BIRTH SUPPLY LIST
As your doula, I will do my best to support you in birthing your baby in your chosen space, but would also like to be prepared for unexpected situations. Whether that is at Home, Birth Center or Hospital.
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For this reason, you are asked to please prepare the items in both the home and hospital sections of this list, regardless of where you are planning on welcoming your prairie baby. Having a hospital bag packed when you are planning home or birth centre allows for a fast, smooth and safe transfer into the hospital if it becomes necessary.
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Having home birth supplies already gathered together allows you to more easily change your mind during labour (if you suddenly want a home birth), and/or it allows you and the midwives to be better prepared when there is not enough time to move somewhere else.
Home Birth List
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8-10 Clean older washcloths (for compresses)
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6-8 large clean older towels (for drying everyone)
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6 receiving blankets
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Large waterproof tarp, or plastic sheet. Plastic shower curtains or painter's sheets work well.
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2 large-sized bowls (1 for nausea and 1 for the placenta)
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2 large garbage bags (large blue clear recycling bags are great)
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2 extra large, sturdy zip-lock bags
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1 digital thermometer
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1 large pack of overnight sanitary pads (avoid “Always” brand or dry weave pads because they cause rashes, discomfort and sometimes pull out stitches)
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil), and Dimenhydrinate (Gravol) (please do not buy the natural, or non-drowsy version of Gravol)
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Loose and comfortable clothing to wear after the birth
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A few diapers
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2 newborn-size baby hats
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A small unopened container of unscented oil (e.g. olive, almond or coconut oil)
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A onesie and sleeper if you wish to dress the baby after the birth
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Hydrogen peroxide, or “green” bleach (to remove blood stains if needed)
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A large pot with a lid (to keep compresses warm)
