Ever wonder just what kinds of things you should have on hand for your home birth? While many midwives’ lists go beyond the basics and require extraordinary items, the following list is simply a basic list compiled by a student midwife. Use it for a basic outline for what you will need for your natural birth at home.

* Crock pot–this is for having access to warm water during the birth
* A large, flat bottomed pan–for the midwife to boil her instruments in
* 2 large metal bowls–one of these is in case of nausea during transition; the other is for cool water for a cold compress.
* 6 washcloths
* 6 large towels
* 2 large plastic trashbags–for trash and dirty laundry
* 4 plastic grocery bags–for placenta and other needs
* 2 plastic shower curtains–available from the dollar store
* clothes for the mother and baby
* 6 receiving blankets
* Diapers for baby
* Bottle of liquid chlorophyll–this is an excellent blood builder in case of hemorrhaging.
* Large unopened bag of chux pads–large please!
* Food for the mother and partner
* 2 bottles of gatorade or other electrolyte drink for the mother
* Water for the mother to drink
* A small bottle of unopened olive oil–to help with meconium cleanup after baby’s first poop!
* Ordinary table salt–for the dirty laundry!
* A fish net–for pool debris, if you are having pool at your labor and delivery

This is just a list of the most basic needs that a midwife will probably expect you to have at your birth. Consult with your own healthcare provider for a more complete list of what she expects to be in that birth box by the time you are ready to have your baby.

Most midwives expect the birth box to be fully prepared by the time you reach 36 weeks of your pregnancy. This is to ensure that should the baby come early, the entire birth team will be prepared. These simple homebirth supplies will allow the midwife to work without harry and will save you the hassle of trying to explain where everything is during your home birth.