Home birth preparation requires thorough midwife research and selection, comprehensive home environment assessment and setup, detailed emergency planning and transfer protocols, essential birth supplies gathering and organization, support team coordination and communication planning, and exceptional execution on labor day. Whether you are planning your first home birth or preparing for subsequent home delivery, this comprehensive checklist covers every aspect of home birth preparation. From three months before midwife selection and planning through two months before home setup and safety, one month before emergency planning and supplies, two weeks before support team and communication, one week before final preparations, day before due date last minute checks, and labor day home birth execution, this guide ensures you approach your home birth with thorough preparation, clear safety protocols, and confident readiness.
This detailed checklist walks you through midwife research and credential verification, home environment assessment and birth room preparation, emergency transfer planning and hospital identification, birth supplies purchasing and organization, support team identification and role coordination, final home setup and supply verification, last minute safety checks and emergency preparation, and labor day execution and midwife coordination. Each phase addresses specific home birth preparation needs, ensuring you create safe, comfortable environment that supports natural birth process while maintaining clear safety protocols.
Three months before your due date, focus on midwife selection and initial planning. Research home birth options and legal requirements in your area, as regulations vary significantly by location. Verify home birth is safe option for your pregnancy by discussing with healthcare provider and reviewing your medical history.
Research and interview certified nurse midwives or licensed midwives who attend home births. Check midwife credentials, certifications, and experience with home births specifically. Review midwife transfer rates and emergency protocols to understand their approach to safety. Choose primary midwife and establish care relationship, scheduling initial prenatal appointments.
Identify backup midwife or second attendant for birth, as having second attendant is standard practice. Research local hospital transfer options and protocols, understanding which hospitals accept transfers and how process works. Verify insurance coverage for home birth and midwife services, as coverage varies significantly.
Two months before delivery, assess home environment for birth suitability and safety. Designate primary birth room with adequate space and privacy for labor and delivery. Ensure birth room has easy access to bathroom facilities, as frequent bathroom use is common during labor.
Check birth room lighting options and natural light availability, as adjustable lighting supports different labor stages. Plan temperature control and heating options for birth room, as maintaining comfortable temperature is important. Prepare waterproof protection for floors and furniture to protect your home during birth.
Arrange comfortable birth surfaces like bed or birth pool, depending on your preferences. Ensure adequate space for midwife equipment and supplies, as midwife brings medical equipment. Plan quiet, peaceful environment with minimal interruptions. Create backup birth room option if primary room becomes unavailable.
One month before delivery, develop comprehensive emergency transfer plan with midwife. Identify nearest hospital with labor and delivery unit and understand transfer protocols. Test drive route to hospital and identify alternative routes to account for traffic or road closures.
Prepare emergency contact list including hospital and midwife phone numbers. Purchase or rent home birth supplies kit from midwife, as they provide comprehensive kit with all necessary items. Gather birth pool supplies if planning water birth, including pool, liner, and filling equipment.
Prepare clean linens, towels, and receiving blankets for birth and immediate postpartum. Stock up on disposable supplies like pads and underpads for birth and recovery. Prepare newborn essentials including diapers and clothing in multiple sizes. Organize birth supplies in easily accessible location.
Two weeks before due date, confirm birth support team including doula or birth partner. Support team provides emotional and physical comfort during labor. Discuss birth preferences and expectations with support team to ensure everyone understands your goals.
Plan childcare arrangements for older children during birth, ensuring reliable backup options. Arrange pet care or containment during birth to minimize distractions. Create communication plan for family and friends, including who will provide updates and when.
Prepare birth announcement plan and contact list. Review emergency procedures with support team so they understand transfer protocols. Plan photography and documentation preferences. Ensure support team knows midwife contact information. Coordinate support team arrival times and roles.
One week before due date, complete final home birth setup and room preparation. Review all birth supplies and ensure nothing is missing. Test birth pool setup and filling procedures if using water birth, understanding how long filling takes.
Confirm midwife availability and backup arrangements. Review emergency transfer plan with midwife one final time to ensure clarity. Prepare home for postpartum recovery and newborn care, including basic cleaning and organization.
Stock up on household essentials and groceries to minimize need for shopping immediately after birth. Prepare comfortable postpartum recovery space near birth room. Review birth preferences and discuss any concerns with midwife. Practice relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
Day before due date, double-check birth room setup and supplies organization. Ensure birth supplies are easily accessible and organized. Verify midwife contact information is saved and accessible in your phone.
Confirm support team availability and contact information. Review signs of labor and when to call midwife, typically when contractions are regular or water breaks. Ensure vehicle is ready for potential emergency transfer with gas and proper car seat installation.
Prepare emergency transfer bag with essentials in case transfer becomes necessary. Get adequate rest and maintain healthy eating habits. Stay hydrated and monitor baby movements, reporting any concerns to midwife. Create peaceful, calm environment in birth room.
On labor day, recognize early labor signs and time contractions to determine when to call midwife. Contact midwife when labor begins or water breaks for guidance. Notify birth support team and coordinate arrival, ensuring everyone knows their roles.
Set up birth room with supplies and comfort items. Fill birth pool if planning water birth, maintaining appropriate temperature. Create calm, peaceful environment with lighting and music that supports labor.
Welcome midwife and birth team upon arrival, allowing them to assess situation and set up equipment. Follow midwife guidance for labor progress and positioning, as they monitor you and baby throughout labor. Focus on relaxation, breathing, and natural labor progression. Trust birth process and support team throughout labor.
Throughout your home birth preparation, keep these essential practices in mind:
Home birth preparation requires thorough midwife research and credential verification, comprehensive home environment assessment and birth room setup, detailed emergency transfer planning and hospital identification, essential birth supplies purchasing and organization, support team identification and role coordination, final home setup and supply verification, last minute safety checks and emergency preparation, and confident execution on labor day. By following this detailed checklist, beginning midwife selection three months before, setting up home environment two months before, planning emergencies and gathering supplies one month before, coordinating support team two weeks before, making final preparations one week before, completing last minute checks day before due date, and executing plan on labor day, you will approach your home birth with thorough preparation, clear safety protocols, and confident readiness. Remember that qualified midwife provides safety foundation, appropriate safety assessment ensures suitability, emergency planning provides safety net, thorough home preparation supports comfort, early supply gathering ensures readiness, coordinated support team provides assistance, flexibility enables adaptation, peaceful environment supports labor, regular plan review maintains clarity, and trusting birth process enables natural progression.
For more preparation resources, explore our hospital birth preparation checklist, our birth partner support guide, our comprehensive pregnancy preparation checklist, and our comprehensive emergency preparedness guide.
Explore our comprehensive collection of checklists organized by category. Each category contains detailed checklists with step-by-step instructions and essential guides.
Discover more helpful checklists from different categories that might interest you.