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Preparing The House For A Homebirth

This is a good time to get everything together that you will need, if you plan to birth at home. In the first stages of labor you will have ample time to set it all up:

• A firm mattress. You can put a board under the one you’ve already got if it seems too soft. A waterbed may be comfortable for the earlier stages of labor, but is definitely not recommended for the actual birth, as it is not supportive enough.
  
• A plastic sheet or shower curtain to place over the mattress to protect it.
  
• An old set of sheets that you don’t mind getting stained.
  
• Disposable bed pads. You should be able to find these at a pharmacy or medical supply store. Large disposal diapers can work if you can’t find anything else.
  
• Several towels and washcloths. These may get stained.
  
• Antiseptic soap, such as PhisoDerm, for scrubbing up with.
  
• Rubbing alcohol.
  
• A large bowl to catch the placenta.
  
• Newspaper to lay out on the floor to soak up any liquids.
  
• A fleet enema. Discuss this with your midwife.
  
• A work area near the bed, such as a table or a dresser top for the midwife’s supplies.
  
• A place where the midwife can lie down and rest, if necessary.
  
• Snacks and drinks for the birth attendants.

You need to wash all the sheets, towels and washcloths that you’ve set aside for the birth in hot water with chlorine bleach. Dry them in the hottest setting on the dryer, then fold them while they are still hot. Put them in unused plastic bags and seal them with tape until it is time to use them.