I’ve had two homebirths, with another little one on the way, and I’ve learned that preparation brings peace.
When supplies are gathered ahead of time, the home shifts into a space of readiness – steady, calm, and supportive.
Instead of wondering if something is missing, there’s room to focus fully on the work of labor and the joy of meeting your child.
This checklist pulls together the essentials I’ve come to trust – practical items for safety, comfort, and care – so that both mother and baby are well supported.
Think of it as a simple foundation: when everything is in place, the birth space holds you with confidence, and your support team can step in with ease.
Setting the Scene for Homebirth
A homebirth begins with the space you create.
Preparing your surroundings helps the body relax and the mind settle into the work ahead.
Soft lighting, a comfortable place to rest, and a few familiar items can shift an ordinary room into a space of calm focus.
Your support team (whether a midwife, doula, or partner) will also step in more smoothly when supplies are organized and within reach.
A stack of clean towels, a basket of snacks, or a birth ball tucked in the corner makes it easy for them to offer comfort without interrupting your rhythm.
In my own births, I found that setting up the space early helped me walk into labor with a sense of steadiness.
Everything had its place, and that readiness gave me the freedom to stay present.
Essential Medical & Safety Supplies
At the center of every homebirth is a set of practical tools that support safety and ease.
These items are straightforward but powerful in the peace of mind they provide.
Most midwives supply a birth kit or guide you on what to order, but it helps to know what’s typically included and why it matters.
Core supplies often include:
- Birth kit – usually provided by your midwife or purchased from a birth supply company.
- Clean sheets and towels – reserve a few sets you don’t mind staining.
- Waterproof covers – protect the bed, couch, or floor where you may labor or deliver.
- Sterile gloves and cord clamps – simple, essential tools your midwife will use.
- Bulb syringe – for gently clearing baby’s airway if needed.
- Peri bottle – makes rinsing after birth more comfortable.
- Thermometer – to check both baby’s and the room’s temperature.
- Heavy pads or absorbent underpads – for managing fluids and staying comfortable.
- Disposable bags or a lined bin – for quick, easy cleanup.
When tools are at hand, everyone present can focus on care, calm, and connection.
Comfort & Environment Supplies
Birth is physical work, but it’s also deeply shaped by the environment around you.
Small touches of comfort can make the space feel steady, welcoming, and supportive – helping your body relax and your mind stay focused.
Consider gathering:
- Soft lighting – lamps, string lights, or candles to create a calm atmosphere.
- Music or calming sounds – a playlist, gentle drumming, or simply quiet when needed.
- Essential oils or gentle scents – if scents soothe you, choose one or two favorites.
- Comfortable pillows and blankets – for resting, leaning, or nesting into between contractions.
- Birth ball or rebozo – tools that encourage movement and comfort during labor.
- Snacks and hydration – light foods, broths, coconut water, or teas to keep energy steady.
Having these comforts within reach can make the hours feel more manageable.
These are steadying elements that keep the space supportive and calm.
Supplies for Water Birth (If Planning One)
For those planning a water birth, a few extra supplies ensure the experience is both smooth and comfortable.
Water can offer relief during contractions and provide a gentle transition for the baby, but preparation is key to keeping the process steady.
Helpful supplies include:
- Birth pool or deep tub – large enough to move freely and comfortably.
- Disposable liner – keeps the pool clean and ready for use.
- Hose with clean attachment – for filling and draining the pool efficiently.
- Water-safe thermometer – to monitor and maintain the ideal temperature.
- Plenty of towels and robes – for drying off and keeping warm after leaving the water.
- Warm blankets – to wrap mother and baby right away.
Each of these items serves a simple purpose: to keep the environment safe, clean, and comforting.
When everything is in place, the water becomes less of a detail to manage and more of a supportive element in the birth itself.
Supplies for the Baby
A newborn’s first hours are simple, and so are the supplies they need.
Having a few basics ready ensures the baby is warm, secure, and cared for without distraction.
Gather these essentials:
- Receiving blankets and swaddles – soft layers for warmth and comfort.
- Newborn hat and socks – help the baby maintain body temperature.
- Gentle newborn clothing – simple onesies or gowns in soft, breathable fabric.
- Diapers – cloth or disposable, whichever you’ve chosen.
- Any midwife-recommended items – part of your care plan.
Less is more. A few well-chosen items are enough to meet the baby’s needs and allow those early moments to stay calm and connected.
Supplies for the Mother (After Birth)
Birth is only the beginning – what follows is recovery, rest, and nourishment.
Having the right supplies for those first hours and days helps the body heal and allows the mother to stay comfortable while bonding with her baby.
Post-birth essentials include:
- Postpartum pads or adult briefs – for steady, reliable protection.
- Peri bottle – gentle rinsing for comfort and hygiene.
- Herbal sitz bath supplies – herbs or salts that soothe and support recovery.
- Nursing bras and breast pads – for ease and comfort during feeding.
- Nipple balm – to care for tender skin.
- Nutritious snacks and plenty of fluids – quick energy for the body as it regains strength.
- Cozy postpartum clothes – loose, soft, and easy to nurse in if needed.
With my own births, I found that preparing these items ahead of time gave me a smoother transition into the postpartum days.
Instead of searching for what I needed, I could rest, recover, and stay close to my baby.
Helpful Extras (Optional but Lovely)
These items simply help the space feel more personal and supportive.
Consider adding:
- Camera or phone with tripod – to quietly capture moments without distraction.
- Favorite blanket or family heirloom – something meaningful to anchor the space.
- Herbal teas – calming blends to sip during labor or for postpartum recovery.
- Basket or tote – to keep supplies organized and within easy reach.
These small touches made a difference.
A warm mug of tea afterward or a cherished blanket nearby brings a sense of comfort that lingers into the early hours of holding a newborn.
Put Your Checklist Into Action
Gathering your homebirth supplies is a way of creating steadiness for one of life’s most meaningful moments.
With the essentials ready, you give yourself the gift of focus, calm, and confidence.
Each item on this checklist has a purpose: to support the mother, protect the baby, and ease the work for your birth team.
Prepare your space with intention.
Begin setting aside supplies a little at a time, and by the final weeks of pregnancy, you’ll have a home that feels ready to welcome new life.
What items are on your own homebirth checklist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
How early should I prepare my homebirth supplies?
It’s best to start gathering supplies by 34–36 weeks. This gives plenty of time to order a birth kit, organize your space, and feel fully ready without rushing in the final days.
Do midwives usually provide the birth kit?
Most midwives provide a list or help you order a pre-assembled kit that includes medical essentials like gloves, cord clamps, and underpads. Always confirm what your midwife will bring and what you’re expected to have ready.
Can I use regular household items instead of special supplies?
Yes – many supplies are simple household items such as towels, blankets, bowls, and a clean bed sheet. The key is to gather them in advance so they’re set apart for birth and ready when needed.
What should I have ready for after the birth?
Prepare a postpartum basket with pads, a peri bottle, snacks, and water. For the baby, set aside diapers, swaddles, and a few outfits. Keeping everything in one place makes the early days calmer and more restful.
Do I need a water birth pool to give birth at home?
Not necessarily. Many mothers labor and deliver outside of water. If you want the comfort of water, a pool or large tub is helpful, but it’s not essential for a safe homebirth.
