Supplies for Laboring at Home

If you are planning to have a doula come to your home in early labor, you may want to have the following supplies available at home, even if you are planning to give birth at a birth center or hospital. These are by no means a requirement, but they can help to make the experience more comfortable for you, your partner and your labor companion.

• Beverages for staying well-hydrated such as water, red raspberry leaf tea, non-citrus juices, Powerade® or Gatorade®

Tip: You can fill an ice cube tray with your favorite beverage, freeze, and use the cubes during labor, since many women find sucking or chewing ice during labor is tolerable even when they are experiencing nausea


• Snacks for energy, both for you and for your birth team; bananas, grapes, bagels, peanut butter crackers, or granola bars make good labor snacks. Choose foods that provide a lot of energy and some protein
• 3-5 Washcloths — but not your fancy ones! Washcloths can be used as warm or cool compresses to help with muscle relaxation, nausea, nipple stimulation to encourage stronger contractions, and a variety of other things during labor
• Thermometer — a simple oral thermometer can be useful so the laboring mom can monitor her own temperature. A slight rise in her temperature may indicate that she is getting dehydrated; a more significant elevation can indicate an infection and is a good reason to notify her care provider or leave for the hospital, especially if her membranes have ruptured spontaneously
• 12-24 "Chux" Pads (waterproof underpads); These can be purchased at a local pharmacy or grocery store and are wonderful if mom is laboring at home after her water breaks, or even if she is just having some bloody show. After the birth, they serve as wonderful disposable pad for changing baby's diapers without getting out of bed
• Small, clean trash can, lined with a clean plastic trash bag. This isn't really for trash, but can be useful if mom has nausea and vomiting in labor