What Does a Home Birth Midwife Bring?
One of the most common questions for families planning a home birth in the Inland Empire is: “What do I need to buy and what does the midwife bring?”
What your midwife typically brings
Most home birth midwives arrive with a fully stocked kit of clinical supplies for monitoring and assessment, such as:
Tools to check baby’s heart tones during labor
Maternal vital sign equipment (like blood pressure monitoring)
Supplies for supporting normal birth, postpartum recovery, and newborn transition
Medications to manage postpartum hemorrhage, including uterotonic medications such as oxytocin
Emergency readiness supplies for newborn support, including medications and equipment used in immediate newborn care
Sterile instruments and supplies (for procedures that require sterility) and clean, organized birth setup materials
Sterile gloves, disinfectants, and other safety supplies as needed
(Your midwife will review exactly what they carry and what is used routinely vs. only if needed.)
What families usually provide
Your midwife will give you a detailed list, but common items include:
Clean towels and washcloths
Extra sheets (often older ones you don’t mind using)
A waterproof cover or liner for the bed
Snacks and hydration options
A few basic items for postpartum comfort
What to expect in the moment
Even with clinical preparation, home birth doesn’t require turning your home into a hospital. Most setups are simple, tidy, and focused on comfort with the reassurance that your midwife has professional supplies ready if something unexpected comes up.
Families across Riverside County and San Bernardino County love having a clear supplies list early so they can gather items gradually.
If you’d like a copy of my home birth checklist, reach out on our contact page or visit Home Birth Services.
