How to Have a Home Birth

Sometimes, using a hospital and a doctor isn't the best option for those individuals who want a more intimate experience when giving birth. Many people don't know that home births can be exciting, fun and even safe. This article explains how you can experience what it is like to give birth to your baby at home.

Things You'll Need

• Clean sheets that you don't mind throwing away
• Large container for warm water
• Olive oil
• Lots of pillows
• A trusted midwife
• Comfortable bed
• Waterproof pad for your bed
• Gatorade or Powerade
• Wash cloth

Show More

Instructions

Getting the house ready

• 1

  Start by getting your house ready for the home birth. This means having your bedroom ready for the big moment.

• 2

  Buy a plastic bed sheet or bed pad. Place it directly on top of the uncovered mattress.

• 3

  Next, purchase some new sheets, or use older soft sheets and place them on top of the plastic-covered mattress.

• 4

  Have a large container for water ready on a bedside table. This is used to keep a wash cloth in so that you can place it on your face and neck while in labor.

• 5

  Get a bottle of Powerade or Gatorade ready for the big day. Having a sports drink is essential because of the electrolytes in the beverage. Labor is hard work and you are going to need your energy.

• 6

  Coordinate with a trained midwife that you trust. Make sure that you and the midwife are on the same page, knowing exactly how you want the birth to go and what position you want to be in when the baby decides to come. Make sure to know when you need to call her to have her come to your house.