If you’ve ever wondered how preparing for a home birth compares to packing for a hospital birth (or even a birth center), this post is for you. With this pregnancy, I’m doing something new for the first time: planning a home birth. That means my preparation looks very different from my previous births—which included two hospital births and one birth center birth.
As a certified nurse midwife and a soon-to-be mom of four, I’ve learned that where you give birth changes how you prepare—but not necessarily how intentional that preparation needs to be. Today, I’m breaking down exactly what I’ve prepared for my home birth, and then I’ll walk you through what I would pack if I were planning a hospital birth or preparing a transfer bag, just in case.
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How Home Birth Preparation Is Different
With a hospital birth, you’re essentially bringing your personal items to a place that already supplies most of the medical and postpartum essentials. With a home birth, it’s the opposite: you and your midwife supply nearly everything, from medical necessities to comfort items to postpartum care.
Thankfully, my midwife provided a very detailed supply and packing list, which included:
Items needed for labor and birth
Postpartum essentials
A transfer packing list (just in case)
That list made the process far less overwhelming and helped me feel confident that nothing important was being overlooked.
Home Birth: Labor & Birth Essentials
Medical & Protective Supplies
My midwife has prepared a full home birth kit that includes all of the medical necessities—things like sterile gloves, mesh underwear, gauze, lubricant, and other clinical essentials. Birth is not clean, so preparation is key.
On top of that, I stocked up on:
Reusable absorbent pads (great for birth and postpartum bed protection)
Disposable pads in multiple sizes for the bed, tub, shower, and bathroom
You truly cannot have too many pads when planning a home birth.
Bed & Sheet Setup
To protect our bed and make cleanup easier:
Mattress protector on the mattress
One set of sheets on top
A vinyl protector
A second set of sheets for labor
Once labor is over and I’m up for the first time, we can easily remove the top layer and transition into postpartum without fully remaking the bed.
Emesis Bags
Yes, I bought the “fancy” hospital-style emesis bags—because nausea happens, and these are simply the best option.
Water Birth Setup & Atmosphere
I’m planning to attempt a water birth, so I have everything ready:
Birth tub
Air pump (we’ve already done a practice run)
Tarp to protect the floors
Water birth net
Beyond the practical setup, I’m also creating a calming, intentional environment:
A room divider with fairy lights
Mantra cards and photos
Candles to set the mood
Ambience matters, especially at home, and I’m really excited about creating a space that feels peaceful and grounding.
Labor Comfort & Postpartum Care Stations
Instead of packing a suitcase, I’ve created organized baskets throughout my home.
Labor Comfort Basket
This includes:
Heating pad
Rebozo
Face massager
Chapstick (essential)
TENS unit
Everything I might want during labor is in one place and easy to grab.
Postpartum Care Basket (Bathroom)
Set up right next to the toilet, this basket includes:
Disposable postpartum underwear/diapers (my personal preference)
Tucks pads & witch hazel pads
Perineal spray
Peri bottle
Bidet (a major home-birth perk)
These are items hospitals typically provide—but since I’ll be home, I wanted everything ready and accessible.
Clothing: Labor & Postpartum
I prefer wearing a bra during labor, especially with multiple people present. So I’ve created a bra basket that includes:
Lovesteady bralettes for labor
Bodily “Everything Bras” for postpartum
Disposable nipple pads
Optional underwear for labor
Leaking happens—so having clean, dry options readily available makes a huge difference.
Baby & Postpartum Supplies
For baby, I have:
Newborn diapers, wipes, and diaper cream
Bonsie onesies (great for skin-to-skin)
Warm footed pajamas (winter baby!)
My midwife also recommended having:
Baby hats
Keepsake footprint supplies
Heel warmers & lancets
Hydrogen peroxide (for laundry cleanup)
Measuring tape
Bulb syringe
Cord clamps and cutter
Metal basins for placenta and birth supplies
All of this will live on a rolling cart along with snacks for easy access.
What I’d Pack for a Hospital Birth (or Transfer Bag)
If I were planning a hospital birth—or preparing a transfer bag—my packing would look very different.
Toiletries
Since you’re not at home, you’ll need:
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Face wash
Shampoo & body wash
Deodorant
Hospitals can provide basics, but having your own is more comfortable.
Clothing & Packing Cubes
I love using packing cubes:
Labor wear (gown, robe)
Postpartum wear (bras, disposable underwear, robe)
Labor comfort items (the same items from my home basket)
Comfort Items
Slippers or Crocs
Cozy socks
Your own pillow (highly recommend)
Phone chargers
Optional book or entertainment
These small comforts can make the hospital feel more like home.
What You Don’t Need to Pack for the Hospital
Hospitals provide:
Diapers & wipes
Mesh underwear & pads
Tucks pads & peri bottles
You can bring specialty items if you prefer (like Silverettes or herbal sprays), but most postpartum care items are covered—and they’ll often send extras home with you.
Final Thoughts
This is everything I’ve prepared so far for my first home birth. We’ll review it all with my midwife during our home visit, and I’ll update if anything changes. Having a clear list and organized setup has helped me feel calm, confident, and ready—no matter how birth unfolds.
If you’ve had a home birth or hospital birth, I’d love to hear:
What would you add to this list?
What made the biggest difference for you?
And if you’re looking for more support during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum, be sure to check out our childbirth education courses and prenatal fitness programs. As a thank-you for being here, you can use code STORY10 for 10% off any of our offerings.
You’ve got this—and however and wherever you give birth, preparation and support truly matter.
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