One of the main attractions about homebirths to lots of families is that it can be a family affair and it can be so special for everyone involved in bringing a new family member into the world. Keeping this in mind, it’s also normal to be worried about how they’ll react to their mumma being in labour – will they be scared of the noises I’ll make? Will they distract me when I’m in labour? Here are our top tips to help you prepare your toddler for your Homebirth:

💧Look at birth resources together. This could be watching home birth videos or reading home births books. This will help them gain a better understanding of what to expect and how your birth is likely to look

💧Let them meet your birth team. Introducing them to everyone and letting them know what role they will play in the birth will help them feel more comfortable.

💧Having a special ‘job’ for them to do for you during labour will help them feel more involved in the process. This could be getting you a water bottle and/or offering snacks and talking lots with them about this special task during your pregnancy is a great way to get them prepared

💧Having a dedicated ‘labour activity box’ for them is a great idea. This might include new books, coloring pens and activity books or some new toys. You could always go to the dollar store with them and have them pick out some things they might enjoy!

💧They might sleep through the whole thing! As much as it’s great to have plenty of ideas up your sleeve to keep your toddler involved but also occupied during labor, just remember that toddlers often sleep through anything!

A great thing to remember is that birth is normal, and with the right preparation your toddler is likely to react your labour and birth in a very positive way.