Birth Supplies

Written By maria antonescu

You’re getting closer to meeting your baby! Now it’s time to gather supplies.

The birth kit is ordered here through In His Hands. There are two sections: ‘Included in Your Kit’ and ‘Optional’. You can also order things not listed. Please have everything gathered by your 36 week home-visit.

Please, read the whole article before ordering.

Look through the ‘Included’ in Your Kit. There are a few things you may already have at your house that you may not want to order:

  • 2 non-scented large garbage bags (one for garbage and one for collecting laundry)

  • 2 gallon size freezer bags (for placenta storage)

  • peroxide

  • herbs for sitz bath

  • infant hat, two that you don’t mind getting dirty

  • olive oil (applied to baby’s butt so the meconium wipes off easily)

Below is a list of additional supplies to be gathered by your 36 week home visit:

  • 3-5 old bath towels, 6-10 if you are planning a waterbirth

  • 6 washcloths

  • 6-10 basic flannel receiving blankets

  • 2 sets of clean bedsheets: flat, fitted, plus pillowcase

  • plastic sheet or shower curtain large enough to cover bed

  • duct tape, to tape plastic in place on the bed

  • an electric heating pad, optional but helpful in cool months

  • vinyl tablecloth with soft backing, this is a great portable surface!

  • medium mixing bowl for the placenta

  • heavy maxi pads, non-scented, preferably cotton covered

  • a bright flashlight

  • disposable diapers, for the few days - even if you’re going to cloth diaper

  • relaxing items that you want round: music, non-scented candles, etc)

  • a cup with a straw for drinking: water, electrolyte drinks, coconut water

  • easy to eat and digest foods: yogurt, honey, granola bars, bone broth

All of the above are asked to be gathered in one location by the 36 week home-visit. Please place them in a box or bin so they are protected and easy to find.

If you are planning a water birth you’ll also need:

  • birth pool in a box mini size liner - in the optional section of the birth kit

  • a new water potable hose that is long enough to go from your water source and into the tub

  • water birth net - in the optional section of the birth kit

  • 6 to 10 old towels

  • adapter to attach hose to water source. I have two main sizes, if they don’t work you’ll need to get one at a hardware store. Please figure out attaching the hose before labor.

  • a hot water heater and electricity

  • a couple of large pots incase we need to heat water for the pool because the hot water heater has been emptied

  • at your 36 week home-visit I will bring the tub and box of tub supplies to be stored in your home until birth - they should not be exposed to extreme temperatures

And that’s it! If you have questions, please reach out.

maria antonescu
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Newborn Options