Home Birth Essentials Checklist (What You Actually Need + Free Download)
Planning a home birth can feel equal parts exciting and “wait… what do I actually need?”
As a birth doula supporting families in Nelson and the West Kootenays, I’ve seen firsthand what gets used, what gets forgotten, and what makes a real difference in labour.
I created my go-to checklist for my Clients to things simple, practical (think multi-purpose, reusable), and grounded in real-life birth experiences-not overwhelm, or overconsumption.
Why Preparation Matters (But Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming)
You don’t need to recreate a hospital at home. That’s not the point. Your midwives will bring along ALL the medical supplies you, or your baby may need. Preparing your home is about preparing your space to be comfortable, and adaptable to the changing needs the labour and birth.
You do want:
A space that feels safe and calm
Easy access to essentials
Tools that support comfort and movement
Supplies to protect your favourite things from the realistic messiness of labour and birth. (Tip: If you will be beside yourself if that favourite rug gets stained, roll it up for now, or plan to have a floor covering.)
The goal isn’t perfection-it’s readiness + flexibility.
Home Birth Essentials (Core Items)
These are the items I see used at almost every home birth:
🧺 Practical Setup
Clean towels (more than you think). (Tip: You can even get used towels and give them a thorough bleach/clean.)
Extra sheets
Mattress protector or waterproof layer (a new shower curtain liner works great!)
Garbage bags/laundry baskets
Extension cords (outlets are never where you want them when you need them)
🧼 Hygiene + Clean-Up
Unscented pump hand-soap (gentle, more hygenic than bar soap + low-sensory stimulation)
Paper towels
Garbage bags (1 for each Laundry, Garbage, Bio Waste)
Large bowls or containers (for cold cloths, placenta etc.)
Laundry Stain Remover (Oxi-based/Peroxide-based, because blood)
💡 Environment
Dim lighting (salt lamp, string lights, flameless candles)
Playlist and portable speaker
Snacks + electrolyte drinks + water bottle (with 👏 a 👏 straw!)
Comfort + Labour Support Tools
This is where things can really shift your experience:
Birth ball / peanut ball
TENS Machine (labour-specific, you can always rent one from a local Doula!)
Rebozo, long scarf, or bed sheet
Massage tools
Shower head with wand attachment
💡 Pro tip: Many of these can be rented (I offer rentals locally if you're in the West Kootenays).
Optional (But Highly Loved) Add-Ons
These aren’t “must-haves,” but they can be game-changers:
Birth pool setup
Cooling cloths or facial mist
Lip balm (trust me)
💬 Note: This blog post and checklist include some affiliate links, which may earn a small commission - at no extra cost to you. These earning help support my work with growing families (and restock my doula-bag snacks if I’m being totally honest 😅).
What You Don’t Need
Let’s save you some money and stress:
Overly complicated medical supplies
Too many “just in case” items
Anything that makes your space feel clinical
Your midwife and birth team will bring what’s medically needed for you, and your baby.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple
The most important elements of your birth space aren’t things you can buy.
It’s how you feel in it.
Supported. Safe. Informed. Ready.
If you want help preparing for your birth (mentally, physically, and practically), I offer:
Birth Planning Session (Virtual)
Childbirth Education (In-Person + Virtual)
In-person birth doula support in Nelson + West Kootenays
