Preparing for a home birth can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there! You’re getting ready to welcome your baby in the most intimate, comfortable environment imaginable—your own home. While home birth is all about creating a peaceful, empowering space, there are a few key items you’ll want to have on hand to make sure you and your birth team are as prepared as possible.
This guide will walk you through the must-haves for a home birth, covering everything from essentials for comfort and pain relief, to practical things you might not think of, and even a few fun extras. Think of this as the ultimate checklist, filled with personal recommendations and affiliate links (because, let’s face it, I’ve tried these things myself and they work!).
1. Birth Ball: Your New Best Friend
A birth ball can make all the difference when it comes to labor comfort and positioning. You can use it to sit, bounce, or lean on during contractions. It helps open up your pelvis and allows baby to get into the optimal position for birth. I highly recommend checking out the Birth Ball.
2. Comfy Clothes for Postpartum
Postpartum is a time when you need all the comfort you can get. Trust me, you’re going to want soft, cozy clothes that allow for easy nursing access and feel great against your skin. Personally, I loved the postpartum gear from Kindred Bravely—they have the softest, coziest robes and nursing bras.
3. Soothing Herbal Remedies for Recovery
Labor is hard work, and having some natural, soothing herbal remedies on hand can help with everything from perineal care to postpartum recovery. Motherlove’s Birth Essentials Bundle includes soothing oils and sprays for labor massage and postpartum recovery. These were lifesavers for me!
4. Labor and Delivery Prep Class
Feeling prepared for birth is a huge part of reducing anxiety and empowering yourself. I highly recommend taking a labor and delivery prep class, even if you’ve done this before. The Parent Collective offers a fantastic online class that covers all the basics of labor, birth, and how to advocate for yourself during the process.
5. The Famous Squatty Potty
It might sound funny, but trust me, having a Squatty Potty is going to be a game changer both during your birth (if you turn it around it makes a great birthing stool for pushing!) and also postpartum when your body is still adjusting. You’ll thank me later!
6. Birth Tub: A Water Option for Pain Relief
Not everyone plans to give birth in water, and that’s totally fine. However, having a birth tub is a great tool for pain relief even if you don’t plan on delivering in it. Water can help soothe contractions and make labor more comfortable. It’s one of those "better to have it and not need it" situations. If you decide against the birth tub, that’s fine too, but keep in mind it’s an excellent option for many moms. And hey, a bath might feel amazing during those intense moments!
7. Heat Pads, Essential Oils, and Tennis Balls for Massage
Let’s talk about some of the little things that make a big difference during labor:
- Heat pads: These can provide wonderful relief on your back or hips during contractions.
- Essential oils: Lavender and peppermint are my go-tos for relaxation and energy. A few drops in a diffuser can set a calming atmosphere.
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Tennis balls: Yes, tennis balls! They’re amazing for back massages, especially if you have someone pressing them into your lower back during contractions.
8. Towels, Blankets, and Chux Pads (Lots of Them)
You’ll need a LOT of towels and blankets to keep yourself and baby warm and dry after delivery. And trust me, you’re going to need even more Chux pads than you think. These disposable absorbent pads will help protect your bed, couch, or wherever you end up laboring. Stock up, seriously.
9. Shower Curtain for Mattress Protection
This is a pro tip: grab a shower curtain or two to place under your sheets on your bed. This will protect your mattress from any birth fluids and make cleanup easier. After birth, you can just strip off the top sheet and you’re left with a clean, dry bed. Genius, right?
10. Large Bowl or Container for Placenta
If you plan to keep your placenta for encapsulation or any other purpose, you’ll need a large bowl or Tupperware container to store it in until you’re ready to deal with it. This is one of those things that’s easy to forget, but super necessary.
11. First Outfit for Baby
After your little one makes their debut, you’ll want to have a warm and cozy first outfit ready. Think soft, easy-to-put-on clothes like a sleeper or onesie with built-in mittens to prevent baby from scratching their face.
12. Adult Diapers for Postpartum Comfort
Okay, this one might feel a little awkward, but hear me out: adult diapers are hands-down the easiest and comfiest option for postpartum bleeding. You won’t have to deal with pads shifting or leaks, and you’ll feel much more secure during those first few days. If you're planning on using reusable cloth alternatives for you or your baby, this is a great time to prepare.
13. Nutritious Food for Mom and Baby
After labor, you’re going to be HUNGRY. And you’ll need nutritious food to help you recover. Have easy-to-prepare snacks on hand, like protein bars, fruit, and bone broth. If you feel like it, offering food to your birth team (midwives, doulas, etc.) is a nice gesture, but not a requirement.
14. Camera for Capturing Moments
One of the most magical things about home birth is that you’re in complete control of your environment. This includes having a camera or phone nearby to capture those special moments right after baby is born. Assign someone to take photos or video so you don’t have to think about it.
15. Budgeting for Home Birth
One last thing to think about is how to budget for your home birth. Home births typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000, which includes your midwife, birth supplies, and any additional support like a doula or lactation consultant.
If you’re looking for help covering these costs, you can set up a registry through BeHerVillage where your friends and family can contribute to the services you’ll need most.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
Preparing for a home birth is about more than just gathering supplies—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, comfortable, and empowering. By checking off these items from your list, you’ll be one step closer to having the home birth of your dreams. Trust in yourself, your body, and your birth team—you’ve got this!
Good luck, and don’t forget to grab the links to your favorite products here, and set up your BeHerVillage registry to make your home birth as smooth and supported as possible. Happy birthing!
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!
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