A Blessed Beginning, Sherry Bushnell, Direct Entry Midwife

What to gather for the birth:

Birth center birth:

2 nightgowns, 1 shorter and older for the birth, one for afterwards to nurse in and a robe

T-shirt, sports bra, or something to get into the birth pool

Toothbrush, personal items, clothes to go home in

4 – 5 receiving blankets

Juices and drinks like sports drinks, chlorophyll, emergen-C, bottle of good water (birth center has filtered water)

Easy digestible snacks for laboring mom, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, soup, fruit.

Snacks and food for family and midwives during labor

Nice meal for mom after delivery

Newborn diapers and clothes for baby

Sanitary napkins Large or over night type

Thermometer for baby and mom for postpartum

Car seat (low cost is available through Family in Partnerships)

2 cotton caps for your baby

2- 3 pull-ups or depends

Afterease: herbal tincture for afterbirth pains

Landsinoh breast cream for sore nipples

Bulb syringe

Straws

For home birth you will need in addition to the above items:

Plastic mattress cover

2 bottom sheets for your bed

Bed pan or bowl for placenta

Throw rugs for extra protection for carpeted bedrooms

Good flashlight or direct light source

*Crock-pot for compresses

3 clean (old is fine) thin bath towels or old receiving blankets, to dry baby right away

Lots of extra towels and wash rags

Garbage bags

Paper towels and Kleenex

1-gallon size zip-lock bag for placenta

Heating pad

*Birth pool if desired

*optional items