Preparation

Whether you plan to give birth at home or in the hospital, or need to do so from 37 weeks onward, it is important for both (you and us) that the following matters are properly arranged in advance:

Preparing your bed for a home birth (Bed risers)

From 37 weeks onwards, your bed should be raised on bed risers. This applies to everyone, even if you are not planning a home birth. If you are unable to place your bed on risers, please check whether you can raise it in another way, for example by using crates or by placing an extra mattress on top. Another option is to raise a spare bed. The working height (i.e. the top of the bed) must be at least 80 cm. You can borrow or rent bed risers from:
Please be aware that it may always be unexpectedly necessary to go to the hospital. Therefore, from 37 weeks of pregnancy onwards, you should have a hospital bag ready with clothing for yourself, toiletries, and clothes for your baby.
  • Make sure the car seat is also ready
  • Het mapje met daarin al je zwangerschapsgegevens
  • Fototoestel (+accu/batterijen)
  • Goed zichtbaar huisnummer en buitenverlichting
  • Please be sure that your address and phone number are registered with us

Contents of the maternity package

You will usually receive this from your health insurance provider. Please request it yourself from your insurer around 25–30 weeks of pregnancy. Make sure you have it at home in time.

If you do not receive a maternity package from your insurance, you will need to purchase the following items yourself:
  • 1 sterile cord ring or umbilical clamp
  • 2 boxes of sterile gauze pads
  • Small bottle of 70% alcohol
  • Pack of zigzag cotton wool
  • Pack of maternity pads or incontinence pads
  • 2 packs of maxi maternity pads
  • 6–12 absorbent underpads
  • Bed protection sheet to protect your mattress

Please note: You do not need to take the items from the maternity package with you to the hospital.

What else should you have at home?

  • Soap dispenser with antibacterial soap
  • 2 digital thermometers (no ear thermometer)
  • 2 metal hot water bottles with covers
  • If you are expecting a baby in winter, a wool blanket is recommended
     10 ironed cotton (hydrophilic) cloths/nappies
  • 3 bin bags
  • 2 buckets
  • Bedpan
  • Bed risers (the bed must be at least 80 cm high)
  • A large sheet of plastic or waterproof covering if you plan to give birth on a birthing stool
  • For a home birth: a warm bedroom (around 20°C)

Contents of the hospital bag


It is important that you always have a bag or suitcase ready, both if you plan to give birth in the hospital and in case you unexpectedly need to go to the hospital during labor. Contents of the hospital bag:

For the mother
  • Toiletries
  • An (old) shirt for use during labor
  • Underwear (possibly a nursing bra)
  • Clean clothes
  • Slippers
  • Bathrobe (optional)

For the baby
  • Hat (2x)
  • Bodysuit (2x)
  • Outfit (2x) (sweater/cardigan + trousers or an all-in-one outfit)
  • Socks
  • Jacket
  • Wrap/blanket
  • Infant car seat (Maxi-Cosi)

General
  • Camera and/or video camera
  • Phone + charger
  • Phone number of the maternity care agency
  • Hot water bottle / rubber hot water bottle
  • Optional: music playlist

Click here for more information on what you can do to prepare for childbirth.

When should you call?
VIVRE • Supporting you every step of the way •