Supplies for Homebirth (as recommended by REAL mums)
Pain Relief:
- Cloth Nappies, and a bucket of steaming hot water (Put them on your back and tummy)
- Wheat heat packs, and hotwater bottles.
- Cold packs and cool flannels
- Icecubes, and icey poles to suck on between contractions
- Tennis ball, rolling pin, or massage tool for counter pressure massage
- Massage oil or lotion
General Supplies for Labour and Birth:
- Camera/Video Camera on tripod – with instructions on how/when to use !
- Tarp for under the birth pool, and on any carpet you don’t want mucked.
- Make up your bed with 2 sets of sheets with a tarp in between, so when you’re all done, your support people can just rip off the top layer, and you’ve got an instantly made bed!!
- Towels – if you have a slippery floor, it’s a good idea to have towels between the toilet and bathroom, and pool.
- Lots of fluids like lemonade, juice, and water – with bendy straws to sip from them
- homeopathics, rescue remedy, and aromatherapy oils (with instructions!)
- Food for your support people
- Torch
- Sieve for “debris” collection from the birth pool (read: poo)
- Battery powered light source, in case the power goes out
- Music, and a battery operated music player (You might decide you hate it, but still)
- Beanbags, pillows, and cushions to labour on
- A mattress on the floor to labour on
- Bowl to catch the placenta and hold it
- Placenta recipe if you’re planning on eating it soon after birth.
Baby Supplies
- Put this in a big or carrier bag, so you can lug it around with you, and if you are transferred to the hospital, it’s all ready to go.
- Fluffy, warm towel
- hot water bottle to warm the towel
- Clothes for after skin to skin contact and breastfeed etc.
- Soft, cloth nappy, and a recieving blanket.
For after the birth
- Presents for older children
- Birthday Cake for baby and support team
- FOOD for mum, and support team – something delicous, and nutritious. (Toast is a winner)
- Comfy cusions, and a freshly made bed, for the new family to snuggle up in!