Here are a few amazing ways you can prepare to give birth at home no matter where you are in the world:
Choosing the right healthcare provider: Choosing a qualified healthcare provider is crucial. We recommend a certified nurse-midwife or a certified midwife rather than a lay midwife or a doula, especially for your first baby.
Create a birth plan: A birth plan can help you understand what to expect in labor. It also allows you to come up with a few different plans if things take an unexpected turn. Make sure to include a plan for transferring to the hospital if the need arises. Your birth plan should also consider what type of birth you want (i.e., water birth) and if you want to utilize pain relief (such as a TENS machine).
Decide who you want to be there: A good support system can make all the difference in labor. Decide who you want as your birth partner or partners.
Prepare the home: Keep the home ready for the birth. Keep the bathroom clean (as you may end up birthing in the bath) and have meals stocked in the freezer. You’ll be hungry after birth! Set up a recovery station for the following weeks.