• Birth supplies for an unassisted homebirth

    Date: 2011.09.14 | Category: Unassisted Childbirth | Tags: ,

    What supplies do you think you need for your planned unassisted homebirth? The list is different for every family, but many UC families use similar supplies. Here is the list of birth supplies I used when I gave birth to my son, as well as some I did not have, but in hindsight wish I did.

    During labor

    • A birth ball or birth stool if you think you may want them.
    • A birth pool if you are planning on having a water birth.
    • Lots of water to stay well-hydrated. You may also like coconut water or electrolyte drinks.
    • Snacks if you want them.
    • Towels for when your water breaks.
    • A toilet! The best place to labor for many women.
    • A telephone to call anyone you may wish or need to contact, including a friend to pick up older children, or 911 if required.
    • A fetoscope or doppler to listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Also pay attention to fetal movement during labor.
    • Distraction if you want it – a book, television, computer, or a bunch of friends and board games.
    During birth and immediately postpartum
    • Herbs or medication for hemorrhage. Shepherd’s Purse is popular among UC-ers to stop hemorrhage, and pitocin is an excellent medication to stop hemorrhage. If you are planning on using any of these, you will need the knowledge of how to do so safely.
    • A bowl for the placenta.
    • Towels for you and baby.
    • Baby clothes and diapers.
    • Breasts for nursing.
    • A well functioning intuition, and the knowledge you previously acquired about neonatal resuscitation. I am not suggesting that you go through the birth of your baby being hyper-vigilant – most women just let their body do the work at this point, and you will perceive any alarming events automatically.
    • Supplies to cut the umbilical cord. Lotus birth supplies if you were planning on that.
    Do you have anything to add? You are invited to comment!