Planning a home birth is a deeply personal choice, and for many families, it offers intimacy, comfort, and control over the birthing environment. A well-organized home birth supply list ensures you have everything you need to support a smooth labor, protect your home, and keep essential items ready for both mom and baby. Because home birth centers around comfort and safety, preparation is the key.
The right supplies can help create a calming atmosphere where you can move freely, labor naturally, and rest comfortably afterward. Many moms also find supportive items—like a pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers—helpful during early labor or postpartum rest. With careful planning, your home can be transformed into a welcoming and fully equipped space for one of life’s most powerful experiences.
Protecting Your Home: Essential Linens and Waterproofing Materials
Home births can be beautiful, but they can also get messy. Protecting your space keeps clean-up manageable and ensures that you can focus on labor instead of worrying about stains.
Materials to Prepare:
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Waterproof mattress covers
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Plastic tarps or drop cloths for floors
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Old towels and blankets for cushioning and cleanup
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Absorbent underpads (chux pads)
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Extra bedsheets you won’t mind discarding afterward
Your midwife may recommend layering your bed:
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Waterproof cover
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Old sheet
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Another waterproof layer
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Final sheet
Additional Tips for Bed Protection:
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Use multiple waterproof pads (disposable chux or reusable pads) for extra absorbency.
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Secure waterproof covers tightly to prevent slipping when changing positions.
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Keep extra sheets within reach so your birth partner or midwife can refresh the bed instantly.
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Consider a second “postpartum nest”—another area of the home with fresh sheets and a clean setup for when you're ready to rest with your newborn.
This layered method keeps the birthing environment clean, organized, and supportive, helping you stay focused on comfort and the birthing process rather than cleanup.
Comfort and Pain Management: Tools for the Laboring Mother
Comfort is central to the home birth experience. Tools that support mobility, relaxation, and pain management can make all the difference.
Useful Comfort Tools:
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Birthing ball or peanut ball
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Massage tools or a partner’s hands
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Warm compresses or heating pads
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Cold packs for swelling relief
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Essential oils for aromatherapy
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Birthing stool or support chair
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Shower or tub access for water therapy
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Soft pillows, including your preferred pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers for support during positions and rest
Labor is unpredictable, so having a variety of tools ensures you can adjust as your body needs.
Maternal Care Supplies: Postpartum Needs for the Immediate Recovery Period
Once the baby arrives, your body will shift quickly into recovery mode. Stocking postpartum items helps ease discomfort and supports healing.
Postpartum Essentials:
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Adult diapers or heavy postpartum pads
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Peri bottle for gentle cleansing
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Witch hazel pads or cooling liners
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Mesh underwear
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Perineal cold packs
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Sitz bath supplies
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Pain-relief spray or cream (midwife-approved)
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Comfortable pajamas or robe
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Extra blankets and pillows for rest
Having these ready removes stress and allows you to focus on bonding and recovery.
Newborn Essentials: Immediately Needed Items for Baby's Arrival and Warmth
Newborns need warmth, cleanliness, and gentle handling right away. Create a small area with everything your baby will need in the first hours.
Must-Have Newborn Items:
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Warm towels for immediate drying
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Soft baby blankets
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Newborn hat to retain body heat
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Diapers and wipes
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Bulb syringe or suction device
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Onesies or sleepers
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Receiving blankets
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Thermometer for monitoring baby’s temperature
Your midwife will guide you on newborn checks and immediate care, so keeping these items neatly organized helps them work efficiently.
The Midwife’s Workspace: Household Items to Prepare for the Birth Team
Your midwife will bring medical supplies, but having a prepared workspace helps everything run smoothly.
Items to Provide:
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Bright, adjustable lighting
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Clean towels and washcloths
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A sturdy table or flat surface for supplies
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Trash bags
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Hand sanitizer
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Access to warm water
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Extension cords and accessible outlets
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Heating pad or hot water bottle
Clear an area that is spacious, well-lit, and easy for the birth team to navigate.
Home Birth Supply List: Everything You Need for a Safe, Calm, and Well-Prepared Birth
Labor is physically demanding, and nourishing your body plays a major role in keeping your energy up.
Good Options for Labor:
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Electrolyte drinks
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Coconut water
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Water bottle with a straw
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Fruit slices (apple, berries, oranges)
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Light snacks like granola bars or crackers
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Honey sticks for quick energy
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Broth or soup
After delivery, warm and comforting meals are ideal. Prepare easy-to-heat options like oatmeal, pasta, or casseroles.
Cleanup and Disposal: Supplies for Managing Waste and Stains
Cleanup after a home birth is usually quick if you have the right materials ready.
Helpful Cleanup Supplies:
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Heavy-duty trash bags
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Absorbent pads
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Disposable gloves
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Laundry detergent
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Old rags or towels
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Spray cleaners
Your midwife will guide you through the process and help manage the medical waste.
Emergency Preparedness: The Hospital Transfer Bag and Key Contacts
Even well-planned home births require backup preparation. A hospital transfer bag ensures you’re ready if circumstances change.
Pack the Following:
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ID and insurance card
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Phone charger
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Change of clothes
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Newborn outfit
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Basic toiletries
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Copy of your birth plan
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Any required medical records
Post the following in an easy-to-find location:
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Midwife's direct number
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Backup midwife's number
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Nearest hospital and directions
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Emergency contact numbers
Preparedness doesn’t indicate fear—it ensures confidence and safety.
Conclusion
A well-organized home birth supply list provides confidence, comfort, and readiness at every stage of labor and postpartum recovery. When you prepare your space with the right linens, pain-management tools, maternal care items, and newborn essentials, you create an environment that supports a calm and empowering birth experience.
With thoughtful planning—and comfort tools like a pregnancy pillow for stomach sleepers to support your body—you can focus entirely on the birthing process and the joy of welcoming your baby at home. Home birth is a beautiful experience when paired with preparation, the support of trained professionals, and a space designed to keep both you and your newborn safe, comfortable, and cared for.
