If the idea of giving birth at a hospital doesn’t appeal to you, you have probably considered bringing your baby into the world in the comfort of your own home. With your own bed to sleep in, your own shower to wash in and the fact you can make a cuppa from your own kettle after the baby’s born, there is a lot to love about the idea of a home birth.

The first thing to do once you’ve decided you’d like a home birth is talk to your midwife as early as possible so you can make the necessary practical arrangements.

Your midwife will bring all the necessary equipment needed for the delivery, but it’s important to discuss the arrangements several weeks before your due date so you can get clear on what you will need to provide.

Before we go into the arrangements that you’ll need to make to prepare for your home birth, let’s take a quick look at what sort of things your midwife will provide.

What equipment will my midwife provide for the home birth?

Blood pressure monitor.

Thermometer.

Doppler sonicaid.

Baby resuscitation equipment.

Cord Clamp.

Oxygen Cylinder.

Stitching equipment/perineal repair kit.

Antiseptic solutions.

Urine test sticks.

Intravenous drip set.

Scissors.

Gloves.

Drugs/pain relief

Gas and air/Entonox cylinder.

Syntocinon; misoprostol.

Pethidine; co-dydramol.

Local anaesthetic.

Now let’s take a look at the prep you’ll need to make before the big day.

What preparations do I need to make for my home birth?

Organise your baby equipment

To begin with, clearing out a drawer in your house for all the baby bits and bobs is a sensible idea. You can use this space to put all the basic items that you’ll need when the baby arrives. Remember to organise your carrying equipment for the baby such as a Moses basket, carrycot and car seat. Things to pack in your ‘baby drawer’ might include nappies, sleepsuits, vests, cotton wool balls and zinc barrier/nappy cream.

Pack a maternity bag

You may think this seems a bit strange seeing as you’re not going to the hospital, but having all your essentials in one place is super handy for when the baby comes. And if things don’t go according to plan and you need to go to the hospital, everything’s ready for you. Your maternity bag includes things like a night dress, towel, sanitary towels, a change of underwear, and your mobile phone. Optional items might include massage oil, lip balm, magazines/books, headphones, ear plugs, an eye mask and a mini portable speaker.

Decide where you’d like to deliver the baby

At the very least you will need somewhere comfortable, warm and clean. You’ll need to provide plenty of plastic sheeting to protect the bedding and mattress, and large sturdy bin bags for the rubbish. Make sure you have lots of towels, a few bowls, soap, sponges and plenty of hot water. If you are choosing to give birth in your bed then make sure it’s accessible for your midwife on both sides. Several changes of sheets will be handy and be sure to gather up all the cushions and pillows you have in your house for ultimate comfort.

Extra comforts

Comfort is the name of the game! You may want to have a bean bag, a birthing ball, or some large floor cushions to make labour as comfortable as possible. If you would like a water birth, you could also set up a birthing pool at home, but have this hired well in advance. You may like to dim the lights or have some relaxing side lights and candles to create a calm atmosphere. However, be aware that the midwife will need a good source of light to see what they are doing, especially if you need stitches. Have a torch or portable lamp to hand.

How do I prepare for a home birth?

Your midwives can offer a wealth of personalised information. Unii shares the basics.