Home births

If you’re planning to give birth at home, discuss your plans and what you need to prepare with your midwife. Think about where in your home you want to give birth.
You’re likely to need:

• clean bed clothes and towels
• clothes (including a hat) and nappies for the baby
• 2 packets of super-absorbent period or maternity pads

Get Prepared

Even if you’re planning to have your baby at home, you should pack some things in case you need to go into hospital at any point. Get prepared
When you come home, you will not want to do much more than rest and care for your baby, so do as much planning as you can in advance.
If you can, buy lots of basic items such as toilet paper, period pads and nappies in advance.
If you have a freezer, you could cook some meals in advance and freeze them.

Transport

You should plan how you’ll get to the hospital or midwifery unit because you might need to go there at any time of the day or night.
If you’re planning to go by car, make sure it’s running well and that there’s always enough petrol in the tank.
If someone else has said they’ll take you, make an alternative arrangement just in case they’re not available.