Preparing for Birth

Yay, It’s almost time to have your baby!

This page will help you prepare for your upcoming labor and birth. As you approach this incredibly exciting and transformative moment, my goal is to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Included is practical advice on setting up your birthing space, tips on what to expect during labor and delivery, as well as a few extra supplements to start soon. Let me know if you have any questions!

Your birth kit includes most of the disposable supplies we will need during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum. Many of these supplies are too bulky for me to carry with my equipment, and it’s much more convenient for you to have them ready to go at the location they will be needed during the birth.

Purchase your birth kit at In His Hands by clicking the button below. You may also type my name into the search box to pull up the correct birth kit.

Your kit will arrive within 7-10 days of ordering and you must have it on hand before 37 weeks, but preferably by your home visit.

Feel free to look through the birth supplies when they arrive, but please put them back in the box and leave them in there until your midwife needs them at the birth.

Standard Items

20 chux pads (underpads – 23″ X 36″)

Used to protect your bed & floors from blood, amniotic fluid, and meconium

bulb syringe

although I do not routinely suction babies after birth, sometimes gentle suctioning is required to help baby breathe

Cetro cord band

I love using cord bands instead of bulky cord clamps, they are much less likely to get pulled on

amnicator test swab

used to verify the presence of amniotic fluid if you think your water may have broken but aren’t sure

Depends briefs (choose a size)

these are so much more comfortable for heavy postpartum bleeding than giant pads & mesh panties

1-gallon freezer bag

to hold placenta after we’ve finished examining it

50-gallon trash bags

please don’t replace with smaller bags, we need this specific size to hold trash & dirty laundry

lube jelly

sterile gel used for listening to heart tones & for any vaginal exams

Supplies to Gather:

Last but definitely not least, it’s time to schedule your initial visit! Select a time from my calendar to book your spot.

I’m happy to see you as soon as you would like, but please note that we usually can’t hear baby’s heartbeat with the doppler until you are past 10 weeks.