? for hombirthing mamas

[sophiamama]

So, I'm planning a birth center birth. I really do like my midwives and had an excellent experience during my last birth there. My only concern is, hey, I'm due in DECEMBER. I live in the great Northeast where is snows, A LOT, and frequently in december. My husband and I were talking about this the other night and we concluded we should probably have a few "supplies" around the house, just in case the weather was really horrid and we couldn't get to the birth center. So, any suggestions for me on what I should have?

[Kimcarrots]

Well, I've had two homebirths and my midwives have me order a birth kit which has chux pads, the bulb thing for their airways, and a whole bunch of other stuff (I can't remember). Maybe you should visit the area where parents who decide to birth unassisted post (is there such a place?)

I live in Western MA....we get much snow...I would make sure I have a friend with 4 wheel drive available...just in case.

Good luck!

[milk_maker]

I'd see if you could order a standard birthing kit from your midwife "just in case." Or go over to the UC forum and see what they say. They have a birth supply list. I remember my birthing kit had things like gloves, massage oil, chux, guaze panties, pads, umbilical clamp, peri bottle, etc...

[mainermoma]

Definitely ask your midwife, and check out the midwifery today webpage. Where do you live? I live in Maine.

[kalisis]

Hey. There were really only two things that I would go out and buy again - everything else we could have just made due with.

1. chux pads - these saved my floor and my couch
2. straws - we didn't buy any and I was so bummed it was so hard to get a drink. The glass kept clanging into my teeth - ouch.

The thing about your home is that it doesn't really need to be sterile b/c it's just your germs and your child will have some immunities already. I mean, I think doing things like boiling the scissors you use to cut the umbilical cord and other things is a good idea, but IMO, not always necessary.

If you're really thinking about this, I agree w/ pps, go and check out the UA board. There is a sticky there, I believe, and then in the archives I'm sure there's other info.

[paxye]

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...play.php?f=306

Is where the unassisted folks post and where there is a good deal of info...

I recommend "Emergency childbirth" to anyone who is having a baby... hospital, birthing center or home... cause you just never know what can happen and it is better to be prepared....

[steffanie3]

I would also talk to your midwife. I would probably buy a birth kit from her and just bring it if you go to the birth center as planned. I think from my midwife it was like $35 and I don't think I could have got all the stuff in it for that. My last birth ended up in the hospital so she just gave me a credit for the birth kit since we didn't use it.

[jamsmama]

In His Hands is by far the cheapest place on the web to get homebirthing necessities. http://www.inhishands.com/ You can get also get a catalog from them if you go on their site and order one...it's free.