Towards the end of pregnancy, the end is in sight and you are encouraged to start thinking about what to pack in your hospital bag. Whether this will be your first labour or whether you have given birth before, in your home country, knowing what to pack in your hospital bag when giving birth in Germany is important. This post details the kind of items that are useful when giving birth in Germany, as well as the must-have documents for applying for the baby's birth certificate at the hospital.
Which documents should I bring to the hospital?
In most hospitals it is possible to apply for your baby's birth certificate during your post-labour stay. Roughly an hour after I gave birth to my second boy, someone from the in-house Standesamt of my hospital came directly to my bedside to fill in the forms and take my documentation. Such hands-on service will not happen at every hospital, so it is best to make sure to ask, at the hospital you plan to give birth at, how it works for them. You can ask this in advance when registering at your hospital of choice or you can call and ask in advance. (I will be writing posts on how to apply for your baby's birth certificates if you aren't having a hospital birth soon)
Here is a list of the documentation you need to bring with you in your hospital bag.
Make multiple copies of these documents (excluding the Mutterpass & health insurance card) and bring the copies as well as the originals:
* It is recommended to get your birth certificates and marriage certificate translated if they aren't in German. Not all Standesamt end up requiring this, but it is better safe than sorry.
What else should I pack in my hospital bag?
Beyond the documentation you need to bring to the hospital, there are of course lots of other items that can help make labour go a little smoother. Even if you have given birth in your home country, knowing what is/isn't available in another country can be confusing. Here are my tips on what to pack in your hospital bag when giving birth in Germany...
So there's the basic list. Don't forget to think about how you will be transporting the baby home. If you have a newborn car seat yourself or have access to one, it would be good to bring that with you (or have your partner go pick it up at some point post-labour is also possible). It is possible in some parts of Germany to order a taxi with a newborn car seat, but if you have your own or can borrow one, that is much easier.
Is there anything vital you feel has been missed off the lists? What were/are your must-have items in your hospital bag?
In most hospitals it is possible to apply for your baby's birth certificate during your post-labour stay. Roughly an hour after I gave birth to my second boy, someone from the in-house Standesamt of my hospital came directly to my bedside to fill in the forms and take my documentation. Such hands-on service will not happen at every hospital, so it is best to make sure to ask, at the hospital you plan to give birth at, how it works for them. You can ask this in advance when registering at your hospital of choice or you can call and ask in advance. (I will be writing posts on how to apply for your baby's birth certificates if you aren't having a hospital birth soon)
Here is a list of the documentation you need to bring with you in your hospital bag.
Make multiple copies of these documents (excluding the Mutterpass & health insurance card) and bring the copies as well as the originals:
- Mutterpass
- Health Insurance Card of mum
- Passport
- Birth Certificate of both parents(-to-be) (translated in to German)*
- Declaration of paternity / Vaterschaftsanerkennung (only if parents aren't married)
- Diplomas for any parent who has a Master's Degree or higher (if you wish to have your qualification initials included on the birth certificate)
- Parents' marriage certificate (translated in to German)*
- Registration documents of you and your partner (Polizeiliche Anmeldung)
* It is recommended to get your birth certificates and marriage certificate translated if they aren't in German. Not all Standesamt end up requiring this, but it is better safe than sorry.
What else should I pack in my hospital bag?
Beyond the documentation you need to bring to the hospital, there are of course lots of other items that can help make labour go a little smoother. Even if you have given birth in your home country, knowing what is/isn't available in another country can be confusing. Here are my tips on what to pack in your hospital bag when giving birth in Germany...
- Snacks for you and your partner
- Loose nightwear, gown (if you would rather wear something a little more comfortable than the items hospitals offer)
- Drinks (water, often fizzy, will likely be nearby during labour, but if you want any other drinks, make sure to bring it with you)
- Thick socks or slippers
- Baby clothes (the hospitals usually provide basic clothing for your baby, but if you have something specific you would like him/her to wear leaving the hospital then bring it with you. Also keep in mind any seasonal clothing your baby will need for when leaving hospital ie. snowsuit in Winter)
- Toiletries (such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush) Heavy duty pads will be provided by the hospital during your stay (make sure to take a handful of them home with you if you leave hospital within a day or two of giving birth)
- Spare towel for your partner if you will be staying in a 'family room' together
- Camera
- Phone and charger
- Comfortable clothes for you to leave hospital in
So there's the basic list. Don't forget to think about how you will be transporting the baby home. If you have a newborn car seat yourself or have access to one, it would be good to bring that with you (or have your partner go pick it up at some point post-labour is also possible). It is possible in some parts of Germany to order a taxi with a newborn car seat, but if you have your own or can borrow one, that is much easier.
Is there anything vital you feel has been missed off the lists? What were/are your must-have items in your hospital bag?