Choosing a homebirth is a deeply personal and empowering decision. As both a doula and a mother who has given birth at home, I understand the importance of preparing—both physically and emotionally—so that you can have the birth you desire. I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your own homebirth, drawing on both my professional insights and personal experience.

Why Choose Homebirth?

Homebirth offers a unique and intimate birthing experience. It allows you to labor in the comfort of your own space, surrounded by familiar faces, and in a setting that you control. As a doula, I’ve witnessed the strength and confidence women gain from birthing at home. When you choose homebirth, you’re making a statement about your trust in your body and in the birth process.

As a mother who has given birth at home, I can say with confidence that the preparation you put in beforehand makes all the difference in how you feel when the day arrives.

Physical Preparation: Creating Your Birth Space

Your birth environment plays a huge role in how you experience labor. As a doula, I always recommend taking time to thoughtfully prepare your space so that it feels warm, peaceful, and supportive. Here’s what I suggest:

• Lighting & Ambiance: Dim lighting creates a soothing atmosphere. Consider using fake candles, string lights, or a soft lamp.
• Temperature: Ensure the room temperature is comfortable, especially if you plan to use a birthing tub or have water immersion. You don’t want to be too cold or too hot.
• Birth Kit: Your midwife will provide you with a list of what’s needed and remind you to order your birth kit, but some common essentials include:
  • Clean towels
  • Washcloths
  • Receiving blankets
  • Paper towels
  • Plastic sheets or old bed sheets for layering the bed
  • Chucks pads to protect surfaces
  • A bowl for the placenta
  • Sterile gloves
  • Herbs, tinctures, or essential oils for birth and postpartum
  • A heating pad or ice packs for pain relief
  • Hose and/or Hose attachment
  • Thermometer
  • Flash light
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Garbage bags
  • Ziplock bags
  • Large pads for postpartum bleeding
  • Cord clamp
• Doula Recommendations: I always recommend these items for my home birth mamas. They were all helpful to me during my Homebirth
  • Birth Ball to help with positioning and comfort during labor.
  • Birth Comb
  • Stroller Fan
  • Peppermint essential oil for nausea
  • A nursing bra for during labor
  • Comfy nursing friendly pajamas for when you climb into bed after birth
  • Sitz Bath for a relaxing herbal bath after birth and in postpartum
  • After Ease Tincture
  • Affirmations (either home-made or ordered) for around the birth space
  • String lights (for dim lighting)
  • Bluetooth speaker with birth affirmations or hypnobirthing playing (or use headphones)
• Space & Comfort: Set up a comfortable area where you’ll labor. This could be a cozy corner with pillows, blankets, and easy access to water. If you have a tub or pool, make sure it’s set up and ready for use.

Emotional Preparation: Trusting the Process

Labor can be intense and unpredictable, so emotional preparation is just as important as physical readiness. Here are some tips:

• Trust Your Body: The key to a successful homebirth is trusting in your body and its ability to birth. Surround yourself with a team who supports your vision for birth, and let that trust grow over time.
• Visualization: Practice relaxation techniques or visualizations. Picture yourself in a calm, safe space, handling each contraction as it comes. It’s a great tool to help reduce anxiety.
• Birth Class: Consider preparing by taking a birth course like Hypnobirthing to prepare your mind. This can also be extremely helpful for your partner to feel confident as well.
• Support Team: Choose people who are calm, confident, and who make you feel safe. This could be your partner, doula, midwife, and/or close family members. As a doula, I always stress the importance of having someone who knows you and can advocate for you if necessary.

Preparing Your Family: Including Your Children

If you have children at home, it’s important to set up expectations ahead of time. You want them to feel involved and prepared. Here’s how you can help them adjust:

• Discuss the Birth Process: If your children are old enough, have open conversations about the homebirth. Let them know what to expect and how they can be a part of the experience.
• Set Boundaries: Establish a clear plan for where your children will be during labor and who will take care of them if needed. Having a designated person to look after them can help alleviate any stress.
• Prepare a Birth Kit for the Family: Just like you’ll have a birth kit, consider preparing a small “kit” for your kids. This might include snacks, activities, or comfort items so they can feel included and safe.
• Consider a Sibling Doula: A sibling doula is a professional who supports and guides older siblings through the birth process, helping them understand and adjust to the arrival of a new sibling in a gentle and supportive way.

Planning Postpartum Care

Your birth doesn’t end after the baby arrives. Postpartum care is crucial for your recovery and bonding. Here are some things to think about:

• Rest and Healing: Ensure that your homebirth team is ready to support you through the initial recovery. You may need extra help with household chores or even just someone to talk to in those first days.
• Postpartum Meals: Have a meal ready in your fridge or freezer for your birth team to prepare once baby is born. Consider arranging for meals to be delivered or have family help in preparing nutritious meals during the first few days. Having meals ready will give you more time to focus on healing and bonding with your baby. You could even have a postpartum meal party and prepare meals to freeze.
• Postpartum Doula: If you can, hire a postpartum doula to assist with newborn care, breastfeeding support, and help around the house. This can make a world of difference in your recovery.

Tips from a Doula: Practical Advice

As a doula, here are a few practical tips to help you prepare:

• Talk to Your Midwife: Make sure to have open discussions with your midwife about your birth plan. Ask about the specifics of your homebirth, including what to expect if you need to transfer to the hospital.
• Stay Flexible: While planning is important, remember that birth is unpredictable. Keep an open mind and trust your team to guide you through whatever arises.
• Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Eat light meals, drink plenty of water, and make sure you have snacks on hand to keep your energy levels up during labor.

My Personal Homebirth Experience

Having given birth at home, I can honestly say it was one of the most empowering experiences of my life. There were moments of intensity, yes, but there was also peace and comfort. What worked for me was ensuring that I had a strong, supportive team around me, including my partner, my doula, and a trusted midwife.

One of the things I would emphasize is the importance of creating a positive, calm mindset. I learned that being flexible and surrendering to the process—rather than rigidly controlling it—was key to my positive homebirth experience.

Final Words

A homebirth can be one of the most transformative experiences in your life. By preparing both physically and emotionally, you’re setting yourself up for a positive birth experience. As both a doula and a mom who’s been there, I can tell you that preparation, trust, and support are the foundations of a successful homebirth.

I wish you peace, strength, and confidence as you prepare for your own journey.

If you are looking for a doula or birth photographer in the Houston area, I’d love to support you on your journey!