At Home Birth Checklist
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Table of Contents
What's included
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- Midwife Must-Haves
- Fetoscope or ultrasonic stethoscope
- Sterile gloves
- Gauze pads
- Drop cloths
- cotton hat for the baby
- Pan for afterbirth
- Thermometer
- Oxygen for the baby if necessary
- Tools for suturing tears
- IV's for you, should you need additional fluids due to dehydration
- Medication to slow/stop ;hemorrhage
- When to Consider At Home Birth
- If you are having a healthy, problem-free pregnancy
- If you want a more natural childbirth
- If you want to be in the comfort of your own home
- If you want to share the experience with family and friends
- When At Home Birth is Not Recommended
- If you are at risk for preterm labor or have had preterm labor in the past
- If you are a diabetic
- If you have chronic high-blood pressure or toxemia/preeclampsia
- If you have had or are having other complications
- Prepare for the Birth
- Research midwife services and at-home births
- Interview midwives to learn about their respective birthing philosophies and the services they provide.
- Find out if your midwife works with a backup OBGYN.
- Arrange to have your infant examined at the pediatrician's office 24 hours after the birth.
- Have the name, location, and contact info for a nearby hospital should an emergency arise
- Prepare a birthplan with your midwife team
- To Have at Home
- Make sure the birth room is clean, comfortable, and clear of clutter.
- The bed should have clean fresh sheets
- Clean, comfortable clothes to birth in, as well as a change of clothes for after.
- Maternity/sanitary napkins
- Several pairs of underwear
- Snacks and drinks for you and your partner or family members.
- Lots of Linens
- Your favorite beverages, including lots of bottled water.
- Clothes for the baby
- Diapers
- Items for the Birth
- The items provided by your midwife service varies
- Plastic or rubber sheeting to cover the bed and floors
- Refuse sacks
- A hot water bottle
- Vinyl tablecloth to protect furniture and carpet from birth stains
- A large flat brand new cookie sheet (to transport birthing supplies)
- Birth Kit
- Other Items You May Want (Or may be brought by your midwife)
- Pitcher or electric kettle
- Large lidded pot
- Herbal Remedies, teas or tinctures to provide added comfort or relieve pain.
- Small bottle of unopened olive oil
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Details
If you're pregnant and considering giving birth at home, there are important facts you need to consider. Read our At Home Birth Checklist and get the most from your midwife service. Be prepared and welcome your little one into a warm, comfortable, safe environment...as nature intended!
Who it's for
This At Home Birth Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your At Home Birth essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven At Home Birth structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this At Home Birth Checklist
- Save At Home Birth Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for At Home Birth (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.
Rate this Checklist
5 stars
Scores 4.80 with 90 votes