Supplies for you to buy and gather
I have a birth kit for you. I’ll bring it to your homevisit. The only birth kit type item I need you to buy are chux pads. At least 20 absorbent underpads (chux) 30x30 (not puppy pads). Here is a link, you can get them at most pharmacies, this is just so you get the idea - chux underpads
Collect the following items and store them together with your birth kit:
Some people chose to get a plastic or waterproof cover for their mattress, this is personal preference. Feel free to discuss with me.
A set of sheets that may get stained
A fresh set of sheets that we can put on the bed after the birth
Washable blankets for you to use during labor
2-3 towels (more if you are planning a water birth)
10 washcloths
10-12 cotton receiving blankets (these will get stained)
A cotton hat that may get stained
Regular maxi pads (cloth or disposable) some people prefer depends
A bowl or basin (for possible vomiting)
Extra toilet paper and at least one roll of paper towels
Baby wipes
Thermometer (I recommend Vicks Comfort Flex Digital, it’s cheap, accurate, and quick)
Children’s Vitamin C in 250mg doses (ascorbic acid is best, but choose your own)
Echinacea tincture 1oz (or other favorite immune booster)
4-6 oz of Olive or Coconut oil in small container with supplies
1 small bottle of rubbing alcohol
1 large bottle of hydrogen peroxide (removes any blood stains from fabrics)
1 flannel backed vinyl tablecloth (plastic picnic table type)
For the birth tub:
A brand new hose (that has never had water run through it before, it gets used to fill the tub with hot water) and adapter for where it will connect to hot water - we’ll go over this at the homevisit (I provide the tub and personal liner. I have an air pump to fill it and submersible pump to empty it)
Please write the wifi name and password on a piece of paper and put it on the fridge for the birth team. Please write a check for $600 (leave the name blank) or have cash in the birth supplies for the 2nd midwife at the birth.
You will want to be sure to have some food and drink on hand especially for the birth. You may want extra ice on hand for cool washcloths and drinks. I recommend: non-acidic juices, Recharge or Gatorade, fruit, bread, peanut butter, honey, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, eggs, soup, and crackers. I also request that you provide food for the people at your birth. (This can be very simple snacks, does not have to be elaborate or extensive.) I recommend freezing a prepared meal for you to eat immediately after the birth. Try to have your favorite comfort foods on hand for labor.
If this is not your first baby you may want something for after pains. A tincture prepared locally is available at Grian Herbs at www.grianherbs.com, you can order a tincture called Afterease from Wishgarden Herbs online, and you can use ibuprofen.
Optional supplies some people REALLY love: lansinoh lanolin for sore nipples, witch hazel for frozen pads and the peri-bottle postpartum, a Haakaa for passively collecting milk while breastfeeding, some type of wool or disposable breast pads. Lansinoh soothies or silverettes can also be really nice for that first week.