Are you planning to have a home birth? Yay! It’s an exciting time and you are likely experiencing so many joys, emotions and thoughts.
You might also have some questions about what you can do to prepare for your home birth. While not every home birth is the same, just like not every pregnancy is the same, the best thing you can do is to slow down, talk to your partner and your midwife and make a plan.
At Everything Birth, we are experts in giving birth at home and we are here to help. Here are five things to do to prepare for a home birth. Read on:
Research
If you are planning to have a home birth, the best thing you can do is research, research, research. Read home birth stories. Talk to others who have had home birth. Know the statistics and outcomes. Like any major decision, there are pros and cons to home birth. Luckily, there are videos and books for your research.
Talk to your partner and other children
When planning for a home birth, open communication with your partner is crucial. He or she might have fears and questions and NOW is the time to work through those concerns. If you have other children, talk to them about birth and what will likely happen so they aren’t fearful or anxious about the big day.
Gather your supplies
Depending on what kind of home birth you want, you should gather the supplies you think you need well in advance of the big day. At Everything Birth, we have all you need (and more!) for a home birth. Talk to your midwife, get a list and start shopping!
Take time for yourself to prepare for birth
As with any big event, be sure to set aside time for yourself to prepare for your homebirth. Take natural birth classes, and write out your birth plan. Take some time to pamper and prepare yourself, too!
Call your midwife and/or doula!
When labor begins, call your midwife and/or doula! You’ve planned and prepared and you are ready. Be confident in your choice of a home birth – and your amazing birth team and support people.
Everything Birth
At Everything Birth, we are here to help you plan for your home birth.