At Home Birth Checklist

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 birthsBe thorough in your research. Ask friends and health care professionals for recomendations.
• 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 ariseLikewise, pack a bag for the hospital, just in case.
• Prepare a birthplan with your midwife teamHave this on hand for the birth, as well as any relevant medical information.

To Have at Home

• Make sure the birth room is clean, comfortable, and clear of clutter.
• The bed should have clean fresh sheetsAt least 2 full sets of extra linens should be readily available.
• 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 LinensYou will need several sets of towels and washcloths in various sizes. Keep these in a large laundry basket or storage bin.
• Your favorite beverages, including lots of bottled water.
• Clothes for the babyThis includes a onesie or t-shirt, a long-sleeved sleeper, footed pajamas, socks, cotton hats and 4-5 receiving blankets.
• DiapersInclude wipes and diaper rash cream.

Items for the Birth

• The items provided by your midwife service variesBe sure to go over the birth plan with your midwife team well in advance, and make a list of the items s/he is responsible for bringing.
• 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 KitThis includes a list of disposable supplies that need to be ordered.

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 oilThis can be used for massage and also to clean the birth fluids from your baby's skin.