If you are planning on giving birth at home for the first time you probably are a little nervous about what you need to have done and what to expect. This is especially true if this is your first child.
I found having my babies at home to be the most relaxed way to deliver a child that I had experienced, having had two in the hospital prior to becoming a homebirth junkie. The experience was in my control, revolved totally around my comfort, and allowed my body to do the work it needed to unhampered. There were, however, a few things I learned along the way that made my last few experiences even smoother than my first.
Sheets and Towels
One of my labors hit me in the midst of chaos (more chaos than normal) and I literally had a pile of laundry I was going to do the next day. All of the sheets and towels were in need of a good wash and my husband had to frantically run loads of laundry between my contractions in order to have towels for the birth and bath, and sheets to put on the bed afterward.
Buy a set of sheets and leave them in the package until they are needed. Get about four good sized bath towels in burgundy, navy or black and set them aside. They will be ready when needed and they won’t show any blood stains.
Freeze Meals
There are all kinds of recipes on the Internet for make ahead meals you can keep in your freezer until needed. Do it. Make at least two weeks’ worth of meals – a month is better. That way, if people bring you meals you are blessed, and if they don’t? You are fed.
Help with Children
If it is possible, arrange ahead of time to have a close friend or family member come when you go into labor. At some point you and your partner are going to be concentrating on getting that new baby out and small children, unattended can run amok.
It’s also good to have someone there in case something goes wrong (unusual but it can happen) and you have to be transported to the hospital.
Simplicity
A few weeks before you are due, embrace your inner minimalist and box up as much decorative clutter, stuff you don’t use, and anything you won’t need and store it. Do this in as much of the house as possible.
First of all, less clutter means less cleaning – something you don’t want to have to do a lot of in the weeks after the baby comes. Second of all, having a clutter-free environment will visually help you to stay peaceful and calm.
Use a Checklist
Usually your midwife will give you a list of supplies to have on hand, and you’ll have a few things that you want to get done before you go into labor. Make a checklist and assign each item a deadline. As you accomplish each task mark it off the list.
Homebirth is a wonderful, bonding experience for most people. By being organized and ready, you can make the experience smoother and even more relaxed.
Have you ever homebirthed? Do you have any tips to add?
photo credit: shu tu
