Learning on Harris Acres Homestead: Supplies We Have On Hand for Our Homebirth

J and I have been supported and loved by the same midwife for 6 of our 7 pregnancies. We love her to pieces!
I remember when she first handed me this list during K's pregnancy. I was so overwhelmed. Why would I need all of this stuff, just to deliver a baby and how was I going to pay for it? What is all this stuff anyway??? Well, now the list is not so daunting and I really see the need for some of it, and some of it I don’t know that we have ever used!

I'm gonna post it here and explain what and why each item is suggested or needed.

Supplies For A Home Birth

Things To Purchase

at least 12 disposable incontinence under pads (22 in by 30 in) - These are the blue plastic-y things they put under you in the hospital, although sometimes the hospital ones are washable. I've had both. This time around we are actually using “pet pads” as the incontinence pads are getting hard to find. These pet pads are cheaper too.
overnight Kotex maxi pads or toddler size disposable diapers for mother for first couple of days postpartum. Do not buy Always brand maxi-pads. - Always brand irritates the skin that is already tender from the birth. She said Kotex was a good brand. I’ve used adult diapers before too. It’s a good thing you don’t have to wear these for long!
fresh ginger root - this is for a hot poultice. She uses the crock pot, listed below to warm water and the root together. Then as the head is crowning she applies wash clothes dipped in this and I have never torn!!!
Gatorade (at least 2 liters) - Gotta keep everyone hydrated!!
K-Y Jelly (small tube, unopened) - to listen to the heartbeat of the baby as contractions hit and such
1 bottle hydrogen peroxide - disinfecting things??? lol
snacks
boxes of facial tissue (Kleenex)

Things To Gather

Linens - please note that all linens used for under pads should be light colored. Wash all of the following and place in a large tote or basket.

10 large, old bath towels (light in color)
4 old, double or queen bed sheets for under pads, fold each one separately and sew, if possible to measure about 36 in by 36 in – J and I had some of these made up for when K was born; they are great to have around for when kids are sick to keep the bed clothes from getting covered or for night time potty training. We have used these over and over again. I really should make up some more.
4 hand towels for the midwife
old wash clothes
4 flannel sheets or cotton blankets

These need to be washed in hot water (with bleach, optional) and dried in a very hot dryer or hung outside in the bright sunshine.

Clothing

clean panties, overnight maxi pads, and nursing nightgown for mother; bra if you wish - or whatever clothes mother will be comfortable in after delivery
clothing for baby, a diaper, and a receiving blanket or two - just to clothe the baby
pack a separate bag for mom and babe (3 weeks before your due date) in the event of transfer to hospital

Other Essential Items

2 packages of disposable painter’s canvas (for bed and floor) - gotta keep the mess contained!
1 flat cake pan (9by13) for the placenta; 2 ice cream buckets with lids - something to put the placenta in for examination; to make sure it's all there.
crock pot or large soup pot - mentioned above
large garbage pail with 3-4 bags handy - to help contain the mess
laundry basket - to help contain the mess
squeeze bottle - for rinsing bottom after birth, as wiping can be painful

Extras

pillows with old pillowcases - for comfort during labor
baby powder or oil for massage
straws that bend - it's hard to drink from a cup when in labor!!!
ice chips or popsicles made ahead of time from a favorite juice or herbal tea - I've never done this. Just drank the Gatorade or pop from below.
flat ginger ale with sugar; snacks and juice
hot water bottle or heating pad - this is nice to have. I might see if I can get a heating pad from a secondhand store, or just use wheat bags (homemade Magic Bags).
extension cords. - incase outlets aren't handy.

Making The Bed

First put on the sheets for resting after the birth. Have the top sheet and fresh pillowcases handy but not on the bed. Next, securely cover entire mattress with heavy plastic. Finally, place on the bed an old fitted sheet that could be thrown away if needed. Remove your best blankets, but have other blankets handy for the bed during the birth.