Kliniktasche packen - was gehört rein?

When should I pack the hospital bag?

A rule of thumb says the hospital bag should be ready about four weeks before the due date. The impatient may start earlier. A good idea is to leave the bag open in the bedroom for a while and gradually pack the things you've bought or remembered.

Do I need a hospital bag for an outpatient birth?

Prepared just in case:

Many women prefer to recover at home in a familiar environment after birth. If mother and baby are well, there is nothing to prevent leaving the maternity clinic shortly after the initial check-up. Nevertheless, you should pack your toiletry bag, some change of clothes and a nightgown in your hospital bag. The birth may take longer than expected or further examinations may be necessary once your baby is born. Some women feel better cared for in hospital after the exertions of labor, even if an outpatient birth was originally planned. Better to be safe so you can fully focus on yourself and your baby later.

A hospital bag for a home birth?

Even if you are going to a birthing center or even planning a home birth, you should expect the possibility of a hospital stay. Both the midwives at the birthing center and your home midwife will refer you to the nearest hospital if there are complications. For this case you should pack everything necessary for the hospital stay and keep your fingers crossed that you won't need your hospital bag.

All set: the checklist for the hospital bag

Important documents

Health insurance card
ID card
Maternity record
For married couples: marriage certificate, family record book
For unmarried couples: birth certificate of father and mother
Phone list with names (and, if applicable, phone numbers) of the people you or your partner want to call after the birth
If a private midwife is attending the birth: your midwife's telephone number for postpartum care to arrange the first follow-up appointment

You're likely to have your health insurance card and maternity record with you anyway. Just in case, you should also pack a folder with your civil registration documents. In many hospitals you can register the birth on site and so avoid the trip to the registry office.

For the birth

Comfortable clothing (ideally a loose nightgown, a long T-shirt, or a men's shirt made of soft cotton)
A change of shirt
Warm socks – cold feet can be very uncomfortable during labor Slippers or flip-flops
A cardigan or a loose sweater
If you have long hair: a hair tie
Glucose tablets or a light snack to replenish energy reserves
A lip balm stick (lips can quickly become chapped due to sweating and heavy breathing)
Possibly your favorite juice (the midwives will provide water)
Anything that makes labor easier for you: favorite music, a particular scent, a talisman, or your nursing pillow

Women react very differently during labor. Familiar songs or scents may suddenly be perceived as disturbing. Many women also simply forget during contractions that they brought music or similar items. You will probably not need everything you pack in the hospital bag. Nevertheless, it is good to be prepared for all eventualities.

For the partner

Comfortable clothing
Slippers
A snack for in between (cookies, fruit, or a roll)
A fan – many women find it very pleasant to have cool air fanned at them between strenuous contractions

For the postpartum period

Nightwear, preferably a button-up nightgown
1–2 comfortable pants
T-shirts or nursing tops – will probably be enough because hospitals are usually very warm
Depending on the season: 1–2 comfortable sweatshirts
Comfortable cotton underwear
1–2 nursing bras (preferably 1–2 sizes larger than during pregnancy) with breast pads
Slippers or flip-flops
Toiletry bag with toothbrush, wash items, hairbrush, etc.
Optional bathrobe

Towels, pads for postpartum bleeding, and nightgowns are available on the maternity ward. Your baby will also be dressed by the hospital, so you only need to pack some clothing for the trip home.