister let me borrow hers. They were nipple savers because they protected my nipples from rubbing up against anything.
2. Nursing Wear
The bras help make nursing easier, and the loose shirts did as well. I had a few nursing bras and purchased 1 new bra. The used bras were the best because they were softer and didn’t rub against my nipples as much. I bought some button up gowns from the thrift store. I think that a zipper would work better.
The ointment helped me a little bit but I think think the cups and gel covers did most of the work.
These were heavenly when my nipples were so sore. They helped so much that I recommend them, 100%.
This here was a breast saver because it helped unclog my ducts pretty quickly. I would have them on hand, if/when there is a next time.
6. Vitamin D
My midwife recommended this vitamin, in addition to the sunflower lecithin, when I had mastitis. As an aside, this cured my extremely dry hands.
For Cleaning
1. Paper Towels
The midwives used this to quickly clean up any blood on the floor, etc.
2. Large Garbage Bags
We used this to collect any disposable garbage and on a separate one all the dirty towels or other fabrics.
