Your due date is getting closer and it's high time to pack your hospital bag?

On Instagram, we've compiled a list of essentials and what can safely stay at home . Caro also shared her personal experiences with us: her first birth was a cesarean section in the hospital with five days in the postnatal ward, her second child was an outpatient natural birth at a birthing center, and her third child was born in the middle of the lockdown.

The result is a great packing list for your hospital bag!

Food: Hearty and varied

Important: Of course, you will be provided with food and drink, even during labor. But whether that's exactly what you're craving is questionable. Many survey participants were particularly craving something hearty after giving birth (sandwiches, sausages, Mettbrötchen) and a cold Coke or apple juice. So pack what you need in your hospital bag. you like and don't be afraid to snack in between!

It should feel like home: towel & co.

Be sure to take the delivery room tour if this is your first time giving birth. This will give you a good idea of ​​what you might need to pack in your hospital bag. Other women's suggestions included a small battery-operated nightlight, soft toilet paper, towels, and a nursing pillow. As mentioned, they may have all of these things there—in fact, you'll need them ;-) Use the tour of the delivery room to ask questions.

Relaxed stay despite shared rooms

You'll most likely share a room with several other women—unless you've secured a family room beforehand. To make your stay in the postnatal ward as comfortable as possible, remember earplugs . Your baby, the afterpains, and all the hormonal changes will keep you awake during the first few nights in the hospital. So make sure you're doing the things you can control. Bring headphones and download your favorite music or a few podcasts (in advance!). Our tip: Fewer visitors, less hustle and bustle, just a quiet time for you and your baby to get to know each other.

Hospital bag for the accompanying person

Some pregnant women also pack things for their companion during labor. However, this is very individual, and I would honestly leave it up to my partner to decide what they want to bring. A fully charged cell phone battery and perhaps a fresh T-shirt are essential—your companion will also be drenched in sweat after the birth. If you're having an induction or expecting a longer labor, you can pack something to keep you busy. This could be a game from your initial meeting, a magazine, or, of course, books. Some fill out parental allowance applications at the hospital.

Gift for the older siblings?

Opinions are divided on the question of whether you should bring a sibling something from the hospital. Many think it's complete nonsense. Arguments ranged from "the baby is the greatest gift" to "sibling love can't be bought." Others reported positive things, but the gift came from mom and dad, who "also thought of the grown-ups." Either way: They'll definitely be spoiled a little at Grandma and Grandpa's or wherever they're staying during this time ;-)

Isn't that way too much stuff?

There's no need to be embarrassed if your hospital bag is a little overflowing. So it's definitely worth bringing your Hugo with you 😜 Pregnancy and childbirth are a special situation—do what's right for you. 

The packing list for your hospital bag at a glance:

1. Headphones/Airpods
   
2. Nursing pillow
3. Earplugs
4. Book/Kindle
5. Chargers
6. Lip care
7. Nasal spray
8. XL cotton underpants and socks
9. 2 wide jogging pants or leggings from the SSW
10. 3 loose T-shirts
11. 3 nursing shirts
12. Cardigan or hooded jacket
13. Toiletry bag with shower gel, dental care, deodorant, brush, etc.
14. Dry shampoo
15. MultiMam compresses or silver caps
16. Long bandages
17. Moist toilet paper (unscented, sensitive) or HappyPo shower
18. Hand towel
19. Nursing pillow
20. Burp cloth/muslin cloth for baby cuddling
21. Hair ties/hairbands/clips
22. Flip-flops/sandals
23. Night light
24. Some cash
25. Maternity record and, if applicable, birth plan
26. Pack fresh for departure: bread and cold cola

Click here and download the packing list for free

What should I pay attention to when packing my hospital bag?

In my opinion, the difference between the delivery room and the postnatal ward is important. So, what do you need right away, and what's for the getting-together period later on the ward? Clothes, towels, reading material—all of that can go right to the bottom of your hospital bag. You'll probably need your maternity record and Coke in the delivery room. Generally, you don't really need anything during the birth itself—most respondents took scented sticks, relaxation CDs, and energy bars home unused. So, when packing your hospital bag, imagine you're going on a short vacation ;-)

Specials: Hospital bag for water birth or cesarean section

If you have the opportunity at the hospital and would like to try it yourself, you can also take a bath during labor. Pack a comfortable bikini top and perhaps a bathrobe. I would advise against using bath additives and oils, and your partner doesn't need swim trunks either.

After a C-section, there are two things you'll need: very loose, baggy underwear and sweatpants, as the incision is extremely sensitive. And a straw for drinking while lying down. Remember that you'll need a lot of fluids after giving birth , especially in preparation for your milk coming in. Sitting up to drink a sip of water after a recent C-section isn't ideal. Also, expect a longer hospital stay of up to five days.

Which bag should I take with me to the birth?

Of course, we also need to briefly talk about the best bag here. The Hugo diaper bag fits everything you need. Most importantly, however, is that you pack your bag the way you always do, so you know where your money, lip balm, or charger are, for example. Many people wrote to us saying that the Hugo was something special on the ward and that they think it's so nice that it was there from the very beginning and always reminds them of this special time. Whatever you decide, I wish you a wonderful birth with a perfectly packed hospital bag and a restful postpartum period filled with the smell of babies, pizza delivery, and tears of joy.