Planning Your Homebirth: How to Prepare Your Space
A gentle guide to setting the stage for a peaceful, supported birth at home.
One of the most empowering aspects of homebirth is giving birth in a space that already feels like yours. But how do you get your home ready for this transformative experience?
As your midwife, I bring all the medical tools and support—but your preparation helps create the atmosphere for a smooth and grounded birth. Here’s what to gather and how to prepare:
Supplies to Gather for the Birth
These items help make your space clean, cozy, and ready for the birthing process:
Hose and connector (for water birth setup)
8–10 towels
5 washcloths
Plastic or tarp for under the birth tub
2 sets of sheets for the bed + mattress protector
4–5 receiving blankets
Postpartum pads
Depends (adult absorbent underwear)
Warm socks for mom
Parking space (preferably the driveway)
Car seat installed and ready
Snacks for mom and partner
Coffee or tea for the birth team 💛
Don’t stress if you don’t have it all perfectly ready—I’ll walk you through it before your due time.
When to Call Your Midwife
Communication is key during early labor. Here's what to look for:
SROM (spontaneous rupture of membranes)
5-5-1 pattern (contractions every 5 minutes, lasting 1 minute, for 1 hour—track via app)
Early updates help me be close by and prepared
Labor tells a story—let’s trust your body’s rhythm
Doulas can communicate with me, but my guidance will come directly from you
Sometimes I may gently guide you with my "midwife voice" to help us stay aligned with safety and timing
Birth Tub Safety Tips
If you’re planning to labor or birth in water, here’s what to know:
Keep water between 98–100°F
Use the tub as much as you like—but never leave mom alone in it
Check all hose connections, air pump, and setup before labor begins
Choose a safe and accessible landing spot for the tub
I’ll bring the tub if needed—we’ll review this during our prenatal visits
After Baby: Let’s Talk Placenta
The placenta can take up to an hour to deliver (we’ll encourage release around 30 minutes)
It can be born in the tub if you'd like
Remember: birth isn’t complete until the placenta is born—we aim to keep your environment calm and consistent during this phase
Preparing your home for birth doesn’t mean it has to be perfect—it means setting it up to feel safe, supported, and ready to welcome your baby in the most gentle way possible.
Have questions or want help gathering supplies? I’m here for every step.