SUPPLIES TO ROCK YOUR MIDWIFERY PRACTICE
Along the many years of running my own midwifery practice, I learned that it is more cost effective to pay a little more for higher quality products, rather than buying cheaper items that break often and need frequent replacement. I did not build my office in a day, so start with the more essential things (the first part of the list), then add your personal touches (the bottom of the list) with time. I also did gynecologic procedures from IUD insertion to endometrial biopsy to evaluations using the microscope - but those supplies are not included here. I wanted to focus on maternity/newborn care and the basics.
These are my favorite must have supplies for prenatal, postpartum and gynecology care visits.
Fetoscope (I like the length, so mama and family can also hear fetal heart rate) but the Pinard Horn is a classic.
My absolute favorite fetal doppler is the ultra sensitive Huntleigh with the waterproof probe, but it is expensive. In the office, I only use it in early pregnancy if indicated or requested; but once the baby's heart beat can be heard with the fetoscope, I only use the doppler it if there is an issue. You can try different cheaper dopplers when starting out or maybe find a used Huntleigh on eBay in excellent like new condition. When using a doppler, I like the clear, odorless doppler gel to transmit the sound and 9V batteries
Stethoscope
Blood Pressure Monitor and Regular Adult Cuff with additional Larger Cuff (to avoid false high readings using adult size cuff on women with increased upper arm circumference)
Medical Floor Scale
Retractable Measuring Tape
Newborn DIgital Scale and Power Cord, as well as the sling sling scale with sling for home visits and birth.
Otoscope with Throat Illuminator or Full Diagnostic Set including Ophthalmoscope
Reflex Hammer
Graves Stainless Steel Speculums (small, medium and large)
Lubricating Jelly 4 oz. and box of sterile 5 gm. single packets
Disposable Underpads and extra large maxipads for labor fluids, vaginal bleeding and secretions
Portable Medical Exam Light
Comfortable Adjustable Exam Table with drawers, step stool to help mama up or include her minis, and stirrups you can cover with decorative oven mitts; I like to put a homey sheet with pillow case for a soft pillow on top for added comfort and a decorative, fun mommy animal and babies or soothing mobile hanging from the ceiling above for them to look at when lying down for an exam or procedure - and kids love it too. Exam table paper and 2 ply disposable drape sheets are good to have so you don't have to change the sheets between visits, as is a rolling adjustable exam stool for procedures like pap smears and IUD insertions.
Height Measuring Rod
Box Latex Free Exam Gloves , sterile singles and sterile pairs of gloves (choose your size).
Bottle of 99% Alcohol and box of alcohol swabs for blood draws and injections.
2 x 2 Gauze Pads for blood draws and sterile 4 x 4 gauze pads and Betadine (good to have in office for procedures like IUD insertions).
Bandaids for adults , steel blood lancets for blood sugar testing and newborn screening - don't forget the tiny bandaids for them.
Butterfly 25 G Needles for compassionate blood draws.
Sharps Disposables Container (labs usually provide the tourniquets, vacutainers and specimen collection containers, test kits and swabs, as well as the blood spinner and rest of lab supplies - but not always).
Urinanalysis Dip Sticks and paper cups.
Ph paper
Digital Thermometer and disposable probe covers
Glucometer Test Kit and Control Solution
Fertility Microscope
Heat Sterilzer, self sealing clear heat sterilization bags with indicator, instrument cleaner and lube.
Poster Frames to display around your office, collages of pictures of the mamas and their families in your practice along their childbearing and parenting journeys - they give them to you with pride and gratitude, to treasure and inspire others, and they love to see them up there when they come back to visit.
Decorate your office so that you and your families love to be there, reflective not just of your taste, but off your passions, your philosophies, and interest in educating, soothing, uplifting, and empowering your clients. I have prints, magnets and bumper stickers, pregnancy art, birth and breastfeeding art, inspirational pieces like the Tree of Life Mandala, sacred feminine art, lovely floral wreaths, essential oil diffuser and soothing and uplifting essential oils , Himalayan salt candle holders and tea light candles ... you name it. Have fun making your midwifery haven!
I love to I spoil my families., so they feel well cared for and papered. I have a lending library of books and movies, as well as natural toys for the big brothers and sisters. I have my educational flip charts and display chart for teaching, along with my favorite model of a soft mobile pelvis, baby, placenta, cord, membranes, knitted uterus, perineum by Childbirth Graphics - but it is expensive; I started with the smaller one. I also have some healthy snacks, electric kettle, tea with honey in fun mugs, and juice boxes. I have yoga blocks to encourage mamas to sit in a supported squat. I also have a little store of the whole food supplements and natural remedies I recommend (you can buy at discount here), bulk organic herbal infusion recipes I put together in mason jars with strainers, (my recipes included a mixture of herbs like nettles and red raspberry leaf for pregnancy, and herbs for labor and postpartum), birth balls with pumps, double electric breast pump kits with the storage bags, belly bands (mamas love this and it has many benefits), birth kits, baby wearing slings, doll slings for siblings to baby wear, born at home T shirts , rebozos and such. I rent the Birth Pool in a Box and give each family their own liner.
For Home Visits, you can take what you need of these in a rolling suitcase or medical bag with many compartments, or use your supplies for homebirth ...coming soon.
