What to Bring to the Maternity Ward

Most expectant mothers start packing their hospital bag after the 30th week of pregnancy and think about everything they will need. Some leave it until the last minute, and then dad may have to pack something and bring it later. The internet offers plenty of lists, but often something is missing, or there is so much on them that it almost becomes two suitcases, which is unnecessary. That is why we have put together tips on what to take to the maternity hospital, based on our experience.

The most important paperwork

• maternity record card with all examinations from all ultrasounds
• insurance card and ID card, plus a photocopy of dad's ID card
• marriage certificate, and for unmarried couples a confirmation of the baby's surname from the registry office
• declaration of the child's name, which must be signed by both parents (can be filled out at the maternity hospital)
• for first-time mothers, it is also good to bring a medical history form, which greatly speeds up admission
• birth plan
• money to pay for a companion and any premium or extra services, if the maternity hospital offers them

For the companion

• slippers
• change of clothes - check with the maternity hospital whether they provide hospital clothes
• snack - in case the birth takes a long time
• respirator

Something to replenish energy

• glucose candy - helps during labor and after it
• chocolate - for nerves or as a bribe for the nurses
• raspberry leaf tea and/or lady's mantle tea - support lactation and uterine contractions after birth
• freeze-dried fruit or fruit puree - a snack for time spent in the room
• quality broth, for example from Planet Paleo - hospital food is not always friendly for new mothers, and this broth helps with milk production, or you can have a broth brought in later by visitors
• Nutridrink - it is terribly sweet, but it can get you back on your feet quickly
• green foods (barley and chlorella) - if taken already before birth, they provide energy after birth and help with bowel movements, which can be more difficult after delivery

Things you will definitely need

• lip balm - lips get very dry during labor, and lip balm is always useful
• tissues - with children, you cannot leave home without tissues anymore
• mesh underwear - not very sexy, but that's not what we're there for after birth (you don't have to throw them away at home, they can be washed easily)
• postpartum pads - maternity hospitals usually give one pack, so one pack with you should be enough, depending on how many pads are in the pack
• diapers for the baby - the maternity hospital provides the first few diapers for free, then you need to have your own, so pack either a pack of disposable diapers for newborns (with a cut-out for the belly button, or you can fold the diaper over) or outer cloth diapers (cloth squares are available there)
• rubber slippers - so you can wear them in the shower too (better for hygiene and to prevent slipping)
• shampoo, soap, comb, toothbrush and toothpaste (optionally dental floss and an interdental brush)
• nursing bra - breasts swell a lot after birth, and hospital gowns can rub a bit, so this is mainly for comfort
• breast pads
• towels - some maternity hospitals provide them, others unfortunately do not, so it is better to check in advance so you do not carry towels unnecessarily
• socks and a little cap for the baby - useful for the stay in the postpartum ward
• warm socks - they may come in handy already in the delivery room or later in the room
• clothes for the baby to go home in - your partner can bring them when he comes to pick you up
• phone charger

No need to bring with you

• nightgown - available in the maternity hospital
• baby cosmetics - ask which brands the maternity hospital uses and possibly bring your own
• clothes for mom to wear home from the maternity hospital - you can use the clothes you arrive in, or someone can bring you clothes later
• book, magazine, headphones
• enema - Yal gel or Baxter - it is gentler, but based on personal experience, a classic enema with warm water is more effective, because it warms you up nicely and labor gets going better
• aromatherapy - for example rose water or some pregnancy blend

For better clarity, it is good to have two bags. One with things for labor, which you will take with you to the delivery room, and another with things for the room. You can also have a third bag with things for the baby and for yourself to wear home. Dad can bring that one when he comes to pick you up. 

We wish you a wonderful birth and healthy babies.