The short answer: Midwives come prepared. A typical kit includes a handheld device to listen to your baby's heartbeat, a blood pressure cuff, oxygen, equipment to help a baby breathe if needed, medicine to help with bleeding, and supplies for you and your newborn. Many also bring a birth pool. What's included depends on her training and your state's rules, so ask.
By Sybille Mom of two · first birth in a hospital, second at home · Education only, not medical advice
When I tell people I had my second baby at home, one of the first questions is: "But what did the midwife actually bring?" I love that question. A lot of us imagine a midwife arriving with a towel and good intentions. 😄
Midwives come prepared. Here's what a home birth midwife usually brings, and what you might gather yourself.
Her kit
A typical kit includes:
- A handheld device to listen to your baby's heartbeat during labor
- A blood pressure cuff and other tools to check on you
- Oxygen
- Equipment to help a baby breathe if needed
- Medicine to help with bleeding
- Supplies for you and your newborn, like gloves, pads and newborn care items
What's included depends on her training and your state's rules. Depending on your state, a licensed midwife may be allowed to obtain and give certain medications, while an unlicensed midwife may not be allowed to give prescription medication other than oxygen. So it's a great thing to ask her.
Comfort things
Many midwives also bring, rent or recommend comfort tools, like a birth pool, a birth stool or a birth ball.
A second pair of hands
Usually, she doesn't come alone. Many home birth midwives bring a second trained midwife or assistant. Ask yours who comes with her, and when.
What you'll gather yourself
Most midwives give you a list of things to have ready at home, and some ask you to order a birth kit ahead of time. Here's how I'd prepare your home.
What I remember most
Honestly? Not the equipment. I remember how my midwives paid attention to everything. Often they seemed to understand what I needed just by looking at me, before I said a word.
Whatever you choose, talk it through with an experienced midwife and your care provider. Ask her to show you her kit. Most midwives are happy to.
Questions moms ask
Does a home birth midwife bring oxygen?
Many do. Ask your midwife exactly what equipment she brings and what she's trained and licensed to use.
Does the midwife bring a birth pool?
Some bring one, some rent one to you and some ask you to buy your own. Ask early so you have time to set it up and practice filling it.
What medicines can a home birth midwife carry?
It depends on her credential and your state's rules. Ask her what she carries and when she'd use it.
Do I need to buy a birth kit?
Many midwives ask you to order a birth kit with supplies like pads, gloves and underpads. She'll tell you what to get and when.
Will she bring an assistant?
Often, yes. Many midwives bring a second midwife or a trained assistant to the birth. Ask who it will be and whether you can meet her first.
