Birth Supplies

Congratulations!

It is almost time for your birth. This is a good time to think about how you want your birth to be and discuss it with your partner and then with me.

  • Are there special rituals you would like?

  • Do you want candles, flowers, or special breathing techniques I should know about?

  • Does the partner want to catch the baby?

  • Catching can mean doing everything to deliver the baby with the midwife’s guidance or being the first one to touch the baby and lift it to the mother. 

  • Do you want to give birth in a particular position or place in your home?

  • Who are you inviting to your birth? 

  • Will someone be taking photos?

Also, let me know what you expect from the midwives so that we can meet those expectations. I’ll want to discuss your wishes with you in depth.

Birth Supplies

Gathering some supplies before you begin your last month of pregnancy would be best. You can order and purchase a birth kit or, if you prefer, assemble these supplies yourself. I make kits available through Cascade Birthing and Radient Belly. Each kit contains:

  • 1 package of 24 maternity (large) sanitary pads

  • 16 under-pads or Chuxs

  • 1 peri irrigation bottle

  • 1digital thermometer with case

  • 2 newborn hats

  • 1 package of sitz bath herbs (Comfrey, Uva-Ursi, salt)

  • 3 flexi straws

  • 6 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4)

  • 1 2oz bulb syringe for suctioning mucus (ear syringe)

Along with the kit you will need to have some other things on hand for your birth:

  • Two sets of clean sheets, one for the birth and one for afterward

  • Plastic sheet to cover mattress or other surfaces (optional)

  • 4-5 soft towels (bath size) and 4-5 washcloths

  • Flashlight with fresh batteries

  • A few plastic trash bags

  • Extra pillows

  • A small un-opened bottle of olive oil or other unscented natural vegetable oil

  • 1 or two extra newborn hats

  • A box of Kleenex or a roll of toilet paper

  • Medium/Large bowl for the placenta (stainless steel works great)

  • A bottle of hydrogen peroxide (great for clean-up; this is included in the kit if you buy from Cascade)

  • A hand mirror

It is important for the mom to have plenty of juice and other beverages (like Recharge) on hand.  We recommend that you also have nourishing, easy-to-digest foods such as pre-made smoothies, yogurt, miso, bread, cheese, and honey.  Please provide plenty of healthy food and coffee and tea for the midwives, your partner and other support people at your birth. Often, those attending your birth are with you for long hours, and it is important that they be well nourished.  

  • You might also want to consider having candles, flowers, music, aromatherapy, Echinacea tincture, and homeopathic arnica tablets.

  • A few tips: Soak several kotex in an infusion of comfrey and urva ursi and freeze to use immediately following the birth.

  • Some women like to use adult diapers for the first day and night after the birth to avoid worries about blood leakage.

  • Make your bed with clean sheets under the plastic cover and then older sheets on top to facilitate immediate cleanup.

  • Make fruit juice popsicles for labor.

  • You can freeze three days of prepared meals for after the birth or set up a system with friends to bring your new family meals for the first week.