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Today’s Midwife: Equipped and Ready to Roll!

The TV scene that flashes through our heads about having a baby at home only requires hot, boiling water, and towels! While the exact content of a home birth midwife’s equipment bags may vary slightly from practice to practice, they are designed to handle many unforeseen events at home. We carry resuscitation equipment for both Mom and Baby, as well as Emergency Medications for management of hemorrhage and other complications. A prospective client can ask what equipment a midwife brings (she should have a list) and what emergencies she can handle. Naturally, midwives practice sterile technique and bring sterile equipment to each birth.

Medical Equipment

We bring the birth center to your home! The list below is an example of the important equipment and supplies used by the staff at Tender Beginnings. We carry other items not listed as well. Duplicate supplies are carried and periodically checked to assure that equipment and supplies will be appropriately available, cleaned, and functional to ensure safety.

Equipment

  • Fetoscope
  • Doppler fetoscope
  • Stethoscope
  • Pediatric stethoscope
  • Sphygmomanometer with appropriate sized cuff
  • Thermometers
  • Hemostats
  • Portable suction equipment compatible with intubation
  • Blunt-ended scissors
  • Scissors for episiotomy
  • Newborn resuscitation bag and mask
  • Pulse Ox (heart rate and blood oxygen saturation monitoring equipment for Adult or infant)
  • Suturing instruments
  • Baby Scale

Supplies

  • Cord clamps or ties
  • Antiseptic solution
  • Sterile gloves
  • Non-sterile gloves
  • Sterile lubricant
  • Syringes
  • Needles (appropriate sizes)
  • Suture material
  • Urinary catheter
  • Urinalysis supplies
  • Cord blood tubes
  • Sharps container
  • IV supplies
  • Maternal oxygen masks
  • Fetal oxygen masks
  • LMA
  • Baby Hats

Medications

  • Oxytocic drugs (for postpartum hemorrhage)
  • Local anesthetic
  • Oxygen (sufficient for transport)
  • Eye prophylaxis
  • Vitamin K
  • IV Fluids
  • Antibiotics

Other Equipment

The Midwifery Philosophy doesn’t ever forget that birth is a life experience, not just a medical one. In addition to all of her medical equipment, we carry (or suggest that you provide for yourself) massage equipment, heating pads, cold and hot compresses, aromatherapy, herbs, candles, or music. Midwifery’s holistic approach allows for your emotions to be cared for as well as your health.