How to Prepare for a Homebirth

As the end of January 2024 approaches I begin to prepare for our homebirth this February. Here are a few easy tips on how to prepare for a homebirth.

Prepare the Supplies

Having all the supplies you need for the birth ready in an easy-to-find place is probably the first and easiest step to get done. I have a large clear tote labeled with a dry-erase marker so my husband or midwife can easily find it. If you want to know what is in my Birth Tote I go into detail on this post.

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Prepare the Birthing Space

Most women experience the “nesting” phenomenon in the last few weeks of pregnancy. This is when you get super motivated to prepare your house for a new baby. When planning a homebirth this becomes extremely helpful as I am also preparing the space where I will be giving birth. I like to envision what my birth will be like, and what the room will look like. This time around due to our Master Bedroom Remodel it has been challenging to come up with one. I’m starting to think that I need to have a backup plan for where I will be setting up the birth pool as my due date gets closer.

However, hopefully, you are not in the middle of building a new master suite and can nest at your leisure. That being said, I will be making sure I have enough room for the birthtub elsewhere just in case. Another important thing to remember is to have a new hose that is long enough to go from your sink to the tub. Alternatively, pick a spot that is close to the sink you will be using.

I also like to have my bed made with a plastic liner and cheap sheets on top of my nice sheets just in case. after the birth and newborn exam we just peel the top layers off and have clean sheets to sleep in.

Prepare an Emergency Plan

As always plan for the best. However, I also like to have a backup plan in case I need to be transferred to the hospital. This includes having someone on standby to come watch my other children and a small hospital bag packed for the baby and me. I also always make sure we have the infant car seat cleaned and ready to go.

Depending on the time of year I will be giving birth, I like to have other emergency measures in place. A flashlight or headlamp and batteries are always a good idea. As well as a heat source in case of a power outage in the middle of winter.

Prepare for your Birth Team

This step is not super necessary but it is nice. I like to make sure I have coffee and snacks on hand for my husband and midwives. My births have gone quite fast lately but you never know how long it will be especially if it is your first baby. Another thing to consider is having a place where they can sit down to take a little break while you are in labor.

Prepare your older kids for a homebirth

This time around I will have five other children around for my birth. In the past, we have done birth centers or planned for them to be out of the house. However, we have learned that because of the way my labor usually goes it is easier for them to just stay home. I have more often than not given birth in the middle of the night which means my kids sleep through almost all of it anyway. But, since you never know I will be making sure we have the TV and snacks set up for them. For reference, I do not allow my kids to watch TV regularly. I like to reserve it for special occasions like a birth.

I would also like to mention that my oldest two are ten and eight, making it possible for us to keep them home without a designated adult to watch them. Talking to them about the actual process and what they are to expect is also important.

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Prepare your postpartum meal

Lastly, after most natural births you will be allowed to eat. I always want something super rich and filling like a burger. In fact, I think that has been my postpartum meal every time except for one time when I had to settle for oatmeal because I left my burger at home and COVID had shut everything down. My point is you will be hungry after giving birth and your midwife will want you to eat to make sure you can keep food down. Have a protein-rich meal prepared or have someone willing to drop one off right after the birth.

This time around I had my favorite soup ready to go Zuppa Toscana. It is easy to eat and very comforting.