What to pack for the maternity ward?

Here are the absolute best tips on what you should have in your maternity bag. Ten things you absolutely cannot do without that will make your time in the maternity ward, before and after delivery, much more comfortable.

1. Toiletry bag

Pack as if you are going on a weekend trip. Toothbrush, toothpaste, skin cream, and shower gel. Preferably choose mild, fragrance-free products. And don't forget to pack lip balm and hair ties. Small bottles of shampoo and conditioner can also be great to have, as you might get a chance to take a shower if you are admitted to the maternity ward for a longer period.

2. Plume intimate shower

This is truly a “must-have” that's great to have after childbirth. It is gentle on your intimate area and helps you stay fresh between showers. After giving birth, whether vaginally or by C-section, it is common to become sore and swollen in the intimate area, so it can be comforting to have the intimate shower during toilet visits to relieve pain. After a C-section, it can be difficult and painful to move, so the intimate shower can be very helpful after toilet visits to clean the wound area. Some may get hemorrhoids during pregnancy or after childbirth. Then it's nice to have something to rinse with instead of using toilet paper.

3. Cozy clothes for yourself

You probably won't want to wear anything else after giving birth. Pack leggings, sweatpants, soft tops, and possibly a nursing bra if you plan to breastfeed. A kimono can also be nice to have and is convenient when you need to breastfeed. Don't forget slippers or socks! It's not pleasant to walk barefoot on the cold hospital floors. Perhaps the most important thing is to have comfortable underwear for after the birth at home. You don't want anything tight or chafing. The mesh underwear you get at the maternity ward are magical and you will want to continue using them even when you get home. Those who know, know.

4. Clothes for your baby

Your baby will often lie skin-to-skin with just a diaper on your or your partner's chest, but three to four changes of clothes can still be good to have. A soft wrap-around bodysuit and a pair of pants or a footed onesie/pyjamas are easiest to put on. Don't forget to bring a cozy blanket.

5. Mobile phone & charger

You will likely want to call family and friends to share the good news. Maybe even take some pictures with your phone camera and send them to proud grandparents? The phone is also great for listening to music. And if you plan to do that – don't forget your headphones, as your roommate may not share your music taste. A speaker can also be nice to create a pleasant atmosphere in the delivery room.

6. Comfortable underwear & pads

As we mentioned earlier, the clothes you bring in your maternity bag should preferably be soft and comfortable. The underwear doesn't need to be stylish or expensive; the main thing is that they are comfortable. When it comes to pads, it's best to buy large maternity pads. Most people need them, at least for the first few days. Both maternity underwear and maternity pads are provided at the maternity ward, but it can be nice to have your own as well.

7. Birth plan

The birth plan (if you have written one) can be nice to hand over directly when you arrive and check in so that the staff at the maternity ward have time to read it and find out how you want your birth experience to be.

8. ID card

Something that is easy to forget to pack is a driver's license/passport/ID card. You need an ID card to identify yourself at the maternity ward.

9. Something to cool you down

Pack something you can use to cool yourself down during labor. For example, a towel that you can wet or a cooling gel pad for a warm body. Yes, giving birth is sweaty. Towels or paper towels are usually available at the maternity ward, but it can be nice to have something of your own.

10. Favorite food & snacks

You deserve everything you enjoy and that gives you energy. You might not have time to eat everything you pack, but better too much than too little, and if there's some left over, maybe your partner will want some snacks. Often, there is no opportunity for the accompanying person to get food, so for this reason, it can also be good to have a little extra. Perhaps a meal, some tasty snacks, a power bar, or a smoothie? And a few pieces of your favorite candy, you never know what you might crave before, during, and after your birth. Just don't forget that you should drink water after giving birth. Invest in a good water bottle that you can easily take with you everywhere, both at the hospital and once you're home.