Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Candles
- Pillowcases
- Pillows
- Sheets
- Towels
- Waterproof Sheets
- Fresh Fruit
- Juices
- Teas
- Soothing Music
- Doctors
- Photographers
Step1
Track down an attendant (usually a midwife, but sometimes a doctor) who is experienced delivering babies in nonmedical settings.
Step2
Read up on pregnancy, labor and delivery - outside of the hospital, it's important to be as informed as possible.
Step3
Choose who you want to be there: Sister? Friend? Photographer?
Step4
Make sure you're stocked up on towels and sheets (and anything else your midwife recommends), as well as tea, juice and healthy snacks.
Step5
Remember that you make the mood: Do you want candles? Jazz or classical music? Older siblings?
Step6
Establish a backup plan for getting to the hospital in case you (or your baby) need emergency care.
Step7
Line up some help for after the birth. At home, you won't have the support of nurses or other hospital staff.