If you are having a homebirth, we suggest planning to have these things ready by 37 weeks. Anything that your midwife would consider a high necessity should be present in a Birth Kit that most clients purchase at their 36 week appointment. It contains items like sterile gloves, cord clamps, chux, depends, lube packets, etc. Since we buy these items in bulk it is usually cheaper for a client to purchase a kit than buy these items individually. Your midwife will bring her own equipment. The list below is just to serve as a nice addition to your birth kit. :-)
There are times when we find it is a good idea to have these things handy (we find most homes have these things already). We recommend that all cloth items be freshly washed and dried (minus food and drink) and placed a large plastic bin so it is easily accessible.
LINENS
2 sets of sheets.
One set to labor on that will get stained, and a clean set for recovery.
One unused tarp, painter’s drop cloth, vinyl tablecloth, or shower curtain.
4 Bath sized towels, 6 if planning a waterbirth (you cannot have too many towels if you are planning to labor in water or have a waterbirth!)
4 Wash cloths
MEDICINAL
Bag of Depends or Large Menstrual Pads
Padcicles: Make strong chamomile tea, soak a dozen panty liners and freeze
Sitz bath; epsom salts and/or herbs
Earth Salve; or any herbal healing ointment
Homeopathic Arnica
Ibuprofen
KITCHEN
Large bowl for the placenta
White kitchen trash bag
Small unopened bottle of oil, your choice
CELEBRATION
Large meal prepared and frozen for after the birth
Charged camera or phone
List of phone numbers to call to announce after the baby is born
FOOD & DRINKS
Electrolyte Drinks (we recommend Nuun tablets, coconut water w/ pinch of salt or pedialite)
Variety of Juices
Straws
Bag of ice
Easy to prepare protein – peanut butter, cheese, or eggs
Light snacks – fruits, vegetables, nuts, sandwich fixings, bagels, yogurt, etc.
FOR MOTHER
Set of old comfortable clothes to labor in
Nice gown for after
FOR BABY
2 onesies
2 newborn hats
2 pair booties
2 sleepers
4 Receiving blankets
Diapers
COMFORT ITEMS
Essential Oils & Diffuser
Birthing ball (lrg exercise ball)
Sound machine
Stereo and music
Candles
Heating pad