I had this posted in the Women Preppers forum. But I thought maybe I should re-post it here! 😀
As promised, I dug out my midwifery hand-out on Home Birth Supplies. I added Midwifery supplies to the bottom of the list. Familiarizing yourself with normal birth NOW will go a long way in the future. Sadly it goes without saying that in a SHTF world, maternal and infant mortality will increase, especially in the beginning.... Remember, around the world today, most babies are delivered by Midwives in less than ideal conditions. Babies are born (not 'delivered' like a pizza) and Midwives 'catch'...... without alot of fuss.
I haven't explained some supplies so if you have any questions then please just ask.
Home Birth Supplies
Have these things ready about 3 weeks before the due date:
1. Clean rooms
2. Bed made up in this order a) Plastic sheet or shower curtain
b) Clean sheets, top and bottom
c) Another waterproof sheet
d) Clean sheets (fitted) and blanket
Covering the plastic sheet with a blanket will help avoid 'sweating'
The top sheets can be easily removed after the birth for a fresh, clean bed.
3. Pillows (4). A good idea is to cover them with a plastic garbage bag under the pillowcase
4. Dozen incontinence pads, large * or homemade
5. One Dozen 4x4 sterile gauze pads *
6. Underpads: Toddler size fitted disposable diapers or homemade from layers of newspaper.
7. Sanitary pads, large
8. Large wastepaper basket lined with a garbage bag
9. Laundry basket lined with a garbage bag
10. Hot water bottle(s) or heating pad
11. Unopened bottle of oil (olive, vitamin E, etc.) for massage
12. Light foods for labour: Red raspberry leaf tea, yogurt, juice popsicles, broth (potassium soup, below), ice chips, etc.
13. Camera, recording equipment
14. Rocking chair
15. Powder or corn starch for back massage
16. Four bowls (mixing bowl set): x-large for the placenta, large for vomit, medium for compresses, small for whatever.
17. Six washcloths
18. Six towels
19. Eight to ten receiving blankets
20. Directable light
21. Food for father and birth attendants
22. Thermometer (oral and rectal)
23. Rubbing alcohol
24. Hand mirror
25. Baby clothes
26. Small bulb syringe
27. Tea Kettle: What's a home birth without the traditional tea kettle to boil water at the climactic moment! Needed for tea, hot compresses, sterilizing instruments, etc.
BIRTH ATTENDANT / MIDWIFE SUPPLIES:
1. Two hemostats, for clamping the cord*
2. Sharp scissors (bandage scissors work well or anything with rounded ends)*
3. 12" length of 'baby' shoelace, white - for tying the umbilical cord
4. Fetoscope or stethoscope*
5. Latex-free examination gloves*
6. Blood pressure cuff, if you know how to use it*
#1, 2, and 3 should be sterilized in boiling water for 20-30 minutes
*available at medical supply stores
READ EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH By Gregory J. White, M.D. or something similar -Normal childbirth
'Potassium' Soup: Put onions, celery, potatoes, squash, carrots, and greens in a pot and cover with water overnight. Bring to a boil, strain, then freeze in small batches (cubes) for use during labour. This helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance with potassium. Eat up the veggies asap.
PrepHer, retired Midwife