Preparations for Birth

Expectant mothers have many, sundry things to do to prepare for their new baby. From the purchase of clothes and supplies, to the painting of nursery furniture and walls... there is much to do.
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In preparation for giving birth at home, our clients should plan in the following ways...

Your Birth Bags:

These bags contain the linens and clothing for your labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period (24 hours) for both mother's

and baby's needs:

There is no need to purchase new items! We encourage you to use what you already have, borrow from family or friends; and even check garage sales and thrift stores for items you need. We have extra linens!

Please let us know if you need anything!

mild laundry soap ( Ivory Snow or Dreft)
4 - 5 standard-size paper grocery bags
a black permanent "Sharpie" type marker
masking tape or stapler

~ ~ ~ Plan to prepare your “Birth Bags” at least

3 weeks before your estimated due date. ~ ~ ~

100% cotton or cotton/polyester blends are most comfortable. We prefer light-colored linens (for easier estimation of any blood loss). Wash everything in hot, soapy water and dry in a hot dryer or in the sunshine. Fold items small enough to fit inside paper bags. Place folded items in bags in the order listed, so that the last item listed is on the top of the bag. Then fold down tops of bags and seal with tape or staples. Using a permanent marker, label each bag with its number and contents. (You may need to use 5 bags, so please label the fifth bag accordingly.) Store your birth bags UN-opened in a clean, dry place. This process, which we consider a ritual in preparation for your birth, provides for clean, ready-to-use linens & clothing at your birth!

Bag #1 (for your bed) 2 Flat Sheets 2 Fitted Sheets # of pillowcases needed	Bag #2 (for the birth) 2 Soft Baby Blankets 2 Soft Towels 1 Flat Sheet or large towel	Bag #3 (for clean-up) 2 Med or 3 Large Towels 2 Baby Washcloths	Bag #4 (Mom & Baby) 2 Soft Baby Blankets 1 Baby Cap & Socks 4 Washcloths 1 Baby Gown 1 Baby T-shirt (not a Onsie) 2 Cloth Diapers Mother's Nightgown or T-shirt
		Planning a Water Birth? Plenty of Towels Warm, absorbent Robe

Additional Items: (Please have the following on hand...)

	1 roll of lite-weight plastic drop cloth or 2 flannel-backed tablecloths 1 large pack of sanitary pads (max. absorbent, overnight) 1 pack of disposable "chair size" under pads (protects fabrics) Electric heating pad Digital Thermometer Stethoscope (Walgreen’s or CVS pharmacy) 1 bottle of Hibiclens cleaner (Wal-Mart or any drug store) 1 bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide (removes blood from fabrics) 1 bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol
	1 pump bottle of Hand Sanitizer 1 pump bottle of Liquid Soap 2 medium/large-size pots with lids (from your kitchen) 2 medium-size plastic or metal bowls (from your kitchen) Flashlight (be sure it works!) & NEW batteries Several kitchen-size drawstring trash bags 1 kitchen-size garbage can Oral Vitamin K for your baby (Click HERE to order it!) LOTS of toilet paper! 2 Large roll of paper towels
	1 package of Baby Wipes Diaper pins, covers, or wraps (Wal-Mart, Target, Dollar Tree) 14 gallon Rubbermaid-style container w/ lid (put supplies in here!) Labor foods & drinks you know you will enjoy !! Birth Pool & Pool Supplies (if you desire to labor/birth in water)
	BUY your pool, HERE
		Get Vitamin K, HERE