What supplies do I need for a home birth?

Home Birth Supply Checklist

General supplies: 

• Digital thermometer
• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Gravol (or generic brand) 
• Washcloths
• Water bottle 
• Hot water bottle or heating pad
• Ice pack 
• Ice chips, ice cubes or Popsicles 
• Fluid-replacement drinks or honey 
• Bucket or bowl (some women vomit during childbirth) 
• Comfortable clothes 
• Mirror for watching the birth (optional)
• Extra-large overnight pads (without dry-weave, which irritates stitches)  
• Paper towels
• Sturdy tray (like a cookie sheet) to use as a transportable work surface  
• Two large garbage bags (one for laundry; one for garbage)
• Three-prong extension cord or power bar 
• Large plastic zip-top freezer bag (for the placenta)
• Notebook, camera, music player, small bright lamp (all optional) 

For the bed: 

• Pillows lined with plastic bags, with pillowcases over top
•  Bottom layer: clean fitted sheet (this is the layer you will rest on post-delivery, when you’re tucked back in bed with your baby) 
•  Middle layer: waterproof covering, such as a shower curtain or a plastic sheet
• Top layer: clean fitted sheet (choose an old one, as it might get stained) 
• Stain remover for laundry
• Extra blanket

Note: Midwives will provide disposable underpads.

For the baby:

• Newborn diapers
• Newborn onesie and footed sleeper
• Large towels (not your best ones!)
• Two newborn hats 
• Receiving blankets
• Olive oil (good for cleaning meconium from baby’s bum)

Note: Even if you’re planning to have a home birth, you should still pack a hospital bag ahead of time, in case you need to transfer to the hospital. Make sure you have an infant car seat, too.  

Source: Association of Ontario Midwives

Read more: What is a birthing pool? Home birth: When the older siblings are there to cut the cord