Preparing Your Home for a Home Birth
Your birth preferences are unique to you. What is right for one mama will not necessarily be right for you. For mamas who have chosen a home birth over alternatives like hospital births, you will need to make specific preparations to ensure that you have everything you need ready for your birth experience.
You may need to have a more detailed plan for your birth than other mamas, but that's okay! Your birth preferences are unique to you and your needs. If you have decided to pursue a home birth or are wondering if a home birth is right for you, there are a few things you need to know.
This blog is for you, mama. We will walk you through every step of preparing for a home birth, from what needs to go into your birth kit, what you should expect from your birth partner or emotional support person, which professionals you need to contact, and how you can create a calming atmosphere.
Have These Things Prepared for Your Home Birth
If you have decided that a home birth is right for you, then there are a few things you need to do to ensure your home and birth space are ready to go for the big day. That includes the supplies you'll need, which professionals you'll need to have on-call and more.
Below we have outlined everything you will need to have prepared.
Supplies You Need for a Home Birth
Preparing for a home birth requires careful planning and gathering of necessary supplies, depending on what you envision your baby's birth will look like. Will you give birth in a tub? Or is an inflatable pool more your style?
If you want to go for an inflatable pool or tub, here is what you need to know. An inflatable tub provides a soothing space for laboring mothers and is compatible with water birth if desired. These tubs can go into the room of your choice, and all you need is a hose long enough to connect from a shower to the pool, and a pool liner (for easy cleanup). Oh, and don't forget to check and make sure your water heater is working, the last thing you want is to find you don't have enough warm water come your baby's birthday!
Other important supplies include extra pillows (maybe even an inflatable pillow designed to float on the water) for added comfort, water for hydration, and a birth kit that contains sterile gloves, gauze, and other medical essentials. Clean towels, a roll of paper towels, and a plastic sheet will also be useful for keeping the birthing area clean.
One thing that mamas sometimes overlook? Be sure to have a light source, like a bedside lamp or battery-operated candles, this will ensure that your midwife can see what they are doing, even if the sun has set.
Preparing for a home birth requires careful consideration and planning. Having these supplies readily available will help create a comfortable and safe environment for welcoming your little one into the world.
How else can you be prepared for a home birth? Check out this Stork Helpers guide on the benefits of birthing classes!
People You Need for Home Birth
When preparing for a home birth, having the right people present is essential for a positive and supportive experience. One of the key individuals that every mama needs for a homebirth is a midwife. A midwife is a trained healthcare professional specializing in low-risk, natural childbirth. They provide guidance, support, and medical expertise throughout the entire birthing process.
In addition to a midwife, having a doula can greatly benefit both the laboring mother and her partner. A doula is a trained birth support person who offers emotional and physical support to mamas during labor. They provide comfort measures, encouragement, and advocacy, ensuring that the birthing mother's wishes and needs are met.
While it's important to have support, it's also crucial to avoid having too many people in the room. The birthing environment should be calm and peaceful, and having too many individuals present can be overwhelming for the mother. Discuss with your midwife and doula who else should be present, such as a partner or a trusted family member, who can offer additional support.
To ensure effective communication during labor, make sure each person's contact information is readily available. This can include phone numbers, email addresses, and any other preferred method of communication. This will help you reach out to the necessary individuals when the time comes.
By having a skilled midwife, a supportive doula, and a trusted support person present, you'll have a strong and knowledgeable team by your side, creating a nurturing environment for your home birth.
What are some alternative birthing positions? Learn more in this guide, mama!
Creating a Calming Atmosphere for Your Home Birth
Creating a calming atmosphere is essential for a home birth. The birthing environment should be peaceful and soothing to promote relaxation and reduce stress. There are several things you can do to help achieve this.
- Firstly, having a support person, such as a partner or a doula, can play a vital role in managing the emotions of the situation. They can provide comfort, reassurance, and encouragement throughout the labor process. A doula, especially, can offer additional support with techniques like massage, breathing exercises, and position changes.
- Setting the mood with soft lighting and candles can also contribute to a calming atmosphere. Dimming the lights or using candlelight can create a more intimate and tranquil ambiance. Similarly, playing soothing music or nature sounds can help relax both the laboring mother and her partner, providing a sense of serenity.
- Using essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, can further enhance the calming atmosphere. These oils can be added to a diffuser or diluted in a carrier oil for massage. Their calming properties can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation during labor.
By prioritizing a calming atmosphere, you can create a safe and peaceful space for your home birth. With the support of your chosen individuals and the use of candles, music, and essential oils, you can help manage your emotions and create a soothing environment to welcome your little one into the world.
What essential oils help during pregnancy and birth? Check out this guide, mama!
Home Birth Support with Stork Helpers
Your birth journey is yours. That is why you should feel empowered to give birth in the place that feels most comfortable to you. For some women, that means giving birth at home. For others, they feel more comfortable in a hospital environment. It all comes down to your needs and what is right for you, mama!
When planning your birth space and putting together your birth team, it is important to remember that emotional support is just as important as physical support. For this reason, many mamas choose to have a doula present during their home birth to ensure that they are supported and advocated for throughout the entire birth journey.
If you are looking for a doula in the Cincinnati or Dayton area who listens to your needs and supports you throughout your entire pregnancy and birth journey, then it is time to reach out to Stork Helpers.
Tamara and Skylar are the doulas you can trust. Always listening, never judging, Stork Helpers is here for you.
Click here to start a conversation with Stork Helpers today!
For more fertility and pregnancy tips and support, follow Stork Helpers on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
Happy with the difference Stork Helpers made in your birth journey? Leave us a quick five-star review here!
