It seems that there are several pregnant women who want to give a birth at home. Aside from usual childbirth at hospital, there is a way having a baby at home with a support of midwife.

However, it is said that the number of mother having given birth at home is small. Although it is quite natural that women give a birth at hospital, some women cannot choose the ways of giving a birth they want. So the number of home birth has been increased little.

Although home birth is not popular now, I will introduce necessities for giving birth at home.

9 Necessities for Giving Birth at Home

・Water-proof blanket

It is used to avoid getting a room or sheets messy. You should prepare 2 large water-proof picnic blankets at least. You can get ones at 100yen shop

・A pajama fastens in front

Recently, “Kangaroo care” which put a baby on mother’s chest right after giving a child has become popular. So prepare a pajama or a nightie which fastens in front to make it easier to do such a thing. And it is helpful for breast-feeding, so get 2~3 ones.

・Napkins for childbed

There are small childbed napkins and large childbed napkins so prepare both types of them. After giving a birth, there is a large amount of lochia at first so use large one at that time. Since the amount of lochia will decrease after several days, use small ones at that time.

You can get the napkins at pharmacy. As the amount of lochia depends on people, napkins for period will do in some cases so you might as well so get day-time-napkins and night-time napkins for period.

・Purple turmeric powder

Although purple turmeric powder has good effect on losing weight or hangover, it has also sterilizing effect, so it is used to sterilize umbilical cord. However, a midwife might use other antiseptic substance, so you should check with your midwife regarding whether you can use it.

・Scissors made of ceramic

It is needed for cutting umbilical cord. It is prepared by a midwife in many cases. Sterilize a scissors with alcohol beforehand.

・Kite strings

They are also prepared by a midwife in many cases. They are used to tie umbilical cord before cutting it.

・Bathing articles

Bathing articles for a baby. Prepare a baby bath tub, 2~3 clothes for bathing, 10 gauzes, a baby soap, a basin, baby lotion and a bath towel. A midwife will tell you how to bathe a baby so you do not have to be worried.

・Articles for a baby

Prepare baby clothes, wipes, rolling pins for a baby, diapers and thermometer (normal one will do). In some cases, a baby has a long nail when he is born, so prepare a nail clipper for a baby too.

・Necessities for birth in water

You can choose birth in water when you give a birth at home. Since a baby is immersed in amniotic fluid, it is said that birth in water is good because it is similar to mother’s womb environment.

In case of birth in water, prepare salt, charcoal which has sterilizing effect, vitamin C powder which makes chlorine harmless and thermometer for measuring water in the bath.

How was that?

You should prepare the necessities before reaching full-time in case of giving birth at home. In some cases, a midwife might prepare the necessities so you should check with your midwife.

Keeping in good shape during the time of pregnancy is the key to success in giving birth at home. So you have to be firmly determined to give a birth at home and keep in good health. This is because home birth is away from hospital. Light exercise, balanced meals and self-management will be needed.

It is also important to discuss with family about giving birth thoroughly. You cannot overcome home birth without family support. In case of giving a birth at hospital, mothers stay at the hospital for a week, but in case of home birth, mothers stay at home. So some mothers do house chores after child birth. However, keep quiet in bed for a couple of days.

You should ask your parents to do some household chores. If your parents cannot help you, you should hire a maid. If you hope for home birth, you have to have the understanding and cooperation of your family. You will have wonderful experience such as birth of new life, knowing value of human life and sharing the great moment with your family.

Please think about giving a birth at home.

Summary

9 Necessities for Giving Birth at Home

・Water-proof blanket
・A pajama fastens in front
・Napkins for childbed
・Purple turmeric powder
・Scissors made of ceramic
・Kite strings
・Bathing articles
・Articles for a baby
・Necessities for birth in water