5 Tips to Help You Prepare, Stay Calm, and Feel Confident During Your Home Birth Journey

Hi there, I’m Kaitlin McGreyes, founder of BeHerVillage, a mom of three, and a doula who’s supported countless home births. If you’re considering or preparing for a home birth, congratulations! It’s an empowering and beautiful choice, and while it can feel overwhelming, you’ve got this. With the right preparation, you can create an experience that’s as calm, safe, and joyful as possible. Here are five tips to help you prepare, stay calm, and feel confident during your home birth journey.

Your home birth space should feel like your sanctuary. Whether it's your bedroom, living room, or wherever you feel most comfortable, preparing this space will help you create a peaceful and supportive environment. Think about low lighting, soft music, essential oils, and anything that makes you feel relaxed. You’ll want to have plenty of towels and blankets on hand, as well as a shower curtain or waterproof mattress cover to protect your bed. And don’t forget chux pads for easy cleanup!

One of the most important aspects of home birth preparation is making sure you and your partner are on the same page emotionally. Talk about your fears, excitement, and expectations. This is a team effort, and having open conversations with your partner will help you both feel more prepared. Encourage your partner to take an active role, whether that means learning some hands-on support techniques, creating a playlist, or helping set up your birth space.

Your birth team is a crucial part of your home birth experience. Start by selecting a midwife or OB who is supportive of your home birth plan. Consider adding a doula for additional support, and think about which family members or friends you’d like to have in the room. Be clear about your wishes and who you want to be present. If you’re concerned about family reactions, have a gentle but firm conversation about your decision. It’s important that you feel comfortable and respected in your space.

Birth affirmations are powerful tools to help you stay focused and calm. Writing your own affirmations can help you set a positive mindset for labor. Here are a few examples:

• “I trust my body and my baby.”
• “Each wave brings me closer to meeting my baby.”
• “I am safe. I am supported.”

Along with affirmations, set intentions for yourself. How do you want to feel during your labor? What are your hopes for your birth? Taking the time to think about this will help you stay grounded during labor.

Home birth can be a sensitive topic for some families, especially if they’re unfamiliar with it. Take the time to explain why you’ve chosen this path, and be open to their questions or concerns. Remember, this is your birth experience, so it's okay to set boundaries with family members. You get to decide who is in the room and what role they’ll play. If someone isn’t supportive or is making you feel uneasy, it’s okay to politely ask them to give you space.