Are you curious about home birth and want some quick answers?  We have you covered with some Way Maker Home Birth FAQs.

Is it messy?

This is honestly our number 1 question! People often worry that home birth will be messy. Inside of your birth kit will be large, absorbent, disposable underpads to help prevent soiling materials and surfaces during labor and birth, you will also receive instructions about how to further protect your mattress and floors in our WM Client Binder. After the birth, when it’s time for your midwives to leave, you can expect to be tucked into a clean bed with your laundry started in the washing machine and the trash in the bin. We do everything we can to  protect your items and leave your home cleaner than when we entered it.

What if my home is too small or not suitable for home birth?

It is very unlikely that your home is too small or not suitable to give birth in! Having a baby does not require a lot of space. You need a warm, dry place large enough to lie down and space around you so your midwives can access you and set up their equipment.  The size of your home is not important; what matters is that you feel safe and comfortable there.

What supplies do I need for a home birth?

Midwives come with all the necessary medical equipment and medications for you to safely give birth in your home. You will order a small birth kit online (regular $30- water birth $80 approx.) that has some of the necessary tools and  you will gather a few things from around your home to finish your birth kit. You will also want things that will make you more comfortable and things you would like to eat and drink during labor. For example, robe, pregnancy pillow, depends, birth ball, peanut ball, slippers, coconut water, honey sticks, labor aid, diffuser, essential oils, combs, Frida Mama Postpartum Kit, Postpartum herbal bath, Dermaplast (blue cap), etc.

Who can be at my birth?

When you plan a home birth, it is up to you to decide how many (or how few) birth companions, family members and/or friends are there with you. We love to see family, friends and children involved. If children are involved we just ask you have an adult there to help supervise the children so that you and your partner can focus on the birth at hand. You will also see an assistant that comes to help your midwife near delivery. You will have met this person at least one time prior to birth in most instances. 

What are my options for pain relief at home?

Midwives are skilled in providing comfort measures to support you in labor. Giving birth at home does not mean you are without pain relief options. Comfort measures available to you at home may include:

• Massage
• Relaxation and Breathing Techniques
• Hydrotherapy (using warm water like taking a deep warm bath or shower for comfort and pain relief)
• Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation* (TENS unit)
• Sterile Water Injections
• Acupressure
• Counter Pressure
• Doulas

What if I want an epidural?

Pain relieving medications such as epidural analgesia are only available in the hospital. If you would like to have an epidural, you and your midwife will make a plan to move to the appropriate hospital to access it. You can talk to your midwife about what is available in your community.

Have more questions? Go check out our FAQ’s.