Home birth is a beautiful and grounding birth option that allows you to experience birth your own way from the comfort of your home.
Home birth may be an option for you if:
•You are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy
•You want to avoid an episiotomy, cesarean section, epidural and other similar interventions
•You want to share the experience with family and friends
•You want to be free to move around, change positions, take a shower, and eat or drink freely during labor
•You want to enjoy the comforts of your home and familiar surroundings
https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/home-birth
Benefits of Home Birth:
“Benefits of planned home birth include lower rates of maternal morbidity, such as postpartum hemorrhage, and perineal lacerations, and lower rates of interventions such as episiotomy, instrumental vaginal birth, and cesarean birth.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4399594/
“An average uncomplicated vaginal birth costs about 60% less in a home than in a hospital.”
https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/home-birth/
Birth Supplies:
Although you don’t need much more than your body to give birth, it’s helpful to have plenty of supplies to create a comforting and relaxing environment that can address any issues should they arise.
The birth supplies you’ll need will depend on whether you’re having a midwife or an unassisted birth. If you’re getting a midwife, you’ll want to ask what they will supply, otherwise you’ll need to get most items yourself.
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Helpful Gear:
If using a birth pool and planning a water birth, there are a few additional items you may want or need.
- Lead-free potable water hose
- Sink water hose adapter
- Fish net (in case any accidents happen in the pool)
The Basics:
- Extra sheets, towels, and rags
- Thermometer
- Underpads
- Plastic sheet or shower curtain liner
Setting The Environment:
- Dim lighting options
- Essential oils
Comfort & Pain Management:
- Birth gown for mom
- Organic Herbal Heating Pad
- Ice Pack
- Healthy Snacks
- Homemade fruit popsicles
- Peanut butter
- Vegetable Broth or Soup
- Any quick & easy healthy snacks you love!
Unassisted Birth Medical Gear:
•Home Birth On Your Own Terms: A How To Guide For Birthing Unassisted
•Blood Pressure Cuff and Stethoscope
•Umbilical Cord Clamp
•Kleenprint Footprint
For Baby:
- Newborn diapers
- Receiving blankets
- Birthday cake (for family to celebrate!)
You may also like: Natural Ways to Prepare Your Body for an Easy and Intervention-Free Birth and The Best Resources For Planning Your Ideal Birth
Such a great post! I had all four of my kids in a hospital, I allowed synthetic drugs be pumped through my body and theirs. I had experienced guilt over these choices for years, but I accepted my choices and live with that. However, if I could back I would have tried it and if I was strong enough mentally I would have done it this way! I commend the women of the world who go this route! Thanks for sharing!! So important!
You bring the home birth facts and I have a feeling this will speak to some more mamas that otherwise would not have considered this option, due to our current situation. Had to chime in that I have had a hospital birth and home birth knowing all of the facts about it that I possibly could and was so thankful that this was my choice. It was amazing! Also, wanted to mention that birthing centers are also a good option right now because they are only delivering babies not treating the sick. I have heard that insurance is opening up new coverage during this time for home births right now which was not previously covered by insurance. All the best to the expecting mamas! #23 weeks over here and planning the home birth now. 😉
I always wanted home births. If birthing centres would have been an option where I lived, I think I would have preferred that to the hospital setting that I was in.
I think I will always admire those who are able to.
Home births are incredible. Power to moms who are able to do this.
I had two home births. Both wonderful experiences. To each their own but I just knew that was how I felt most comfortable. Great prep tips! I liked reading the Ina May Gaskin books to help me prep too.
Great review of home births. I considered one for my first but ended up having a hospital birth. We shall see what the future brings for any more babies!
This is something every mom should read, whether or not they’re planning on a home birth (for the just in case). 🙂 Thank you!
Wonderful compilation of information! I wanted to do a home birth, but really couldn’t afford it at the time (my insurance wouldn’t pay for it and we don’t have many midwife options in our area).
I had four wonderful hospital births with absolutely no interventions except for reviving my first born when he wasn’t breathing, and monitoring my 4th born as she had a true knot in her umbilical cord. I’m a huge advocate for having the safest birth for mama and baby; one in which the mother is listened to and honored. You can read my birth stories on my blog if you’re interested 🙂
Great article. I am gonna share it with one of my friend who is considering home birth .
wow, I always wanted a home birth but never went through it with my two kids
Shared this with a friend getting ready to have a home birth!
This is wonderful! I have a family member considering a home birth. This will be a great resource to help her. Thank you
I’ve ways been curious about home births. My deliveries were so quick that it probably have been an option for myself but I was high risk because I developed high blood pressure.
This was so nice to read because I geuninely wanted a water birth with my son but due to Fibroids, I was not able to. I am praying that the next time around that I am able to have a water birth from home, but if my fibroids come back it will be a no go.