Preparing for a homebirth (especially your first!) is an exciting and somewhat unpredictable journey. I remember wondering if I would have a 2 hour birth where absolutely nothing I prepped for seemed to matter or if I would have a 36 hour birth where I would need ALL the things to get me through. My birth ended up being one of the long ones (34hrs!) so I am sharing a compiled list of everything I recommend after going through it myself!
1. Doula or Another Trusted Woman
This is my number one recommendation. While I initially believed I would prefer a more intimate setting with just my husband and midwives, having an additional support person is something I 100% recommend and is a must have for my future births. You want someone there who you feel very comfortable and at ease around and who you know will adapt to your needs and not be pushy. This is why so many women turn to doulas!
Doulas have experience working with all kinds of women with differing needs and are skilled in things like counter pressure and labor positioning, and can help you through the entire process so you don’t have to think about anything other than the hard work of birthing your precious baby! If you have a friend or family member who has had natural labor and who you can count on to be an encouraging and supportive helper that would work great too!
2. Labor Snacks and Drinks
Labor is an energy-intensive process, and having nutritious snacks and hydrating drinks on hand is crucial. When you are in early labor and can still eat you definitely should! Before you know it you may find yourself unable to eat all together and the more recently you ate something the better. Plan for something a bit more nutritious earlier on and then something easier to sneak in for active labor.
- Protein bars
- Smoothies (prep the mix in a bag and label in the freezer so your husband can make quickly)
- Organic pouches (yes the ones for children!)
- Crackers
- Flavored bone broth
- That’s it bars
- Dried fruit
- Kefir
- Popsicles
- Chia seed drinks
- Beef sticks
- Electrolyte drinks
- Coconut water
- Juice
3. Birth Ball
I was hesitant to purchase lots of things I wasnt sure if I would need but honestly a birth ball was a must have. I spent a lot of time on the birth ball in early labor and it was invaluable. Bonus- after the baby is born it is an awesome tool for dad to sit on to very gently bounce the baby to sleep! It’s a lifesaver for us!
4. Comfortable Clothing
Labor is not the time to be searching through your closet for a change of clothes. Next time around I will be packing a bin for my husband, midwives, and doula to easily access. I recommend having multiple changes of clothes as well as a robe and a bathing suit. I ended up getting in and out of my birth tub multiple times and my clothes got wet. I ended up digging through my closet to get what I wanted because I had nothing set aside. I recommend having a pile of things ready that someone could easily grab for you. Quick access to comfortable clothing ensures you can focus on the birthing process without unnecessary distractions.
5. Birth Playlists
Music has the power to transform the birthing environment. I recommend having 3 playlists. I would create one playlist with your favorite relaxing worship music, one with relaxing instrumental music (this is a good option if you are overstimulated but still want something on) and one energetic pump up playlist. Music can serve as a powerful tool to help you relax and find strength during labor.
6. The Bible
I repeatedly asked my husband to pray out loud while I was in labor. I needed the strength that only comes from God to get me through. Next time, I plan to have an extra support person who can read me scripture while I labor. Drawing our strength from Christ is game changing.
7. Post-Delivery Meal
After the hard work of labor, the last thing you’ll want to think about is who is preparing a meal and what you will be having. Arrange for a post-delivery meal in advance. If it will just be you and your husband then I recommend having something in the freezer that is ready for you. If you have extra hands you can always send someone to go pick up your favorite takeout but have a plan! After finally delivering my baby I was weak and in desperate need of food as soon as possible.
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