Clinic bag for childbirth
Nicole Wendler holds a PhD in biology in the field of oncology and immunology. As a medical editor, author and proofreader, she works for various publishers, for whom she presents complex and extensive medical issues in a simple, concise and logical manner.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Pack your clinic bag in good time before the expected delivery date. Births sometimes start very spontaneously, so that there is often no more time to look for everything in peace. But when should you prepare the bag and what do you put in it? Read everything you need to know about the clinic bag & childbirth here!
What has to be in the clinic bag?
Maternity wards are well equipped, but you still have to bring some things with you for the birth and for the days afterwards.
Checklist
Birth and stay in the delivery room are more comfortable if you have the following items with you:
- a comfortable shirt or two, a change of t-shirts during labor
- bathrobe
- wide pants or leggings
- Slippers
- warm socks
- Hot water bottle
- for long hair: hair tie or clip
- for contact lens wearers: glasses
- Lip balm, bath additive, massage oil
- Refreshing tissues or washcloths
- Catering: muesli bars, fruit, sandwich or similar (also for the partner). Drinks such as water or tea are available in the delivery room.
- Camera (if desired)
- Favorite music
For the time in the hospital you will need:
- Toiletry bag with cosmetic / care utensils
- Towels, washcloths
- Bathrobe or dressing gown
- hairdryer
- Slippers
- Nightgowns or pajamas that unbutton (make breastfeeding easier)
- wide t-shirts
- Sweatpants or leggings
- comfortable cotton underwear or disposable briefs
- Matching breastfeeding bras (up to two sizes larger after the milk has penetrated!)
- Nursing pads
- Possibly bandages (but are usually provided by the clinic)
- Telephone card, cell phone (depending on clinic regulations)
- Change
- Reading material
- Writing utensils
- MP3 player, cell phone or similar with headphones
Women who are easily cold should also bring some warm items such as a blanket, thick woolen socks or a cardigan.
Important documents for the clinic bag
Birth certificates can usually be applied for directly at the hospital. You should have the following papers with you:
- Mother pass
- Health insurance card
- Identity card
- married women: family register or marriage certificate
- single women: original birth certificate of the mother
- possibly acknowledgment of paternity or divorce papers
The father's relevant documents are also required for the authentication procedure. More detailed information can be found on the websites of most clinics.
What does the baby need?
Nothing really needs to be in the hospital bag for the newborn. Birth departments provide everything that the baby needs in the first few days. However, you can prepare a few things for the transport home and have them brought with you on the day of discharge:
- Diapers
- Body, underwear
- Romper suit or shirt with pants
- jacket
- Cap
- Burp cloth
- in winter: thick hat, socks, blanket
- possibly pacifier
- Carrying bag with blanket or baby seat: test the installation of the car seat beforehand!
If you and your baby want to walk again immediately after the birth (outpatient birth), the baby items must of course also be in your clinic suitcase.
The right time to pack the clinic bag
Births sometimes start very spontaneously - not every child waits until the calculated date. When the first contractions set in, it is pleasant when the packed suitcase is already ready. So pack your bag in good time, preferably a few weeks before the birth.
If you want to give birth to your child at home, on an outpatient basis or in a midwife's home, we recommend preparing a clinic bag. Birth-related complications could mean hospitalization or a longer stay. With a prepared clinic bag you are prepared for it.
Basically, there is no need to panic if you have to go to the clinic in an emergency and the packed clinic bag is missing! The clinic's maternity wards are prepared for these situations and have all the really necessary things ready. In any case, the maternity card and the health insurance card are important!
Tags: sleep pregnancy pregnancy birth
