The best way to enjoy a wonderful birth experience is if everything is as stress-free as possible. Good preparation is an enormous help – especially since no one can foresee how labor will go. First-time mothers, in particular, face a completely new, overwhelming situation with many emotions. It is therefore often a relief for pregnant women to have things well prepared in good time. An important element here is the hospital bag. What are the essentials? What can stay at home? What can be organized in advance?
When should I pack my hospital bag?
Preferably 6 weeks before the birth. Babies sometimes make an appearance unexpectedly early – it is therefore advisable to be prepared for such an (emergency) case. Important: do not forget to tell your partner or birthing companion where the bag is.
A pregnant woman should always carry a form of ID and medical documents containing the most important information about her and the pregnancy (e.g., antenatal care record or similar).
What belongs in the hospital bag?
It is advisable for every pregnant woman to pack a hospital bag – even if she is planning a home birth or an outpatient birth (where you leave the hospital again shortly after the birth). It is not possible to predict how the labor will go and a hospital stay may become unexpectedly necessary in case of complications. This is especially true if it is necessary to perform a cesarean section.
In this case, a hospital bag containing everything for up to a week's stay helps to prevent your partner from desperately searching for various items. Find out what you need with this well-organized packing list:
Hospital bag checklist:
Hygiene products:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Brush/comb
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
- Face and/or body creams (little or no perfume)
- Sanitary pads
Optional (depending on personal preferences and hospital equipment):
- Nail file, scissors
- Towel and washcloth
- Hair dryer
- Shaver
- Possibly make-up
- Deodorant, unperfumed if possible
- Tissues
- Nightgown or pajamas
- Bathrobe
- Slippers
- Tracksuit
- 3-4 generous (nursing) T-shirts
- 7-8 generous, boil-proof briefs for thick sanitary pads (some hospitals supply net panties for the stay – these are quite practical, but not all women find them comfortable). Make sure that the briefs have a comfortable, very stretchy waistband so that they do not cause discomfort even in the event of a possible cesarean section scar.
- Socks
- Possibly comfortable sports shoes for short walks indoors or outside
- 2-3 nursing bras and nursing pads
- Long T-shirt for labor, possibly a comfortable (nursing) bra
- Alternatively a pajama top with buttons at the front – these can be easily opened to lay the baby on your belly after birth.
Personal effects/documents:
- Insurance card or insurance documents and, if available, antenatal care record
- Any regular medications
- Preliminary findings or results
- Allergy certificates if not evident in the antenatal care record
- Policy number or information on private insurance/supplementary insurance
- Headphones
- Mobile phone/MP3 player & charging cable
- Books/E-reader
- Some cash
- If necessary: glasses/contact lenses
- Watch
- Stationery
- Snacks for breaks in labor or waiting periods: glucose tablets, fruit puree sachets, dried fruits and nuts (or anything else that gives an energy boost quickly)
- Fruit juice in small cartons – quickly helps with low blood sugars without being heavy in the stomach (e.g., apple juice or apple juice with still water)
- Music
- Camera/video camera
- 2 cloth diapers/burp cloths for the baby
- Onesies size 0-3M (quantity depends on whether the hospital provides you with anything during your stay)
- 1 romper suit or trousers & jacket size 0-3M for the journey home – you usually don't need any additional clothing in the hospital, but it's best to ask in advance!
- 1 hat
- 1 pair of socks
- Depending on the season: sun hat, snow suit, jacket, gloves
- 1 blanket
- 1 baby car seat – with insert for newborns depending on the model
- Pacifier and baby bottle for newborns
- Diapers (in case you do not receive any from the hospital)
Photos: Unsplash, Shutterstock
