“Preparing Your Home for a Birth”: A Checklist for Calm, Confident Birth at Home

Helping you feel ready, grounded, and supported when birth begins

Planning a home birth doesn’t mean you have to turn your house into a hospital. It means preparing your space to feel supportive, safe, and peaceful—for you, your baby, and your birth team.

As a midwife, I’ve supported home births in small apartments, family homes, and even backyards. What makes the difference isn’t the square footage—it’s the intention behind how the space is prepared.

Here’s what I recommend for setting up your home for birth in a way that honors your body, your values, and your peace of mind.

✅ Essentials for Every Home Birth

• Clean linens At least two full sets of sheets for the bed (one may get messy). [Pro tip: Layer them—plastic sheet in between—so the bed’s easy to reset.]

• Towels (and lots of them) Think: birth, water, baby, cleanup. 4-5 is a great number.

• Washcloths or small cloths For cold compresses or warm wash-downs during labor.

• Hydration and snacks Electrolyte drinks, broths, coconut water, or herbal infusions. [Mary’s note: Labor is intense. Keeping your energy up matters.]

• Sanitary pads / adult diapers For postpartum bleeding—yes, even if it’s your fifth baby.

• Extra pillows and blankets Comfort = power. Nest.

• A flashlight or good lamp Your midwife may need to see what’s happening without turning on a ceiling spotlight.

• Trash bags + laundry baskets Post-birth cleanup is easier than people think—but these help.

Optional Items That Can Be Lovely

• A birth pool (If you're planning a water birth.) Your midwife will guide setup. Don’t forget the liner, pump, and a hose that fits your faucet.

• Bluetooth speaker or music playlist Think grounding, calming, or joyful—whatever helps you settle in.

• Essential oils or herbal infusions [Mary’s note: I’m happy to suggest safe herbs or blends if you’re interested.]

• Birth altar or focal point Something personal—a candle, a photo, a quote, a cloth—can give you an anchor.

What You Don’t Need to Worry About

• Sterilizing your house Birth is not surgery. Clean, yes. Cloroxed-to-the-gods? Not required.

• Hosting your whole family You get to decide who’s there. It’s okay to keep it intimate.

• Looking “put together” You’re not hosting brunch. You’re bringing a human into the world. That’s enough.

Bonus: Create a Peaceful Birth Atmosphere

• Dim the lights

• Put your phone on Do Not Disturb

• Light a candle (battery candles work great too)

• Turn on your favorite grounding music (instrumentals, affirmations, or even Mister Rogers—I won’t judge)

Planning Your Homebirth Space?

Feeling overwhelmed by the logistics? You don't have to figure it out alone.

As part of my midwifery care, I include a home visit around 36-37  weeks where we walk through your space together, discuss your specific setup, and make sure you feel prepared and confident. I'll help you think through everything from lighting to logistics, and answer any questions that come up.

Plus, I provide you with a detailed supply list customized for your birth plan and space. No guesswork, no generic checklists—just personalized guidance that makes sense for your home and your family.

Call 305-215-8763 to schedule a free consultation

FAQ Section:

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Birth Preparation

Q: How far in advance should I start preparing my home?

A: I recommend starting to gather supplies around 32-34 weeks. Most of the items come included in the Birth Kit you purchase at the end of the pregnancy to make it easier. But don't stress about having everything perfect. The most important preparations happen in our prenatal visits together, where we discuss your space and preferences.

Q: What if I live in a small apartment?

A: I've supported beautiful births in studio apartments! Square footage doesn't determine birth outcomes. We'll work together to make your space feel comfortable and functional, whatever its size.

Q: Do I need to buy a birth pool?

A: No, I provide a birth pool for your use. You will need to purchase a few supplies to use it (liner, hose, adaptor). For ease, these can be added to the Birth Kit. Some families do purchase their own pool or use their own bathtub. If you're interested in water birth, we'll discuss options during your prenatal care—no need to decide immediately.

Q: What about cleanup after the birth?

A: Part of my postpartum care includes cleanup. Birth isn't as messy as people often imagine, and with proper preparation (like those layered sheets!), most cleanup is straightforward.

Q: Should I prepare a backup hospital bag?

A: Many families choose to have a hospital bag ready, just in case transfer becomes necessary. This doesn't mean you're planning to transfer—it means you're being prepared. We can discuss what to include during our prenatal visits.

Q: What if my neighbors are concerned about noise?

A: Most home births are quieter than people expect. If you're concerned, you can let close neighbors know generally when you're due, but you don't owe anyone explanations about your birth choices.