How to prepare your maternity suitcase?
The maternity suitcase is the last step before meeting the love of your life. We prepare this suitcase as a tender journey towards the unknown and happiness! Birth room, post-delivery stay, baby's things, we give you our tips to not forget anything in your maternity suitcase. Let's go!
1/ When to pack my maternity suitcase?
It is better to anticipate this kind of thing to avoid anxiety on the big day. It is recommended that you pack your maternity suitcase one month before the due date, i.e. at the beginning of the 9th month, at about 37 weeks. From this date, you can give birth at any time. With a light mind, you will be able to concentrate on the last details and on yourself!
2/ Maternity suitcase: the essential administrative documents
Let's start with the least amusing, the administrative papers you will need to validate your presence at the maternity hospital in France:
- Your "carte vitale" and "carte de mutuelle
- Your identity card
- Your health pass
- Recognition of paternity in advance if you are not married (to be done at the town hall before the birth)
- The family record book if you are married (a registrar should come to your room to make the birth declaration that you will need later)
- Your pregnancy file with all your ultrasounds, your birth plan, your blood test results...
3/ Maternity suitcase: what to take to the delivery room?
Your stay in the maternity ward will be divided into two parts: the birthing room for the delivery where you will stay for another two hours after giving birth, and then your room where you will spend your first moments with your baby. It is customary to go to the delivery room with a small bag containing the essentials you will need during the delivery and not your large suitcase.
For the birthing room, you will need:
- A bottle of water to keep you hydrated
- Snacks for you and dad
- A sweet drink without gas or pulp to give you strength during the delivery (you will not be able to eat during labor)
- A spray bottle to refresh yourself and small wipes
- A small speaker to create a soothing atmosphere while working
- A light garland for a subdued and pleasant atmosphere (you can ask the midwives)
- Reading, a movie on your computer, crossword puzzles to keep you busy if work is dragging on
- Your pregnancy file with all your examinations
- A second T-shirt and a vest or sweater
- From your nursing pillow to feel at home
- A soothing oil for your partner to massage your back
For the outfit, bet on comfort: leggings / jogging and a large t-shirt to be comfortable.
For your baby in the delivery room:
Prepare his first mini outfit! Birth size clothes if your baby weighs between 3 kgs and 3.5 kgs or 1 month size if your baby's weight is over.
We bet on soft and warm materials whatever the season (baby loses about 20 degrees between the inside of the belly and the outside).
- A cotton bodysuit with a front opening
- A soft pyjama with a front opening
- A hat to keep your head warm
- A knitted vest to keep you warm
- Small slippers to warm the extremities
- A blanket for skin to skin and first sleep
- A sleeping bag to put in her maternity crib
4/ Maternity suitcase: what to take for the stay in the maternity hospital?
You will stay between 3 and 5 days in the maternity ward depending on your delivery and your shape. Plan accordingly, even if your partner will be able to complete the delivery.
For you:
- A large and comfortable pyjama or nightgown (cotton)
- Large panties that you won't be afraid to ruin or washable period panties
- Abundant flow sanitary towels (many maternity hospitals provide them, ask around)
- If you are breastfeeding, think about the anti-cracking cream with lanolin
- Two nursing bras if you decide to breastfeed
- A small night light for the night when baby wakes up (we avoid the shouting lights of the maternity)
- A toiletry kit with shampoo, shower gel, wipes, moisturizer, anti-stretch mark body cream
- Slippers to make you feel at home
- Comfortable clothes and a nice outfit for photos - and open-fronted clothes if breastfeeding.
- A dark towel for the shower exit
- A notebook to record your first memories
- Snacks for the little ones (especially at night - long live the dried fruits!)
For baby:
- 5 to 6 open front bodysuits
- 5 to 6 fleece or cotton pajamas
- 3 to 4 knitted vests
- 1 cover
- 1 turbulette
- 2 to 3 cups
- 1 to 2 pairs of knitted socks
- 1 pair of gloves (optional)
- A comforter (to make it pretty)
- 1 pacifier size 0 (if your baby has a strong sucking need)
- 1 music box for his first lullabies
- 1 to 2 towels for the bath
- 1 bath cleaning product
- The maternity hospital usually provides diapers, physiological serum, compresses, antiseptic product for the navel, liniment, ampoules of vitamins...
- 1 warm garment for the exit of the maternity type combi-pilot
- A stroller or car seat.
You are ready!
Nice meeting :)