Birth Supplies
Basic Birth Kit
The following are included in the birth kit that is included in my fee:
| Qty | Item Description | Use |
| 10 | Underpad 23x24 | Catch fluids |
| 5 | Underpad 23x36 | Same as above |
| 1 | Peri Bottle, 8oz | Holds mix of Povidone and warm water |
| 1 | Povidone iodine, 4 oz | Antibacterial agent |
| 1 | Bulb Syringe, 3 oz | Gentle suctioning if needed |
| 12 | Gauze Sponge, 4x4 12-ply (2/pkg) | Absorbing fluids |
| 1 | Soothing Herbal Bath | Healing herbs for 4 baths help with recovery |
| 3 | Glove, Sterile, Pair | For any exam done after the waters break. |
| 1 | Infant Hat | To help the newborn conserve heat if needed. |
| 1 | Tape Measure | For several measurements taken sometime the first day. |
| 6 | Lubricating Jelly | May be used if needed for vaginal exam or later when intercourse is resumed. |
| 5 | Alcohol Prep Pad | Only needed if an injection is given or for the Newborn Screen |
| 1 | Cord Band, sterile, 2/pkg | Used to tie the umbilical cord before cutting |
| 1 | Digital Thermometer | For taking baby's and momma's temperatures |
| 1 | Handout: First Days AFter Birth | Help the parents through the first few days |
| 1 | Handout: Labor Support Guide | Help the laboring mother's partner to support her through labor. |
| 1 | Unofficial Birth Certificate | An attractive unofficial certificate for the families memory book. |
| 1 | Freezer Bag | To store the placenta in the freezer until disposal. |
| 2 | Plastic-backed Sheet | To protect a large area from fluids. |
Additional Supplies Needed
The following are NOT included in the birth kit so you should acquire them:
| 2-4 Large bottles of hydrogen peroxide | For cleaning |
| Unopened 2-4 oz. bottle of olive or almond oil | For massage |
| 2 bottle of pedialyte, 1 unflavored | (for first-time moms only) |
| Trash bags | |
| Shower curtain or large playpen pad | For floor if squatting |
| Heating pad | For warmth for mom or infant as needed |
| Healthful food and beverages for mom and midwives | |
| 6 clean towels | For drying the baby |
| 6 clean wash cloths | For compresses |
| 4 cotton baby blankets | |
| Strainer or sieve | for herbal bath |
| 1 package of Depends | (easier the first days than sanitary napkins) |
| Optional: | |
| Birth Pool | For waterbirth |
| Crockpot | For hot compresses |
| Large bowl or shallow pan | To catch the placenta |
| Ice pack | For perineum after birth |
| Camera | No Flash |
| Video camera and operator | Not your husband |
| Music | Baroque or praise, soothing |
For Waterbirth
Inexpensive Waterbirth Pool - Also available at local stores that sell inflatable swimming pools. Pool must be deep enough to totally submerge your pregnant belly.
Or purchase a better birth pool from Waterbith Supplies
