Your Midwife’s Toolkit: What We Bring to Every Birth

When most people imagine a home birth, they often think it’s “just you and your midwife and hope.” But that couldn’t be further from the truth. At Attuned Midwifery Service, we arrive at every birth with a well-stocked toolkit of medical supplies, comfort measures, and years of experience—so you can birth safely, naturally, and confidently in your own space.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in your midwife’s birth bag—and how we’re prepared for everything from soothing back rubs to serious emergencies.

Safety First: Medical Equipment We Bring

Home birth midwives are trained to monitor, assess, and respond to a wide range of situations. Here’s what we carry to every birth:

🩺 Monitoring Tools

• Doppler or fetoscope to listen to baby’s heart rate

• Blood pressure cuff and stethoscope

• Thermometer and pulse oximeter

• Urine dipsticks to check hydration, protein, glucose, etc.

💉 Emergency Supplies

• Oxygen tanks and neonatal resuscitation equipment

• IV fluids and supplies

• Medications to manage postpartum bleeding (Pitocin, Methergine, etc.)

• Suturing kits for perineal repairs

• Anti-hemorrhagic herbs and homeopathics

👶 Newborn Equipment

• Infant scale and measuring tape

• Vitamin K and erythromycin (offered based on your choices)

• Newborn exam tools (otoscope, stethoscope, thermometer)

We’re not improvising. We’re trained and equipped to handle everything a low-risk birth may bring.

Tools for a Gentle, Empowering Birth

Midwifery care isn’t just clinical—it’s deeply supportive. Our toolkit also includes items for comfort, presence, and grounding during labor.

🌿 Comfort Measures

• Birth stool

• Rebozo for hip sifting and support

• Essential oils (if desired)

• Heating pads and cold packs

• Massage tools

• TENS unit (optional)

• Birth balls and peanut balls

💦 Water Birth Equipment

• Portable birth tub (if requested)

• Tub liner and hose adaptors

• Water thermometer

• Pump for filling and draining

We also bring emotional support, calm energy, and a deep respect for your birth space.

Sanitary Supplies and Clean-Up

You’d be surprised how tidy a home birth can be—with the right tools.

🧼 Sterile and Clean Supplies

• Chux pads and waterproof underpads

• Sterile gloves, gauze, and cord clamps

• Clean towels, swaddles, and blankets

• Trash bags and laundry bags

🧽 After-Birth Clean-Up

• We do light cleaning before leaving

• We wash or start laundry

• We guide you in how to care for your space postpartum

By the time we leave, your home feels like a home again—not a delivery room.

What You Provide (and What We’ll Help You Gather)

We’ll give you a customized home birth supply list, which usually includes:

• Old sheets and towels

• A large bowl for the placenta

• Snacks and drinks for labor

• A heating source (for cold months)

• A birth plan and your support team!

We’ll walk through everything during your prenatal visits so you feel 100% ready.

The Most Important Thing We Bring: Presence

While tools and supplies are important, what matters most is the attuned, grounded presence we bring.

We show up with:

• Clinical skills

• Listening ears

• Calm, loving support

• Confidence in your ability to birth

That’s the real magic in the midwife’s toolkit.

Final Thoughts

Your midwife doesn’t just “show up”—we arrive fully prepared, physically and emotionally. With experience, training, and the right tools, we hold space for safe, empowered, and peaceful births in your home.

At Attuned Midwifery Service, we bring everything needed—except the hospital gown and fluorescent lights.

Want to Learn More?

Let’s talk! Book a free consultation to see how our care aligns with your birth vision.