There are two types of pregnant people: those who have their hospital bag ready to go in week 20 of their pregnancy and those who, once their water has broken, frantically stuff a few panties into their jute bag.
Whether you want to make packing your hospital bag a ritual, get it over with or just be well prepared: here is our list of the essentials you need in the hospital or birthing center. And because we also think that many of these lists are - quite frankly - nonsense, we asked pregnant women, midwives and doulas about their must-haves and distilled these recommendations for you.
BIRTH
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I GO TO THE HOSPITAL TO BIRTH?
Sweatpants or leggings and a T-shirt, sweater or cardigan. It doesn't really matter, as long as you're comfortable. Maybe also slippers or flip-flops for sneaking through hospital corridors.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR BIRTH IN THE DELIVERY ROOM?
In our experience, long shirts, buttoned nightgowns (especially useful if you want to breastfeed afterwards) and simple cotton dresses have proven to be good choices. If you get an epidural, you will be changed into comfortable hospital gowns anyway
WHICH CLOTHES ARE MUST-HAVES FOR BIRTH?
Warm socks and a cardigan, as you may feel quite cold during and especially after the birth. Also, contractions are not friendly to cold feet.
DO I HAVE TO BRING SNACKS TO THE HOSPITAL FOR THE BIRTH?
Depending on when you go to the hospital or birthing center, you may not get anything to eat there. And there is probably not much to say about the hospital food itself anyway. In our experience, a good supply of cereal bars and other favorite snacks that give you energy in between meals and keep you fed even when the hospital canteens are closed helps.
WHAT AND HOW DO I DRINK DURING BIRTH?
For some of us, the cool sip of apple spritzer between contractions was a real ray of hope. Straws can also be nice during labor in weird positions.
WHAT THINGS SHOULD I NOT FORGET IN MY HOSPITAL BAG?
Hair ties, massage oil, something to read while you wait, a notebook to write down your thoughts, your favorite music, aroma lamp with oil, podcast.
ON STATION
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I WEAR ON THE MATERNITY WARD AFTER THE BIRTH?
Loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't pinch you, ideally two sets. Your clothes from pregnancy are also fine. Bathrobe if you like.
WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE TO MESH PANTS AFTER BIRTH?
If you don't want to use the mesh pants that they give you in the hospital to hold the postpartum pads in place, use comfortable cotton briefs. We really loved them, honestly.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BREASTFEED IN THE HOSPITAL?
If you plan to breastfeed: Nursing bra and the weeks organic nursing pads and/or nursing pads made of wool-silk. You can also pack some nursing tea.
WHAT THINGS DO I NEED FOR THE NIGHT IN THE HOSPITAL OR BIRTH?
Earplugs can help you get some peace and quiet if you're in a shared room and want to block out snoring neighbors. A small night light can also be useful there.
WHICH HYGIENE AND COSMETIC PRODUCTS SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME TO THE CLINIC FOR THE BIRTH?
Shower gel, shampoo, cream, toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, large organic postpartum pads, washcloth, recovery spray, towel, intimate shower, cooling spritz.
DO I NEED CHARGING CABLES IN THE HOSPITAL AFTER THE BIRTH?
In any case, your phone is your contact with the outside world. So don't forget your headphones and chargers!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR ON THE DRIVE HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL AFTER THE BIRTH?
The most important thing: it should be comfortable. Pack a stack of clothes for the journey home, whether it's an legere two-piece suit or random sweatpants and a bathrobe.
FOR BABY
you usually get everything you need directly in the hospital: the first diapers - and if you stay on the ward - things for cleaning, etc. In our opinion, you need significantly less for the way home than most other lists on the Internet suggest:
WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I PACK IN THE HOSPITAL BAG FOR MY BABY? Bodysuit, pants, jacket (or a romper instead of both), socks, hat and possibly a jacket.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK IN MY HOSPITAL BAG OTHER THAN CLOTHES FOR MY BABY?
Always good: Burp cloths. A small blanket. And a baby seat if you're going home by car.
CONTRACTION TRACKER
In the postpartum app from the weeks you will not only find practical checklists and everything you need to prepare for the time after birth - but a contraction tracker. This helps you to record contractions and still listen to your feelings. During each contraction you will also receive expert tips that can help you deal with the pain of contractions.
DONE?
Almost. Because documents are very important and often forgotten. Bring every ID card, proof and other documents with you taht may be needed at your country and place of birth.
Your very own hospital bag
With this comprehensive checklist for your hospital bag, you'll be pretty well prepared. But we also understand if you'd rather put together your own checklist. You can do that really well with our postpartum app.