Nest Supply List

The 42 days following a birth is such an important and precious time which sets the stage for the life of a new mother and baby – and it’s one that you will never have back again! Why not make the most of it? 

I finally did following the birth of my last daughter – and I can truly say it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.

With her birth, after having 6 other babies, I finally “got it” – I had a real understanding of what the best environment is for those first few weeks following a birth. The experience impacted me on the same level as my first home birth did and I wanted to tell the world about it! It was truly an amazing, blissful time that was very necessary.

Read about the Nest in my other blog posts  “How I created my Nest (and the birth story of Zara)”

and…

“Respect the Nest”

These posts go more deeply into the “why” and the “how” of the Nest. This post here is specifically addressing the practical elements of “what” you will need. I’m also trying to keep it as concise as possible. Please know, however, that it’s important that you also read the posts I’ve listed above for it all to make sense.

I’ve listed just the basics…but of course you should customize it to fit you.

Ok – HERE It is…

Shelf or small table within arms reach that holds:
– small table lamp with scarf/fabric “shade” to adjust lighting
– charging station for phone/speakers, etc.
– Nest Basket

Nest Basket –

This basket should be something fairly compact, and easily able to carry with one hand (while your other arm is holding baby). This way, you can conveniently have most everything you need close by you at all times. Especially in the middle of the night – it helps make diaper changes very calm and easy, allowing you and baby to get the rest you need by keeping the environment calm and never totally waking up.

Surprisingly enough, you can easily fit all of the things on the basket list in a small to medium size basket. I like the ones that have several compartments in it, with a handle on the top for convenience – similar to a open top tool box or something you might use for cleaning supplies. If you can’t find one of those that you like, you could use a larger basket with room inside for smaller baskets that fit into it to act as compartments (to hold small things like nail clippers). But see what you can find – the bottom line is that you need to be able to easily carry and move it with ONE hand – or to ask someone to get you “the basket”. For me, and for many of the women I’ve worked with – this has been the single most important item in the Nest.

What is in the Nest basket?

– 2-3 diapers
– 10 small washcloths for diaper wiping (or an old towel that’s been cut up)
– baby nail clippers
– regular nail clippers (for you)
– phone (and/or camera)
– water bottle (for you to drink, and also to use with small washcloths for diaper wiping instead of disposable baby wipes)
– 2 baby blankets
– Headlight flashlight
– birth journal
– pencil bag (with colored pencils, felt tips, pens)
– small mirror
– hairbrush and hair accessories
– small bottle of coconut oil
– Baby Drops (jungla-vital) – please contact me if you need help getting these but do get them as they are amazing and a life saver for so many occasions
– rescue remedy drops (for mom)
– small spray bottle of essential oil and water (10 drops per bottle of water)

Visitors chair (or 2) 

Food serving tray (like a “breakfast in bed” tray)

Tablecloth or sarong (to be used for catching crumbs while eating)

3 small waste baskets (within throwing distance) for
– regular laundry (clothing, blankets, bra, wet diapers, washcloths, pads)
– poopie diapers (in vinegar water)
– rubbish

Extra clothes, blankets, diapers, etc. on shelf within a step or two from your bed

Hammock

Cooler or mini fridge for snacks

Comfortable underwear and pads for bleeding

Comfortable bra and nursing pads 

Moxa stick and Aloe for perineal repair if needed (important)

While thinking more about the “origin of the Nest basket” – I now must give my own mother credit here. When I had my first baby back in 1984, my mom came to help me out for the first few weeks.

Now after many years later, I can say that these are some of the most necessary elements that will support the Nest to be the best it can be. Essentially it’s all in the organization.

Once you have this in place, your Nest can flow smoothly giving you a practical foundation that will support the very important time that your baby will be spending during their first days of life. I can say that my Nest time with Zara was one of the greatest times and memories of my life. My hope is for you to have the same…

*I also have a good printable PDF for a Home Birth Supply List here…