There is nothing worse for me than when I ask a woman where her knickers are and she says “room at top of stairs on the left, cupboard on the right, open the left door and third drawer down under the greyish bras and there are my old knickers!!!” Phew by the time I get up the stairs I have forgotten the instructions!

For a homebirth I always reassure women that most items needed can be found around the home, as I don’t like to think they are put at extra cost or inconvenience. However most women like to get things ready and it appeals to their nesting instincts. I suggest putting a box together so it’s easy accessible.

There are lots of things that women may want to have ready such as CD’s candles, nice foods, drinks, cool sprays etc but for the actual birth from a practical point these are the things I would like to see put together in one place.

In the Birth Box
I suggest a few pieces of plastic sheet the size of a fire side rug and an old sheet to cover them. One can be for birthing on and another to put on sofa or bed for afterwards when blood loss may still be heavy. If having a water birth as many old towels as possible as women are often in and out. Towels then get wet and we constantly need dry ones. I reassure them they do not have to be new towels, try and borrow or use old ones. They wash perfectly well after, even if they get blood stained but best not to use pastel colours or they will look pretty dull after the wash.

Although ever aware of the environmental issues and cost I just love disposable bed mats meant for incontinence in the young or elderly. They are the perfect size for birthing and fantastic at keeping new babies warm. They save on lots of work too. Can be bought in Boots, Mothercare, supermarkets etc 2 packets serve well.

Container for placenta I always suggest an old 1 litre ice cream box and this is especially good if you are keeping your placenta. NHS midwives usually carry yellow bags for the placenta if they are taking it away for disposal.

A bucket I use a bucket with some water in for all sorts! Vomiting is very common in labour and so too is passing faeces. Both can be quickly disposed of in the bucket.

Sanitary towels at least 3 packets to start but only put one packet in the box. Leave another in every toilet and in the bathroom. Be sure they are the biggest, thickest maternity ones you can find. Even if you usually only purchase slim thin types they will not do for the immediate post partum period.

Find your oldest big knickers and put a couple of pairs in your box. Some women purchase disposable ones but I find they are only good for slim women. Put your nice warm dressing gown away and have a short light front opening top to put on after the birth. Partner’s short sleeve shirts are a good example. If you put your long thick dressing gown on it may get bloody very quickly and that is a whole load of washing. With a short outfit you can sit on the sofa or bed directly onto a towel or bed mat. For baby all you need initially is a nappy and a warm light blanket. The fewer clothes the better to start as this will encourage skin to skin contact. Dressing him or her can come much later.

A cord tie if you are using your own ribbon or tie then that will need to be in the box.

A birth plan if the midwife is not someone you know and who knows you she will need to read your birth plan so make sure it is in your box. Give someone the role of going through it with her if you have a birth partner, friend or mother with you.

Lastly put a small thin blanket or throw over the box so that one is handy in case you are waiting around for the placenta or you feel shivery after the birth, which is very common. A light cover will make you feel very cosy without over heating you.

You will probably have a “just in case” bag packed although some women prefer not to do this. It will depend on each individual’s opinion and her attitude towards the psychology of the whole issue of transfer. As a midwife when I have to transfer a woman to hospital there is sometimes difficulty in finding her some clothes and shoes to put on, when she may have been naked, at the same time as calling for an ambulance, caring for her and informing the hospital we are coming! Think ahead as it may not be about transfer it may be getting some clothes on to go for a walk outside. Put a comfy pair of shoes and a loose track suit ready near the box.

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