Home Birth Supplies, Part Two: What a midwife brings to a Home birth in Berkeley, CA
what’s in my home birth bag
In a prior blog post, I wrote about how to set up the home for a planned home birth, and the items to gather and purchase. The other important part of a safe home birth setup is the midwifery tools I bring in my birth bags. Here is a photo of the main bag I bring to every birth:
And here’s a picture of most of the contents of this bag:
Organization is a Top Priority For Home Births
A lot of thought has gone into how to organize my midwifery gear, such that it is easy to access should a labor be progressing quickly, and so that it’s easy to direct someone else where to find something.
I have divided it into several sections: Newborn resuscitation, IV, suturing, Misc. disposable things, emergency medications, instruments, and pulse oximeter. All of these are in their separate pocket or pouch.
Other Bags and Supplies I Bring With Me
In addition to this bag, I have two other bags that I take to each birth. One is my oxygen tank bag. The other is my “everything” bag, which contains all my frequently used prenatal and postpartum equipment for home visits, as well as tools that are used at births. This bag contains:
blood draw supplies
fetal Doppler (the very important instrument used to listen to a baby’s heart tones during prenatal appointments and in labor)
blood pressure cuff
thermometer
newborn scale
adult and newborn stethoscopes
a glucometer
urine dipsticks
and probably a few other random items
home birth emergency medications
My meds bag is kept inside my primary birth bag (the big red one), but this is a very important item that I’ll go through in more detail. I’m grateful to live in a state that licenses midwives and makes it easy and legal to acquire and administer emergency and routine medications. Some midwives practice in states that force them to work under the radar, with limited and restricted access to important medications that make home birth much safer. Here are the contents of my emergency meds bag:
Pitocin:
The first-line medication for postpartum hemorrhage is given through intramuscular injection or IV. It works by causing the uterus to contract, thereby occluding vessels and causing bleeding.
Methergine:
Another medication for postpartum hemorrhage is given by intramuscular injection. It also works by causing uterine contractions, especially in the lower uterine segment.
Misoprostol:
A third medication that helps with postpartum hemorrhage by causing uterine contractions. This one, however, is in pill form.
Tranexamic Acid:
The 4th and final hemorrhage medication. This one has a different method of action, and causes blood clotting to stop the flow of bleeding.
Terbutaline:
Used in very rare emergencies to stop uterine contractions.
Herbs:
Cotton Root Bark and Black Cohosh, are used to stop bleeding by stimulating uterine contractions. And a Chinese herb called Yunnan Baiyao that helps with blood clotting.
Syringes and Alcohol Pads:
To aid in administering the above medications.
Creating a Safe Home Birth Option
While most of the above medications are rarely used (in fact, many of them expire before I ever have a chance to use them), having them readily available for emergencies is part of what makes home birth a safe option. The four anti-hemorrhage medications listed above are the same ones most commonly used in the hospital to treat postpartum hemorrhage.
Additional Supplies and Their Uses
Other equipment that greatly increases home birth safety is newborn resuscitation supplies (and the skills and training to use them well when needed!). I bring to every birth an ambu bag (used to help a baby breathe), a resuscitation board that includes a warmer, suction equipment, an oxygen tank and newborn mask, and a newborn pulse oximeter to assess the baby’s oxygenation. Most babies transition just fine without intervention, but a small percentage of babies need additional help to get started. Having tools and training for newborn resuscitation means that intervention can happen promptly without delay when needed.
An Experienced Midwife is Key to Saftey During Home Birth
Of course, the most important tool of all in making homebirth safe is the presence of an experienced midwife whose managed emergencies and has the skills and discernment to jump in when needed. The vast majority of births progress without the need for medications or a lot of equipment, but having the tools available just in case adds a level of security.
Feel Safe and Secure During Your Home Birth, Reach Out To A Midwife In Berkeley, CA Today.
Choose homebirth with our dedicated midwives at Emunah Midwifery for a personalized and empowering prenatal care and birthing experience. Our one-hour appointments go beyond physical assessments to address all your questions and concerns, setting the foundation for a healthy and connected birth and the postpartum period. Experience the comfort and autonomy of birthing in your own space, supported by skilled midwives who offer water submersion for relaxation and safe options for low-risk births. Our postpartum care includes home visits and support for breastfeeding/chestfeeding, respecting your choices, and prioritizing your well-being. Embrace autonomy and informed decision-making throughout your journey. Contact us today for transformative care.
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