Preparing for a homebirth requires a little more gear and supplies than either a hospital or birth center birth (check out our free list of homebirth supplies so you can be prepared and relaxed during your birth), but you might be surprised to learn our number one tip in preparing for a homebirth.

In contrast to a hospital birth, the most important thing to know for a home birth has nothing to do with birth preparation itself…the most important thing about home birth may be keeping unwanted visitors out of your home while you are laboring and bonding with your newborn.

I hear so many stories of expectant couples who call their family members when labor begins and then they have to manage the visitors during labor. Or your birth team has to step away to explain to the well meaning visitors that this is not the time to visit, but you want your birth team to be focused on you, not trying to act as the front gate.

If you need to have family members help with older children during birth, be sure you have established boundaries about the extent to which you are comfortable with them hanging around the house during the birth well before your due date so you avoid having to manage this stress during the time you should be focused on yourself and your labor.

Finally, let your friends and family know that you are requesting family bonding and recovery time after the birth and you will let them know when you are ready to accept visitors. Communicating your wishes beforehand will take the stress off of you during your birth and will let your eager family and friends know that they are not forgotten.

Here is an example of a message to send to eager friends and family to express your needs, feel free to use what you like and make it work for you.

"Dear friends and family, we wanted to let you know that baby [name] arrived safe and sound at [time & date]. Weighing a healthy [weight & size], we couldn't be happier. We are taking some time to settle in and bond as a new family and we will be in touch soon when we are recovered and ready to introduce our newest family member in person. Thank you all so much for being a part of our journey!"

Now that you know our #1 tip, be sure to download our full supply list for a prepared homebirth so you can relax knowing you have all the essential supplies for an amazing birth.

Check out more homebirth preparation tips on the Unschooled Homebirth podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. These episodes go deeper into homebirth preparation. 

Episode 48. Three Common Mistakes Homebirthers Make in Birth Plans

Episode 52. 4 Keys to Create a Calm Homebirth