Things to arrange before childbirth

Preparations

During your pregnancy it is important that you find a way to prepare for the delivery. It is good to learn more about what is going to happen. Research shows that women who know what to expect are better able to look forward to the delivery with more confidence and therefore experience less pain. There are several ways to prepare. A pregnancy course is one of the most effective ways.

For more information, refer Courses. There is also plenty of reading material out there. You will receive the folders below during one of your appointments.

What do you need?

Regardless of whether you want to give birth at home or in the hospital, you always need the same things. Most of the supplies are included in the maternity package that you often receive from your healthcare insurance company. If you do not receive a maternity package, you should assemble this yourself. Below is a list of everything you should have at home.

• List of important phone numbers (midwife, maternity care (kraamzorg), day/night care contacts for your children)
• Bed risers. These are available at the ‘Thuiszorgwinkel’. Your bed must be at least 80 cm high
• Bedpan. This can also be obtained from the ‘Thuiszorgwinkel’.
• Maternity package
• Bag for going to the hospital
• Smartphone/Camera (batteries charged!)

For a home birth you would also need:

• Two buckets with garbage bags
• A bed to give birth in. This needs to be on the 1st floor, without spiral staircase, or on the ground floor (because of safety and accessibility)
• Optionally, an approved bath to give birth in, with a bed next to it
• Toilet paper or tissues
• Preferably, an ironing board or equivalent for us to work on
• Proper heating and lighting in room where you want to deliver

Bag for going to the hospital

• In this bag you put things you think you will need during and after childbirth. It should also contain stuff for your baby. It is also important to get this ready for a planned childbirth at home
• Identity card
• Insurance card
• Pregnancy papers (folder)
• Bottom mat for your car seat (protection in case of ruptured membranes)
• Baby clothes
• Clothes and toiletries for mother
• Clothing and toiletries for a partner (if they are admitted, they may also stay the night)
• For transport: maxi-cosi, jacket for baby, hat and possibly extra blanket

Maternity package

Usually, you get your maternity package via your medical insurance company. If not, the following should be bought.

• 10 base mats (60x40cm)
• Plastic bedsheet, possibly a bed wetser mat or a waterproof molton is also useful
• Sterile navel clamp or cordring
• Sterile gauze compresses 10×10 cm (two boxes)
• Sterile gauze 5×5 cm (two boxes)
• Maternity bandages (two packs)
• Zigzag cottoning
• Disinfectant hand soap
• Bottle of alcohol 70%
• Optionally, 1-2 net pants
• Optionally, 10 white gloves

Other baby supplies

• 2 Metal baby hot water jars + bags
• 2 Thermometers (1 for baby and 1 for the mother)
• Hydrophilic diapers 12-16 pieces
• Diapers
• If required, bottles and pacifiers
• Baby clothes in size 50 and 56
• Hats and socks
• Blankets and/or hooded towels