Creating Your Home Birth Space: A Midwife's Guide

There's no "perfect" home birth setup - but there is YOUR perfect setup.

Over the years, I've set up birth spaces in master bedrooms, cosy living rooms, conservatories overlooking gardens, and yes - even a kitchen at 3am because that's where mama felt safe. Every single one was perfect because it was right for that woman, in that moment.

If you're planning a home birth and wondering what you actually need to prepare, let me walk you through it - not as a checklist to stress over, but as a gentle guide to help you create a space where you'll feel safe, comfortable, and ready to birth your baby.

The Room Itself: Trust Your Instincts

Where should you plan to birth?

Wherever you feel most comfortable. Honestly, that's it.

Some women know immediately - "I want to be in my bedroom." Others aren't sure until labour starts and discover they want to be downstairs near the kitchen, or in the bathroom, or somewhere they hadn't even considered.

Your body will tell you where it wants to be. My job is to meet you there with everything we need.

Q. What about rented properties or flats?

I get asked this a lot, especially here in Devon where so many families rent. Here's what you need to know:

• Get your landlord's permission in writing (most are fine with it)

• Check your home and contents insurance covers you

• We'll protect your floors and furniture with waterproof sheeting

• Birth is not a dirty or damaging process - we keep everything clean and contained

Beyond that? It's not something you need to worry about. Women have been birthing babies in rented spaces forever. Your home is your home, wherever that is.

Lighting: Creating Your Sanctuary

This is where you get to think about atmosphere - what helps you feel calm, safe, and able to let go?

Labour loves darkness. Your body produces oxytocin (the hormone that powers contractions) more easily when you're not in bright light. Think about creating a womb-like space for yourself.

Ideas to consider:

• Lamps with warm bulbs rather than overhead lights

• Fairy lights for gentle ambient glow

• Candles (this is where my Mama Collection comes in - birth preparation blends designed specifically for labour)

• Dimmers if you already have them

• Salt lamps

• Simply turning off the big light and using natural daylight

Don't overthink this. I always bring torches for any hands-on work I need to do, so you focus on what feels good to YOU, not what you think I need to see by.

The Birth Pool: If You're Planning a Water Birth

Water is wonderful for labour - it supports your body, eases discomfort, and gives you freedom to move. Many women find it deeply calming.

What I provide:

For ALL my clients: I bring a Birth Pool - reliable, spacious, comfortable, and everything you need for a safe water birth.

The pool will come to you with everything you need - liner, pump, the hose, tap connectors, thermometer, mirror, sieve.

What you provide:

• Space for the pool (I'll help you figure out the best spot)

• Access to hot water (we'll work around your boiler capacity)

• Waterproof sheeting, towels and incontinence pads ~ always buy more than you think you’ll need!

The Practical Essentials

Here's what you actually need to have ready. I bring all the clinical equipment - you sort the home comfort stuff.

For protecting your space:

• Plastic sheeting or shower curtains for floors/furniture (cheap ones from B&M or Wilko are perfect)

• Old towels you don't mind getting stained (birth is beautiful but it's also bodily fluids!)

• Incontinence pads (Tena bed pads from any chemist - get the large ones)

For your comfort:

• Plenty of towels - for drying off, for warmth, for the pool

• Your own pillows and cushions

• Comfortable clothes (or nothing at all - your choice entirely)

• Snacks and drinks you fancy (labour is hard work, you'll need fuel)

• Music or playlists if that's your thing

• Anything that makes you feel calm - photos, affirmations, your favourite blanket

What I bring:

• Birth pool and all pool equipment

• TENS machine

• Gas and air (Entonox)

• All clinical supplies and emergency equipment

• Calm, experienced hands and a willingness to follow YOUR lead

Don't Forget Your Birth Companion

Partners and birth companions often forget to prepare for themselves. They're going to be awake with you, supporting you, possibly for many hours.

Remind them to sort:

• Snacks and drinks they can grab quickly

• Phone charger

• Comfortable clothes

• A pillow if they might want to rest

• Knowledge of where everything is (kettle, towels, your comfort items)

Their job isn't to "manage" your labour - it's to hold the space, protect your environment, and support YOUR instincts. We'll talk about this more in your appointments.

The Truth About Home Birth Preparation

Here's what I really want you to know: I've set up for births in immaculate show homes and I've set up in houses with toddler toys everywhere and washing on the radiators.

The tidiness of your house will not affect your labour.

What matters is that YOU feel comfortable. If having a clean space makes you feel calm, then yes, tidy up. If you couldn't care less because you're in labour, then don't waste your energy.

I'm coming to support YOU birthing your baby, not to judge your home.

When We'll Finalise Everything

Around 36 weeks, I'll come to your home for a visit. We'll:

• Walk through your space together

• Work out where the pool goes (if you're having one)

• Check your water pressure and hose situation

• Talk about parking and access

• Make sure your birth companion knows where everything is

• Answer any last questions

By the time I leave, you'll feel confident that your space is ready.

Creating Your Birth Space is Personal

Some women love preparing their birth space weeks in advance - choosing candles, setting up the pool area, creating a playlist. It becomes a ritual of preparation that helps them feel ready.

Others don't think about it until labour starts, and that's equally fine.

There's no right way to do this. The "perfect" home birth space is simply the one where YOU feel safe enough to let go and let your body do what it knows how to do.

If you're planning a home birth in Devon, Cornwall, or Somerset and want to talk through what this might look like in your home, get in touch. We can take our time, talk through what matters to you, and make sure you feel completely prepared.

Your body knows how to birth your baby. My job is simply to create the conditions where you can trust that knowledge.

Clair x
Your Midwife at Continuity Midwifery