Home birth equipment

Jo_R_2

I am due to give birth in three weeks and am assembling the necessary bits and pieces for a home birth. To be honest there isn't much really that I need, though one thing is some waterproof sheeting. I was initially going to go for some from a fabric stall on the market but then someone suggested a shower curtain is just as good and cheaper so saved a few pennies there!

Tbh with #1 who I had in hospital there wasn't that much blood so the mess wasn't a problem, so going on that I am just going to use old sheets over shower curtain to nest in and bung them in washer with biological powder (usually use non-bio.) Also have noted that midwives use hydrogen peroxide in 3% form to get any bloodstains out of carpet so may invest in a little of that just in case.

Midwife says I can get a birthing ball for a fiver from Asda so that's definitely on the list! Bin liners for mess and rubbish, flannels to warm and use during contractions we already have, as well as mirror to see baby's head crowning...

Also will be packing emergency bag with "usual" stuff in, but can anyone suggest anything else that may be useful practically at a home birth?

Thanks!

pickle

An old soft towel to clean the baby with. I think you've got it covered really.

Crispy_Ambulance

Don't your community midwives have a home birth pack? It should have mats and pads etc in it.

Only think I can think of is bendy straws - much easier to have a drink whatever position you are in. Beanbags might be handy to rest on.

Have a lovely birth!

fairylights_2

One thing stipulated in my home birth list was an angle poise lamp (we had a little halogen desk lamp) so if/when they need to have a look, they can see ok. Otherwise, pampers bedwetting pads are FAB for putting down - they soak up all the mess you can imagine, and then some - you would never guess my waters broke over my old sofa cushions!

One thing we had to have - just in case it was a long one - was tea and coffee for the midwives, but then most people have them anyway ...

Good luck, and hope it goes well

Dora_the_Explorer_5

I think you may need yellow bio-hazard bags for 'mess'. The midwife should have these as they have to be properly disposed of; might be worth checking.

rach1973

Dora_the_Explorer wrote:

I think you may need yellow bio-hazard bags for 'mess'. The midwife should have these as they have to be properly disposed of; might be worth checking.

I had a home birth with my 2nd and the Midwives cleared everyting up into the Bio-Hazard bags - that they supplied, and took it with them.

All I had to provide was the waterproof sheeting, and old towels (warmed in the Tumble Dryer) to wrap baby in.

Don't forget to pack a Labour bag - just in case.

Bananas are a good snack to have on stand by too.

Enjoy the experience, nothing beats it.

Rachel

mellyp

Crispy_Ambulance wrote:

Only think I can think of is bendy straws - much easier to have a drink whatever position you are in.

Have a lovely birth!

I second this one, my son was born at home (Dec 04) and i laboured mostly on my knees against the settee and the only way i could drink comfortably was through a straw. Got very dry mouth with Gas&Air and got through a lot of water.

Oh and pliers - DH had to open the Gas&Air canisters for the mw as she had forgotten the key to open them!!! I was strategically turned the other way by my sister while DH and MW were frantically trying to get them open. I was totally unaware of it at the time. :eek:

Well you never know

Good luck with everything. Homebirth is fanastic, i would do it all again tomorrow.

Lillys_mum

You sound like all you need now is the baby!!!

I had a home birth for my 3rd and it was fantastic. The midwives brought everything I needed and then cleared it all away afterwards - they even made my bed for me!!!

Good luck hope it all goes well for you.

Gingham_Ribbon

My midwife brought a pack of equipment round before he was due. She brought gas and air with her when she arrived and I had the pool for a couple of weeks before hand too.

The only thing she asked me to have in was a lamp with a bright enough bulb in it to see if I needed stitches. (I needed lots but that's because I ended up having a section, but the labour at home was good anyway.)

Good luck!

fesdufun

Good luck, I had a home birth with my second and it was fab. My midwife dropped off the home birth pack a few weeks before my due date and it had the waterproof, soak up sheets in there.

I agree with the recommendation about the light. This way you can avoid having all the lights switched on but the midwife can see the bits she needs to. A strong torch might also be a good idea.

Something for the midwife to kneel on, like a kneeler for the garden or similar. You may also need a padded piece of floor (a towel over the top or a couple of camping or exercise mats would do).

Plus something quick and easy to give them as a snack, incase they are they for a long time. Don't want the midwifes flaking out on you.

Good luck.

CharleneUK

Good luck! I had a home birth for my last daughter in November last year.

I had relaxation CD's, Shower curtains, water bottle, exercise ball, massage oils, flannels, snacks, birthing positions sheet, and I'm sure I missed out stuff, but let me tell you! This birth was fast (1.37 hours) and half of these things never saw the light of day!! I think the fact that you are at home will make all the difference, you know where everything is, and can just get whatever you need at the time.

I also had some homeopathic remedies to take directly after the birth.

Best of luck to you!