If you are planning a home birth here is a list of things to think about, I put this list together for my last home birth so the links should be up to date!. I thought I would just share this to help anyone else who is also planning their home birth. This is a list of the practical stuff, if you are planning a home birth also think about how you will mentally prepare joining a hypnobirthing course will give you a great foundation to continue to practise at home.
This list is probably not extensive, so if you think of anything else please send me a message and I will add it on! If you are planning a hospital birth most of these things will be useful as you will likely to be labouring at home most of the time.
If you are wanting to use a birth pool it makes sense to put it into the room you feel most comfortable in, the most relaxed in , just check the hose reaches to fill it up. Its best to avoid moving furniture around if you can because it can then become slightly unfamiliar ( familiarity is of course one of the huge benefits of being at home, so it makes sense to just keep it as it is!)
'Birth pool in a box' - I went for the Eco mini size. You can also hire a pool or arrange to borrow one from your birth centre. The liner comes with the pool, you can also buy a liner separately if you are borrowing a pool. If you would like to hire a pool from me please get in contact - I have the Eco Mini and Eco Regular size. You can buy complete accessory kits to go with your pool, remember always buy a new hose and liner.
Tap adaptor! You can buy a tap adaptor from the Birth pool in box website. Our kitchen tap doesn't have a thread, so we have a bought an adaptor for a thread less kitchen tap- which you tighten against the tap to create an airtight seal. This sounds more complicated than it is - here is the link .
This is something to definitely check before the big day! It's also a good idea to do a dry run and inflate the pool and also a wet run ( fill the pool up a little bit with water and then just times how long it will take to fill the whole pool) .
Pump to inflate the pool and deflate again!
Pump to remove water from the pool when you're finished . You can do this by hand with buckets but the pump is much easier!
Plastic sheets and non slip mat - or an old towel by the side of the pool will do the job also. My midwife bought waterproof plastic sheets with her last time, but you might want to have some extra.
Tens machine - you can buy or hire, or arrange to borrow from your birth centre . Have a look at the instructions and try it out ( perhaps on your arm) beforehand so you are confident how to use it during labour.
Lavender essential oil and a carrier oil for massage
Hot water bottle for early labour, good to place on your lower back or front.
Torch and batteries for your midwife to use ( your midwife may bring this with her), especially if your room is very dimly lit
Candles and fairy lights to make the room dark and comfortable
Bendy straws so you are able to drink easily and not have to change position, or lift a glass ( far too much effort in labour!)
Birth ball and extra pillows to lean on or place under your knees if you are kneeling. When you go into labour its really useful to have more than one birth ball so that as you freely move around there is always one nearby to stop and lean into. Especially useful to have one in the bathroom or upstairs.
Snacks to keep energy levels up - bananas, snack bars , granola bars, water to stay hydrated - bottle or a cup and straw
Hot and cold compress - heat can be soothing on your back or a cold flannel on your forehead
Tea, coffee and snacks for your midwives!
Bin liners for any waste
Comfy labour clothes, I found loose clothing better and didn't want anything tight around my tummy
Older childrens overnight bags packed and ready to go if they are staying with relatives
Your hospital bag packed and ready if you decide to transfer into hospital. But double up on things so that you have all your comforts to hand.
Lots of old towels
Baby clothes & blankets for when the baby is born, nice to have this visible so you can focus on the end goal!
Dressing gown, warm clothes, and a blanket for you after the birth- you can be a little bit cold and shaky from the adrenaline rush/ euphoria after the birth!
I think that is about it. And don't forget your Hypnobirthing tracks to listen to - and comedy films/ series lined up to watch during early labour!
