The last weeks and days of pregnancy are a mixture of anticipation and tension. The big event of the birth is now steadily approaching and as an expectant mother it is now time to pack the hospital bag for the birth. The Zwergehuus magazine helps expectant mothers to pack!

And then everything happened very quickly

If you suddenly go into labor, there is hardly any time to pack your hospital bag. And you certainly won't have the necessary peace and quiet at that moment either. Did you know that very few newborns keep to their due date? Some like to take a little more time, others are in a hurry. So that you don't have to wander around your home, thoughtlessly and excitedly, packing the most important things for the hospital, it is advisable to have your hospital bag packed and ready to hand.

Ideally, the hospital bag should be packed shortly before the delivery date

In the event that you decide to have a home birth, you should still pack a hospital bag. This way you are prepared in case you do have to go to hospital for an examination.

Preparing for the birth - lots of useful tips for the big moment

Many expectant mothers take advantage of antenatal classes. Thousands of questions buzz through their heads and most of them feel a little more secure when they know in advance what to expect. Among other things, birth preparation teaches you the right breathing techniques and how best to behave during the increasingly intense contractions. First and foremost, childbirth means an immense amount of stress for the baby. You should be aware of this and strengthen your inner attitude that it is your job to actively support the baby to come into the world. In addition, you will learn what you need in the hospital during birth preparation.

Preparing the hospital bag for the birth - better too early than too late

Of course, there is no exact or fixed time to pack a hospital bag. However, it has proven to be a good idea to start around the 34th to 36th week of pregnancy. This way you can pack your hospital bag without rushing.

With a packing list, you are sure not to forget anything important

In order not to forget anything, it is advisable to create a packing list and a small checklist for the baby. This will help you to keep an overview.

Papers and documents

Even with such an impressive event as a birth, you can't do without documents. Your health insurance card should not be missing alongside your maternity passport. It is also important to prove the identity of the mother and father. This can be done using the marriage certificate or birth certificates of the parents.

Keep the documents for the hospital in a bag that you will take with you to the delivery alongside the actual hospital bag.

Tip: It is a good idea to carry a piece of paper with the newborn's name on it. This will prevent misunderstandings, especially if the name is less common.

It is also important to have a list of the most important telephone numbers of contact persons, such as your partner, if everything suddenly happens very quickly and you have to go to hospital completely unprepared.

For the birth

Most women arrive at the hospital with mild contractions. This means that delivery is still a little way off.

As a rule, women are provided with appropriate clothing by the hospital. It makes little sense to buy something new for the actual delivery. If you want to wear your own clothes, then make sure you use an older T-shirt or nightgown. After all, childbirth literally leaves its mark on you.

Make the right choice of clothes

It is important that the shirt is comfortable and that you feel good in it. Also think about a bathrobe. In case showers or toilets are not available in the delivery room and you have to walk across the corridor. Slippers are also advisable. Warm socks in winter are an absolute must! Although the rooms are very well heated, cold feet could inhibit labor.

For the first days as a mom

The bliss is indescribable and the first few hours as a new parent will be remembered forever. You will need very comfortable clothes for the first few days. Avoid lingerie and fine underwear. Cotton briefs with a wide waistband are ideal. This is because the flow lasts for several days.

For women having a caesarean section, panties with a wide and soft waistband are extremely important so that wound healing is not disturbed. Even if no caesarean section is planned, a few pairs of panties should be in your bag. You never know.

Comfortable clothes are more practical for the first few days after the birth than fashionable outfits

Remember the nursing bra! Your previous bras won't get you very far now. Most women now need a bra one or two cups larger. Wide shirts and jogging bottoms are also perfect.

Hygiene articles

As a rule, the hospital will provide you with anti-puerperal pads. However, if you prefer to use your own, take enough with you in your hospital bag. You cannot use tampons after the birth.

Breast pads are also necessary. As soon as the milk comes in, a few drops of breast milk will get into the bra from time to time and the pads in the bra are also important immediately after breastfeeding.

Daily necessities such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, hairbrush, deodorant and perfume are also important.

Everything for the newborn - a checklist for the baby

The newborn will be equipped by the hospital during the first few days. So you don't need to worry too much about this. However, you will need your own baby equipment for the journey home. You can pack this in the hospital bag or your partner can bring it with them on the day of the journey home. Pay attention to the time of year when it comes to suitable baby clothes.

As a minimum, baby's first outfit should include

• bodysuit
• romper
• bonnet
• jacket
• Finkli
• pacifier
• pacifier chain

Important: If you are going home with the baby, you will need a baby carriage or a baby car seat for the car! Your partner should definitely think of this.

Entertainment - MP3, books and co

You will first need to recover after the birth and certainly won't be thinking too much about entertainment. Your baby will also be taken to various examinations from time to time and you will have a few minutes to yourself.

When it comes to packing your hospital bag, think about moments like these. You can take your favorite music with you via MP3, as well as a book or a few magazines. Don't forget the necessary charging cables if you are using an eBook reader or MP3 player. The same applies to smartphones. Many mothers like to share news with friends and acquaintances via social networks.

Tip: There are hospitals that offer family rooms. This gives your partner the wonderful opportunity to spend the first few days with you and your newborn at night. Your hospital bag should therefore also be packed in good time.

The most important things at a glance - packing list for the hospital bag

• Paper and documents
• T-shirt or nightgown for the delivery
• Comfortable clothes for the days afterwards
• Hygiene articles
• Baby equipment for the journey home
• entertainment