11. The Complete Home Birth & Postpartum Supply Guide
What You Actually Need, Why You Need It, and How It Supports Birth
Preparing for a home birth can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming.
You’re learning about the physiology of birth. You’re preparing your heart, mind, and spirit. You’re creating a peaceful space in your home to welcome your baby.
And somewhere in the middle of all that… you realize you also need to gather supplies.
The good news?
Preparing for a home birth does not need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, most of the items you’ll need are simple household things that help keep your space clean, comfortable, and supportive during labor, birth, and postpartum.
This guide will walk you through:
• Labor & Birth Supplies
• Comfort Items for Labor
• Water Birth Setup
• Immediate Postpartum Care
• Baby Supplies
• The First 40 Days of Postpartum Healing
• The purpose of the herbal remedies included in the list
You can also download the printable Home Birth Supply Checklist to help you gather everything step-by-step.
Preparing Your Home for Labor & Birth
The main goal of your labor and birth supplies is simple:
Create a clean, comfortable, supportive space where birth can unfold naturally.
Birth is not a sterile surgical procedure — but there will be fluids, movement, and a lot happening in a short period of time. These supplies simply help you protect your space and stay organized.
Chux Pads
These absorbent waterproof pads help protect furniture, beds, floors, or the birth area from fluids during labor and birth.
Towels & Washcloths
You’ll want more towels than you think.
They are used for:
• drying baby
• cleaning up fluids
• compresses during labor
• warmth for baby after birth
Washcloths are especially helpful for cool compresses on the forehead or neck during labor.
Old Sheets
Many families use old sheets to protect bedding during labor and then remove them immediately after birth for a fresh bed.
Plastic Shower Curtain
Placed under sheets or blankets, this adds an extra waterproof layer to protect your mattress.
Large Trash Bags
Used for:
• soiled linens
• used pads or gloves
• general cleanup
Gloves
Non-sterile gloves help keep things sanitary when handling fluids, placenta, or assisting with cord cutting.
Large Bowl for the Placenta
After birth, the placenta will be placed in a bowl until the cord is cut or until placenta processing occurs.
Gallon Bags for Placenta
Helpful if you plan to store the placenta in the refrigerator, freezer, or transport it later.
Handheld Mirror
This allows you to watch your baby crown if you want to. Many mothers find this empowering and helpful for pushing.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Lighting during labor is often kept low and peaceful. A flashlight can help if extra visibility is needed without turning on bright lights.
Space Heater
Newborn babies regulate temperature through their environment. Keeping the birth room warm helps baby transition comfortably.
Electric Heating Pad
Wonderful for:
• lower back labor pain
• warming postpartum belly
• comforting sore muscles after birth
Fetoscope or Doppler
Some families like to occasionally check the baby's heartbeat during labor for reassurance.
Emergency Childbirth Guide
Even though most births unfold beautifully, having a trusted guide nearby can help you stay calm and confident if questions arise.
Freebirth by Sarah Schmid
Home Birth On Your Own Terms by Heather Baker
Labor Comfort & Birth Environment
One of the greatest gifts of home birth is the ability to create a sacred, peaceful birth space.
Your comfort supplies help support the hormonal flow of labor.
Hydration & Nutrition
Labor is physically demanding. Having easy calories and hydration available helps maintain stamina.
Helpful options include:
• water bottles with straws
• mineral salt water
• electrolyte drinks
• Laboraide
• tea with honey
• protein snacks or dates
Essential Oils & Diffuser
Aromatherapy can help promote relaxation and emotional grounding during labor.
Common oils used include:
• lavender
• frankincense
• peppermint
• clary sage (used cautiously)
Massage Oil
Massage is one of the most powerful natural pain relief tools in labor.
Oil allows your support person to provide comforting hip and back massage.
Rice or Lavender Heating Bag
Warm compresses can relieve muscle tension and ease labor discomfort.
Birth Ball
A birth ball helps:
• open the pelvis
• relieve pressure
• support upright labor positions
Be sure to pick the correct size, you want your hips to be higher than your knees when sitting on it.
Lighting & Atmosphere
Birth hormones thrive in calm environments.
Many mothers prefer:
• low lighting
• candles
• calming music
• scripture or affirmations
These elements help create a safe and peaceful atmosphere where oxytocin can flow.
Water Birth Supplies
Many women choose water birth because warm water can be deeply relaxing and pain relieving.
A birth tub setup typically includes:
Birth Tub
A deep inflatable tub designed specifically for labor and birth.
If you’re local to Mid-Michigan, I offer birth tub rentals, you can find out more >>HERE<<. If you’ve hired a midwife, ask if she has a birth tub for your use.
Disposable Liner
Keeps the tub sanitary and simplifies cleanup.
Potable Water Hose
Used to fill the tub with clean water.
Sink or Shower Adapter
Allows the hose to connect to your water source.
Air Pump
Inflates the tub quickly.
Sump Pump
Used to drain the tub after birth.
Fish Net
Helps remove debris from the water if needed.
Thermometer
Ensures water temperature stays comfortable and safe.
Immediate Postpartum Supplies
Once baby arrives, your focus shifts toward rest, bonding, and recovery.
These supplies help support the mother's body as it begins healing.
Herbal Remedies for Postpartum Recovery
Many traditional birth communities use herbal remedies to support the natural processes of birth and postpartum healing.
Angelica Tincture
Often used to help encourage the release of the placenta after birth.
Wombstringe Tincture
A well-known herbal formula traditionally used to support uterine tone and bleeding balance.
Shepherd's Purse Tincture
Commonly used when there is a slow trickle of bleeding. To be used for bleeding caused by a known laceration ONLY. If used to slow bleeding, this tincture can create blood clots within the uterus that mask a postpartum hemorrhage. Please use with extreme caution.
Yunnan Baiyao
A traditional herbal preparation known for its use in supporting healthy blood clotting.
NORA Tea
A nourishing herbal blend containing:
• Nettle
• Oatstraw
• Red Raspberry Leaf
• Alfalfa
This tea supports uterine recovery, mineral replenishment, and postpartum nourishment.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint is often used to help stimulate the bladder to urinate when needed.
Arnica Homeopathy
Arnica is widely used for:
• bruising
• swelling
• muscle soreness
Many mothers take it after birth to support recovery.
AfterEase Tincture
Often used to help ease afterbirth contractions, which occur as the uterus shrinks back to normal size.
Ease the Ache Tincture
A gentle herbal blend used for general postpartum discomfort.
Rescue Remedy
A Bach flower essence blend used to support emotional balance and stress relief.
Perineal Healing Supplies
Birth can leave the perineal area sore or swollen. These natural remedies help support healing.
Witch Hazel
Cooling and soothing for tender tissues.
Manuka Honey
Naturally antimicrobial and supportive for wound healing.
Comfrey & Goldenseal Salve
Often used for tissue repair and healing support.
Seaweed
Used in some traditional postpartum practices to support perineal healing.
Peri Bottle
Used to gently rinse the perineal area after using the bathroom.
Baby Care Supplies
Newborn babies require very little immediately after birth.
Your main focus will be warmth, bonding, and feeding.
Helpful supplies include:
• receiving blankets
• newborn diapers
• wipes
• cord clamps or ties
• sterile scissors for cord cutting
• measuring tape
• infant scale
Some families also use:
Eldon Card
A blood typing test that can determine baby's blood type at home.
Magnesium Lotion
Sometimes used to support relaxation and gentle muscle comfort.
The First 40 Days of Postpartum
Many traditional cultures recognize the first 40 days after birth as a sacred healing window.
During this time the mother's body is:
• healing internally
• regulating hormones
• establishing breastfeeding
• recovering physically
Supplies that support this season include:
Breastfeeding Support
• Haakaa milk collector
• nursing bras
• breastfeeding pillow
• milk collection cups
• sunflower lecithin
Nipple Support
• nipple cream
• marshmallow root extract for soothing inflammation
Recovery Support
• magnesium lotion
• heating pads
• herbal teas
• nourishing foods
Babywearing
• woven wraps
• ring slings
Babywearing supports bonding and allows mothers to rest while keeping baby close.
Where to Purchase Home Birth Supplies
Many families gather their supplies from trusted birth supply shops such as:
• In His Hands Birth Supply
• Radiant Belly
• Everything Birth
• Precious Arrows
• Amazon
You can often find bundles of many of these items already organized into birth kits.
Book List for Home Birth Preparation
Home Birth on Your Own Terms :: Heather Baker
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth :: Ina May Gaskin
Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering :: Dr. Sarah Buckley
The First Forty Days :: Heng Ou
Homeopathic Remedies for the Birth Bag :: Patty Brennan
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a home birth isn't about creating a medical environment.
It's about creating a peaceful, supportive space where your body can do what it was designed to do.
With thoughtful preparation, nourishing foods, supportive remedies, and a calm environment, your home can become the most beautiful place to welcome your baby.
Take your time gathering your supplies. Pray over your space. Prepare your heart.
And trust the incredible design of the body God created.
Stay Wild & Free,
-Brandy
Prepare for your home birth with this complimentary printable Home Birth & Postpartum Supply List.
Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully organized checklist of essential items for labor, birth, immediate postpartum, and the first 40 days, along with convenient links to help make gathering your supplies simple and stress-free.
Simply fill out the form below and your FREE printable supply list will be sent straight to your inbox. 🤍
