If you are planning a home birth your midwife will provide you with a list of supplies to help you prepare. Below is a sample checklist to get an idea of what you might need.
Home Birth Supplies Checklist
Supplies for You
- Light food for labour
- Refillable water bottle
- Pillows, at least two
- Pail or bowl for vomiting
- Ice chips, ice cubes or Popsicles
- Ice pack
- Comfortable clothing options
- Large pack of extra-large overnight pads (not “dry weave”)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol or generic brand acetaminophen), 500 mg tablets
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin or generic brand ibuprofen), 200 mg tablets
- Dimenhydrinate (Gravol or generic brand anti-nauseant), 50 mg tablets
- Washcloths
- Fluid replacement drinks or honey
- Hot water bottle or heating pad
- Mirror for watching the birth if you wish to
For Your Baby
- Newborn diapers
- Two baby hats, newborn size
- Receiving blankets
- Baby onesie and sleeper
- Large, clean towels (not your best ones)
- Olive oil for baby’s bottom
General Supplies for Birth & Your Home
- Digital thermometer
- One large roll of paper towels
- Large, sturdy tray (e.g., cookie sheet)
- Two large garbage bags for laundry and garbage
- Grounded (three-prong) extension cord or power bar
- Large, zippered plastic freezer bag for placenta
For Your Bed
- Bottom layer: a clean, fitted sheet
- Middle layer: any waterproof fabric covering such as a shower curtain or plastic sheet
- Top layer: a clean, fitted sheet
- Pillows lined with plastic bags and pillow slips
- Stain remover for laundry such as hydrogen peroxide or baking soda
- Blankets
Other Supplies You May Find Helpful
- Camera
- Music and music player
- Notebook
- Small, bright lamp
Hospital Bag
- Extra pillows
- Refillable water bottle
- Health card
- Clothes for baby to come home in
- Comfortable clothes for you to come home in
- Snacks
- Infant car seat
- A few newborn diapers
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Large pack of extra-large overnight pads (not “dry weave”)