We bring all the of the necessary medical equipment to the birth, as well as many other practical supplies. This includes oxygen, a Doppler for listening to the baby’s heartbeat, instruments to cut and band the baby’s cord, antihemorrhagic drugs and IV equipment in case you hemorrhage, and suturing materials in case you tear. We also bring various comfort measures including a TENS unit, rebozo, peanut ball, and various herbal tinctures and essential oils.
You will provide a small list of supplies, all easily obtained at a drugstore, Target, Walmart, Amazon, or go thrifting! You shouldn’t have to spend more than $50 on the disposable supplies, and if you need sheets, towels, or other cloth items, thrift stores are the place to get them. Though we rarely ruin anything, some items, particularly the baby blankets, can be stained, so don’t pick your favorites to be part of your birth supplies.
Supplies For Your Birth
- 6 cotton flannel receiving blankets that can get messy
- 8 clean bath towels
- 10 clean washcloths
- 2 plastic shower curtain liners
- These are the cheap plastic ones! The dollar store has great options. We will use one to protect your mattress and we like another one just in case.
- 1 set of clean sheets on your bed
- These are the sheets you already have on you bed, no need to change them unless you want to.
- 1 extra set of sheets that can be ruined
- 2 large black lawn and leaf bags, or 4 tall kitchen trash bags
- 1-2 large clean stock pots
- You biggest pots in your kitchen are fine here. We might boil water to heat up your pool if necessary.
- large bowl
- 1 pkg. size large disposable underpads
- 20-25 in package, found near Depends and incontinence supplies
- 1 pack overnight menstrual pads OR 1 pack large Depends
- 1 bottle of rubbing alcohol and 1 bottle of hydrogen peroxide
- 2 new Ziploc Bags, gallon size
- Ibuprofen
- Echinacea and Vitamin C
- Cheap table/kosher salt for laundry
Additional Supplies For Water Birth
- A clean garden hose long enough to reach from your showerhead to the pool
- do NOT get expandable/flexible hoses
- A small goldfish net or small kitchen strainer
Labor Nourishment
- 2 large bottles of electrolyte-replacing fluid such as Body Armor, Coconut Water or labor-ade recipe. Whatever you buy or make, it needs to have calories! No sugar free or sugar substitutes please.
- 4 bottles for first-time mothers.
- Nourishing, but easy to digest foods for mom during labor. (Broth, yogurt, cheese, crackers, honey, toast, etc…)
- Nourishing meal for mom to eat after the baby is born.
For Baby
- Newborn sized diapers. We recommend disposable for the first week or two.
- Wipes (unscented/hypoallergenic ideal)
- Coconut oil or EVOO in a small container
- Any greasy baby-safe ointment is ok
- 1-2 clean swaddling blankets to bundle baby up after the newborn exam
- Regular quick-read digital thermometer
- Optional – hat and/or outfit for baby
Optional Comforts for Mom
- Sleep aids for early labor: Benadryl, Unisom, Magnesium, Melatonin
- Soft nursing bras or tanks
- Nipple cream or coconut oil
- Breast pads
- Perineal ice packs
- Belly support band/binder
- Rice sock or heating pad
- Comfy clothes/pajamas for mom to wear after the birth