Homebirth

For women who have had a previous normal birth and are having an uncomplicated pregnancy homebirth is as safe, if not safer, than birth in hospital. The Homebirth Aotearoa website is a great resource if you are considering a homebirth.

NZ Dad’s talk about homebirth

Planned homebirth

What you need for a home birth:

  • Birth mat: plastic sheet with absorbent layers to protect floor or mattress. (A plastic backed picnic blanket works well)

  • Rubbish bag

  • Bowl or bucket (some women vomit in labour)

  • Roll of paper towels and toilet paper

  • Heater to heat your room

  • Pile of towels – at least 12 is good

  • Cloths (that you’re okay if we use on your perineum)

  • Hand towels

  • Torch

  • Small Mirror

  • A container for the placenta

  • Sanitary pads

  • Baby clothes, baby blanket (cotton/woollen is best) and nappies

  • Props (cushions, pillow, bean bags are useful for different positions)

  • Food (have the kitchen well stocked with food particularly snack foods and easily digestible and nourishing fluids)

Unplanned homebirth (Surprise!)
It’s safer to stay at home if you have the urge to push

  • Page your midwife (04 801 0206) and/or 111 – We’re on our way!

  • Wash your hands (if there’s time)

  • Reassure your partner and help her into a comfortable position such as on her hands and knees

  • Warm the room and collect clean towels for the baby

  • As the baby’s head descends you will see a round circle of hair…. just be ready to catch the baby – encourage your partner to breathe baby out

  • As soon as the baby is born wipe it down with the towels and put him/her onto the mother’s chest – skin to skin

  • DO NOT CUT THE CORD

  • Allow the placenta to be born – still attached to the baby and leave it until help arrives

  • Keep baby warm