so, the last two midwife appointments we had discussed birth kits. i remember looking into them when i was a mere 9 weeks and to tell you the truth haven't thought about it since. but apparently, its something i should really get on if not now, like soon as in tomorrow or something.

the standard birth kit usually has the following items, which costs about $25-35, depending on where you buy them:

10 – Deluxe Underpads 23" X 24"
5 – Deluxe Underpads 23" X 36"
2 – Plastic Backed Sheets
12 – Gauze Sponge, 4" X 4", 12-ply, sterile
15 – Alcohol Prep Pads
1 – OB Adhesive Pads (dozen)
1 – Peri Bottle
1 – Scrub Brush, Hibiclens, sterile
1 – Povidone, 4 oz.
1 – Bulb Syringe, 2 oz, sterile
2 – Cord Clamps, plastic, sterile
6 – Lubrication Jelly, 3 gram pkgs.
2 – Straws, flexible
1 – Stretch Briefs
1 – Infant Tape Measure
6 – Glove, sterile, single (S, M, L)
3 – Gloves, sterile, pair (S, M, L)
1 – Infant hat, 100% cotton

luckily, my midwife said she may have some donated unused items to make a complete birth kit without having me purchase one, so thats good. but as i looked up birth kit and supplies on her site, i apparently need to also have the following things handy:

- Olive oil, sesame oil or grapeseed oil, unopened
- Plastic cover for the mattress (shower curtain liners or painters drop
cloths are great)
- Clean linen: 1 good set on bed, plastic sheet, old set on top.
- Food for attendants

Items for the labor room:
- Broths, teas, Popsicles, juices
- Large bowl
- Crockpot
- Small and large trash bags
- Humidifier
- Wash cloths
- 10 receiving blankets, wrapped in aluminum foil
- Camera with NEW batteries-optional
- Two combs-optional
- Heating pad
- Oral thermometer (digital is great)
- Oxyclean-(powdered)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Extra long sanitary pads
- Gel-based alcohol hand sanitizer (Purell or generic brand)

Items for the baby:
- Blankets
- Diapers
- Undershirts
- Socks or booties
- 2 Newborn hats

wait, receiving blankets wrapped in aluminum foil? hmm, maybe they're gonna bake the blankets before using them? hmmm...will have to google it.