You’re about to give birth, so it’s time to pack your suitcase for the maternity ward! The final preparations are underway: place of birth, check. Final shopping, check. All that’s left to do is pack your suitcase for the hospital (or birthing centre).
When should you pack for the maternity ward?
When the due date starts to approach, it’s time to pack for the maternity ward. Let’s face it, babies aren’t known for waiting patiently for their due date, and some of them can’t wait to see the world! When the contractions start, you’ll have other things on your mind than frantically searching for clothes and medical documents! We advise you to start looking around the 34th and 36th weeks of pregnancy, i.e. four to six weeks before your due date.
Mum’s checklist: what you absolutely must have in your suitcase
The first thing you should pack in your maternity suitcase is clothes:
- Comfortable clothes. This is especially important when you’re breastfeeding, so you don’t feel uncomfortable.
- Soft, supple bras. As your milk comes in, your breasts can become very tense.
- Loose-fitting lifts. In the event of a caesarean section, you must avoid any clothing rubbing against this area.
- Comfortable underwear. Mesh briefs are very practical and are often supplied by hospitals.
- Warm socks (particularly important during contractions!)
- Clothes for when you get home (which will fit you when you’re about 5 or 6 months pregnant).
As you’ll have noticed, the most important thing is to be comfortable! But you’ll also need to take some legal documents with you, especially if you want to register the baby’s birth at the hospital (if the hospital allows it).
- Identity document (passport or ID card)
- Birth certificates for both parents
- Certificate of nationality for both parents
- Certificate of residence
- Family record book
Finally, of course, you should also take a few hygiene products (toothbrushes, etc.) and don’t forget your sanitary towels, because after childbirth, it’s that time of the month again!
The baby checklist
Obviously, the maternity suitcase will include things for baby:
- Clothes for when he leaves hospital (for example, bodysuits in sizes 50 to 62)
- Bonnet
- Blanket
- Nappies
- Socks
- And why not his first cuddly toy?
Don’t hesitate to take a few baby products. Depending on the hospital, there may not be any specific products apart from soap and water. Liniment, for example, is a good product to protect baby’s bottom and help with cleansing.
💡 Our pro tip
In general, your hospital/birthing centre will provide you and your baby with things. If you feel more comfortable, you can ask the midwives to tell you what items will be available.
Most hospitals also organise tours so that you and your partner can get to know the place. Amandine Scheffer also advises you to take childbirth preparation classes there, so that you can get a feel for the place and arrive calmly on the big day!
The checklist for dad or your partner
Your partner also needs to be ready for the birth! Here’s what he or she can pack:
- Comfortable clothes (e.g. jogging pants)
- Comfortable shoes (trainers or slippers)
- A change of clothes
- Drinks and snacks (a birth can last a long time!)
- Extra accessories to pack in your suitcase
Accessories you may need
Now you’ve got everything you need in your suitcase, but if you’ve still got a bit of room, we’ve got a few more accessories for you to consider, such as silver clamshells. If you’ve decided to breastfeed, they help protect your nipples and have lots of properties to help heal cracks.
Even if you’ve given birth to your mini you, don’t forget about yourself. Remember to take a moisturising oil for your skin (which can also be used for your baby). For example, jojoba, rosehip or apricot kernel oil are good choices. These are simple, natural products that are great for nourishing your skin.
Your maternity suitcase will still have room for a facial or make-up if you feel like it. Books and magazines may also be welcome! If you want more advice, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your pregnancy specialist.
