The Home-to-Hospital Transition Guide
Whether it’s Plan A or Plan B: How to Move from Home to Hospital with Peace and Confidence
Author: Shiphrah Birth & Beyond Topic: Labor, Hospital Transfer, Home Birth Safety Target Audience: Expectant mothers (Hospital & Home Birth plans)
Introduction
One of the biggest questions pregnant mothers face—whether they are planning a hospital birth or a home birth—is simply: "When do I go?"
For families planning a hospital birth, the goal is often to labor at home as long as possible to maximize comfort and reduce interventions. For home birth families, the hospital is a safety net, but the thought of transferring can feel overwhelming or like a "failure" (it isn’t!).
This guide bridges the gap. Whether the hospital is your destination or your backup plan, this is how you make the transition with autonomy, peace, and confidence.
Part 1: The "Traffic Light" System (When to Go)
Labor is a journey, not a sprint. To help you decide where you are in the process, we use the Traffic Light system.
🟢 Green Light: Early Labor
What it looks like: Contractions are irregular or mild. You can walk, talk through them, and laugh.
For Hospital Plans: Stay home. Eat a good meal, hydrate, shower, and rest. Do not rush to the hospital yet; you may be sent home.
For Home Birth Plans: Notify your midwife/doula that things have started, but carry on with your normal day.
🟡 Yellow Light: Active Labor
What it looks like: Contractions are stronger, longer (approx. 1 min), and closer together (3-5 mins apart). You can no longer talk through them. You have to focus/breathe.
For Hospital Plans: This is usually "Go Time." Call your provider. Start loading the car.
For Home Birth Plans: Your team should be arriving. You are setting up your birth space.
🔴 Red Light: Transition or Medical Necessity
What it looks like: You feel an uncontrollable urge to push, you are shaking, or you feel "I can't do this anymore."
For Hospital Plans: If you haven’t left yet, leave immediately.
For Home Birth Transfers: If your midwife advises a transfer due to stalled labor, maternal exhaustion, or baby’s heart rate, this is the "Red Light" to move. Remember: A transfer is a safety tool, not a failure.
Part 2: The "Two Bag" Packing Method
Even if you never plan to step foot in a hospital, having a "Just in Case" bag packed prevents panic during a transfer.
Bag A: The Comfort Bag (For Planned Hospital Births)
[ ] ID, Insurance Card, and Birth Plan (x3 copies)
[ ] Comfy nursing pajamas + robe
[ ] Slippers with grip soles
[ ] Toiletries (toothbrush, chapstick, hair ties)
[ ] Long charging cord for phone
[ ] Snacks (honey sticks, coconut water, granola bars)
Bag B: The "Transfer" Bag (For Home Birth Moms)
Keep this small bag near the door or in the trunk. If you don't use it? Great.
[ ] A printed "Transfer Plan" (see below)
[ ] ID and Insurance Card (Ziploc bag)
[ ] One outfit for Mom (loose joggers/shirt)
[ ] One outfit for Baby
[ ] Car seat installed (always, just in case)
Part 3: The "Arrival Scripts" (Advocating for Yourself)
Triage nurses see dozens of patients a day. Clear communication helps them treat you according to your wishes immediately.
Script A: Planned Hospital Arrival
"Hi, I’m [Name]. I have been laboring at home for [Number] hours. My contractions are [Number] minutes apart. I am planning an unmedicated birth and would like to move to a labor room with a tub as soon as possible."
Script B: Home Birth Transfer Arrival
"Hi, I’m [Name]. I attempted a home birth, but we have decided to transfer because [Reason - e.g., 'my labor has stalled for 6 hours']. I am tired but my baby is stable. I would like an epidural to help me rest, but I still aim for a vaginal delivery."
Tip: Having your doula make this introduction can change the energy of the room from "emergency" to "managed care."
Part 4: The Car Ride Survival Guide
The ride to the hospital is often the hardest part physically. Here is how to survive the bumps:
Sit on a "Chux" pad (Puppy pad): In case your water breaks (or breaks more) in the car.
Backseat, not shotgun: Sit in the back. It allows you to kneel on the floorboard or lay across the seat if safely belted.
Heated Seats: Turn them on high. The heat on your lower back acts as a natural pain reliever.
Eye Mask & Headphones: Block out the traffic lights and road noise. Stay in your "labor land" bubble.
Need Support for Your Journey?
Whether you are birthing in a living room in Dalton or a hospital suite in Chattanooga, Shiphrah Birth & Beyond is here to support your choices. We offer continuity of care that bridges the gap between home and hospital.
