To-do list & shopping list?

[MommyNicoleTX]

Has anyone made a to-do list (or found one online) of what needs to be done before your Homebirth? You know like -get a birth pool, -take CPR, -order birth kit & herbs -etc etc.... I'm trying to compile mine and delegate to get stuff done but my brain is fried! Anyone care to share their to-do list and/or shopping list?

Thanks in advance!!

[lunarlady]

My MW gave me a shopping list. Maybe ask yours for one? My only real to do was to keep the house clean since I never feel like cleaning for weeks after the birth.

[mommathea]

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Edited by mommathea - 5/11/11 at 4:37pm

[Climbergirl]

Oh, I would love to see an actual list of this too. Right now, my nesting has taken over and I am a freak about getting the house super organized and ready for 2 babies. Poor DH is trying to keep up with my list. He is doing a great job though

[esg]

Sorry to jump in, but my midwife has her supply list online and it also shows what I'm in charge of getting, if you're interested.

http://myhealthfreedom.com/index.php?id=178

If you prefer not to clink odd links, here it is:

What she supplies:

10 Underpad 23x24 Catch fluids
5 Underpad 23x36 Same as above
1 Peri Bottle, 8oz Holds mix of Povidone and warm water
1 Povidone iodine, 4 oz Antibacterial agent
1 Bulb Syringe, 3 oz Gentle suctioning if needed
12 Gauze Sponge, 4x4 12-ply (2/pkg) Absorbing fluids
1 Soothing Herbal Bath Healing herbs for 4 baths help with recovery
3 Glove, Sterile, Pair For any exam done after the waters break.
1 Infant Hat To help the newborn conserve heat if needed.
1 Tape Measure For several measurements taken sometime the first day.
6 Lubricating Jelly May be used if needed for vaginal exam or later
5 Alcohol Prep Pad Only needed if an injection is given or for the Newborn Screen
1 Cord Band, sterile, 2/pkg Used to tie the umbilical cord before cutting
1 Digital Thermometer For taking baby's and momma's temperatures
1 Handout: First Days AFter Birth Help the parents through the first few days
1 Handout: Labor Support Guide Help the laboring mother's partner
1 Unofficial Birth Certificate An attractive unofficial certificate for the families
1 Freezer Bag To store the placenta in the freezer until disposal.
2 Plastic-backed Sheet To protect a large area from fluids.

Additional Supplies Needed

The following are NOT included in the birth kit so you should acquire them:

2-4 Large bottles of hydrogen peroxide For cleaning
Unopened 2-4 oz. bottle of olive or almond oil For massage
2 bottle of pedialyte, 1 unflavored (for first-time moms only)
Trash bags
Shower curtain or large playpen pad For floor if squatting
Heating pad For warmth for mom or infant as needed
Healthful food and beverages for mom and midwives
6 clean towels For drying the baby
6 clean wash cloths For compresses
4 cotton baby blankets
Strainer or sieve for herbal bath
1 package of Depends (easier the first days than sanitary napkins)

Optional:
Birth Pool For waterbirth
Crockpot For hot compresses
Large bowl or shallow pan To catch the placenta
Ice pack For perineum after birth
Camera No Flash
Video camera and operator Not your husband
Music

Sorry it's a bit all over the place, the site has it neater!
I love having a shopping/to do list. I'm still trying to get all my stuff together. I'm pretty sure I'll add to this but this is what I'm starting with!

[babyjelly]

All my mw asks me to have on hand is peroxide, a crockpot, towels, and washcloths. I will be ordering a couple of extra peri bottles, because my older kids like to play with them
Posted via Mobile Device

[esg]

Originally Posted by babyjelly

All my mw asks me to have on hand is peroxide, a crockpot, towels, and washcloths. I will be ordering a couple of extra peri bottles, because my older kids like to play with them
Posted via Mobile Device

Simple! I like that! I'm so nervy though so I've convinced myself I need all that on my list and much more. First timer over here in every single respect!

[Galatea]

Originally Posted by esg

Simple! I like that! I'm so nervy though so I've convinced myself I need all that on my list and much more. First timer over here in every single respect!

First labors are often longer and you may very well use all the stuff on the longer list. I didn't have my first HB until #3, so I knew that a lot of the stuff would never be used. Useless to me: crockpot and washcloths for compresses (my babies come out in 2-3 pushes), oil for perineal massage, arnica, snacks, etc. Basically anything to do with comfort for a long labor and pushing stage, I won't make a big deal over having, b/c it would be very unusual if I did have a long pushing phase.

For me, the list is:

birth tub and accessories (tarp, hose, adapter, etc.)
old towels for me and baby
shower curtain for waterproofing if on land
alcohol and peroxide (no idea what these are for but they will be used around the house if necessary)
granny panties and ginormous pads
chux pads to sit on afterwards
flashlight and mirror for midwife to see with (never used these but again, useful around the house)
thermometer (already have)
paper towels and toilet paper

And then what you need for any birth/baby:

diapers
clothes
hats
blankets

Things I find to be totally useless are atmospheric items like candles, playlists, etc. Many women go into labor land and I know I was not aware of any of this, nor did I care.

[esg]

Yep, first labor but good info, Galatea, thank you. It's funny how I was even trying to think of what music I would use for my playlist but you're right, now that I think about it, I don't even think I would pay as much attention to it.

[proudmomof4]

Originally Posted by esg

Yep, first labor but good info, Galatea, thank you. It's funny how I was even trying to think of what music I would use for my playlist but you're right, now that I think about it, I don't even think I would pay as much attention to it.

That depends on you - I really enjoyed that I was able to choose "my" music and my oil for the aromatherapy lamp.

That's a long list you've got there, I don't think we had that much. Again, that depends on personal preferences.

Don't forget to go grocery shopping and stock up on things like laundry and dishwashing detergent, bathroom tissue, diapers (whatever you use), nuts / almonds and dried fruits for a quick snack, etc. It also makes a lot of sense to cook double portions and freeze if you can - that will help you and your partner once baby is there.

[Galatea]

I loooove music and am very picky about it. I also have a super-sensitive sense of smell. Yet, in labor, I didn't notice any of this, nor care. I was all in my head, coping with labor.

I imagine aromatherapy would be nice for everyone else, though! Birth has a smell.

[esg]

Those are good tips. I'll have to write them down. I do plan to cook and freeze some things but haven't decided what for sure yet. Not even sure how much. I have a lot to look into and I really need to make a full grocery list.

Thinking of this stuff is making me want to go and get it all done already!

Originally Posted by proudmomof4

That depends on you - I really enjoyed that I was able to choose "my" music and my oil for the aromatherapy lamp.

That's a long list you've got there, I don't think we had that much. Again, that depends on personal preferences.

Don't forget to go grocery shopping and stock up on things like laundry and dishwashing detergent, bathroom tissue, diapers (whatever you use), nuts / almonds and dried fruits for a quick snack, etc. It also makes a lot of sense to cook double portions and freeze if you can - that will help you and your partner once baby is there.

[MommyNicoleTX]

Thanks so much for the help!!

[Eresh]

If you're planning on a water birth or laboring in a pool, get a tarp if the pool is not going to be on a mopable surface. Lots of towels too since you may get in an out several times. If you have an extra bath mat, that would also be good for the climbing in and out so the floor stays dry / non-slippery.

I could barely force myself to eat anything while I was in labor (about 24 hrs) so I drank a ton of honey water. This time I have 2 cases of plain coconut water on hand. What I don't drink during labor I will have no problem drinking later. The stuff is addictive. And the kind of sugar in plain coconut water is the kind that is preferentially used by your muscles, or so I have been told, so great for hydrating during physical events.

Lots of chux pads. Good for during the birth but also for after too. I had a small 2nd degree tear with DS and I went bare bottomed most of the time over the next several days to help with healing. I sat on chux pads to absorb the lochia. You can get them at any drug store.

A clean bucket / small trashcan to vomit in. Some women don't vomit but some do but if you need it, you won't have time to go hunt for one.

Make sure your DP is familiar with where everything is. It sucks having to give directions to go find things like the heating pad or the baby's clothing after the birth.

[esg]

Originally Posted by Eresh

A clean bucket / small trashcan to vomit in. Some women don't vomit but some do but if you need it, you won't have time to go hunt for one.

Make sure your DP is familiar with where everything is. It sucks having to give directions to go find things like the heating pad or the baby's clothing after the birth.

Those are two that need to be on my list. The first one I didn't think about but I need to make sure I don't forget about that last one.

[qadirqutiesmom]

I'm 34 weeks can I possibly get everything together??? I just signed up with my MW and had my son at 37 weeks. Still have to clean my house, and make all the different kits for the homebirth. I'm getting a little nervous especially because I haven't washed and prepped all the baby cloths nor have I ordered my cloth diapers. I don't think i have enough time to do anything and I'm getting a little overwhelmed now, but I think it will be totally worth it. I hope this baby comes closer to his/her due date. 

Thanks for this list it is really helpful. 

[mammamo]

I put everything (birth supplies and anything I thought I'd need during the birth, along with some hats and baby clothes) in the babies cosleeper, I had it all set up anyways, and no baby to put in it.

[bird_verde]

Originally Posted by qadirqutiesmom 

I'm 34 weeks can I possibly get everything together??? I just signed up with my MW and had my son at 37 weeks. Still have to clean my house, and make all the different kits for the homebirth. I'm getting a little nervous especially because I haven't washed and prepped all the baby cloths nor have I ordered my cloth diapers. I don't think i have enough time to do anything and I'm getting a little overwhelmed now, but I think it will be totally worth it. I hope this baby comes closer to his/her due date. 

Thanks for this list it is really helpful. 

You can do it.  Take a deep breath and realize that not EVERYTHING has to to be done!  (Of course, I was completely out of my mind with cleaning, cooking, baking and finishing numerous projects before my hb).  You only need to wash a handful of baby clothes - the rest can be washed later.  If you don't get cloth diapers in time, keep a package of disposables on hand. Order your midwive's hb kit and get the other needed supplies for the birth and slowly peice together the rest of your needs.

[purplerose]

I have so far made a to-do list for my kids, and a call/text list for the birth. My kids are two teens and an almost-9 year old and want things to do to keep them busy in case they can't handle labor LOL Especially the middle child. It's things like cleaning the dishes, clean the van out, make sure all phones and mp3 players are charged, feed the dogs and let them out to potty,...

My midwife has a supply list online and as I have been through this before I know there's not much we need for a homebirth so I'm actually not so concerned about supplies.

One of my major concerns is trying to cook/freeze lots of foods so we'll have good food after the birth, and not just hot pockets and corn dogs like last time :oP

[qadirqutiesmom]

Thanks for the encouragement and words of advice. I'm trying to do exactly what you say and take it one step at a time and worry only about the necessary things. I guess I'm nesting and with a 2 year old and things constantly getting messy I'm having a hard time focusing. I just hope this baby comes closer to his/her due date than my son did. I definitely wouldn't mind the extra time.