I am getting ready for my third home birth (a water birth) in the next 2-3 weeks.
My previous two pregnancies were filled with anxiety, and I knew that I needed to relax for things to go smoothly. For me personally, that meant *not* reading or thinking about BIRTH (my body obviously knows what to do when it's time!) For my last birth, instead of planning for birth, I planned for a party to welcome my new little person into the world. My preparations were focused on preparing my labor playlist, preparing my atmosphere (candles, scents, visual objects that would bring me comfort), planning for a photographer (a close friend), and planning what food we would eat.
Clearing my mind of things that would cause anxiety and focusing instead on things that would bring joy worked out very well for me last time--my last birth was a very peaceful, joyful experience. In the birthing pool, surrounded by things that would bring me comfort, I was SO relaxed that I did not even realize I was in transition! It caught me by surprise when I felt the urge to push. My midwife laughed that it was the first time she almost missed a birth while she was in the same house.
This time, being so close to Christmas, I am focused on the beauty of Christmas and the richness of welcoming a new Baby in this atmosphere. I think I'm going to set up my birthing pool by the Christmas tree!

If you would like to see the slideshow from my last waterbirth, it is here...http://youtu.be/0TEE5LZVRZ4
My photographer friend has moved off, and with Christmas and unexpected medical bills over the last year, I won't be able to afford to hire another photographer this time around. :-(

Oh, yeah, physical preparations--
At 38 weeks, I am still practicing martial arts. At this point, it's mainly just working through my katas very slowly (which also helps me to clear my mind, breathe properly, and relax.)
I've monitored my sodium intake this time around, which has helped a great deal with swelling. I can still wear my shoes and wedding band comfortably, and I don't hate the way my face looks in pictures this time around!
I'm hoping that by keeping my sugar and carbs in check that I'll have a more normal-sized baby. My first baby birthed at home was 9lb 6oz. This last one was 8lb 6oz, which was much easier to push out. If I could get one between 7 and 8 lbs, that would be just great!
Lots of pelvic rocks and sitting on the birthing ball, hoping to prevent a posterior baby.
Helpful herbs--valerian root, oatstraw, and chamomile when I start to feel anxiety building up or to help me sleep. Red raspberry leaf as a uterine tonic. Stinging nettle leaf to boost my iron.
Sleeping naked. Being skin-to-skin with the hubby also decreases my anxiety and helps me sleep better. It also makes for a happier, more relaxed, and more helpful hubby.

Beautiful slideshow! Thanks for sharing!

When insurances say they don't cover a midwife/homebirth, they sometimes wind up giving in if you are aggressive and keep after them about it. We usually have to pay out of pocket, but after hearing a couple folks successfully getting my insurance company to cover, I am planning on being much more aggressive this time around. I'll let y'all know if I get anywhere.

I just wanted to wish you all the best! I'm doing a midwife drug-free birth at a birthing center. I'm definitely not brave enough for a home birth for my first and admire you both for doing this!

*hugs* and best to you!

The birth center was a very nice environment for my first, BUT I decided to go with a home birth this time around because I remember how anxious I felt to have to get out of my comfortable bed where I'd been so focused on relaxing and deep breathing just to move to another location. And having contractions the whole way! After that I just could NOT get comfortable anywhere and get back in the zone, and I wish I'd just been able to stay put. I'm a big believer in the Bradley Method, and for my home birth I'm re-reading my "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" book and plan on starting much earlier with all the relaxation exercises. I know that if I can train my body to relax quickly it will be so much better this time around. Mentally I'm focusing on a positive and healthy birth, and preparing physically helps so much with this, because it takes out some of the worry that I might not be ready when the time comes I've also kept up my workout routines and am tracking my food - I'm so much more in control this time (gained 50 lbs the last pregnancy) and THAT feels good. Good luck to all you home birth mamas!!

Is anyone else planning a home birth and or had one previously? If so, how are you preparing both mentally and physically? This is my 4th baby, but it will be my first home birth. My husband wasn't into the idea before, and now he is far more open minded. He is actually re- doing one of our bathrooms with a bigger tub for the water birth. I am also watching my iron intake (my midwives won't do a home birth if you are anemic) and taking a home birth class to prepare you for everything. How are the other home birth mamas getting ready?

I wanted to do a home birth; however, now that I have found out that I am having a boy...I don't want to have to make another trip to get him circumsized. I would rather him just come on out, and get his surgery so we can go home, rest, and not be bothered with anyone poking and proding us. Now we are doing a natural/VBAC either in the birthing center or a hospital.