MOM

Nursing T-shirts / Shirts that open at the front

×3

Comfy pijamas

×2

Nursing Bras (comfy, and bigger than your usual bras!)
Nursing pads, a box

×2

Leggings / Tracksuit bottoms, large and comfy

×2

Large knickers

You will have some vaginal discharge after birth, will still loose some blood. The hospital provides usually some sort of 'nets' to wear with hygienic pads inside. If you don't like this option, research alternatives (e.g. adult diapers etc.)

×3

Shawl, Scarf, or abdominal belt if advised by your midwife

You can ask midwives to help you wrap it around your hips/waist for comfort in the pelvic area.

Warm comfy socks

×2

Jumper / Cardigans

×2

Toiletries

Hair accessories like hair tie, scrunchies etc. (very important for labour to have your hair tied, to not bother you!)
Shampoo & Conditioner
Shower Gel
Deodorant
Moisturiser
Hair Brush
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hairdryer

+ Your medication if applicable (make sure to mention it to the staff)

Eyewear: glasses, contact lenses, and contact solution, if needed

Healthy snacks: pack things like trail mix, fruits, and more

for labour and for after (the hospital food is not always to your taste, you could even arrange with your partner or a friend to come and bring you some fresh food during your hospital stay. Good, nutritious food is key for morale. Typical hospital eveming meals are Abendbrot, that is usually toast with ham and cheese., )

Water, electrolytes drink, juiices, herbal teas

for labour

Ear phones + speaker

if you want to listen to music in labour

Phone and charger

Entertainment

Books, games (might be useful if you have to stay longer than planned at the hospital)

Ear plugs & Eye mask

Hospitals can be loud and too bright, especially if you end up sharing a room with someone else

A warm blanket that you love and makes you feel good

To even keep in the delivery room (Kreisssaal), to comfort you. You may feel cold in/after labour!even in summer,AC can be on!

Your own pillow/breastfeeding pillow

Hospitals provide their own, but you might want yours, for optimal comfort

Laundry bag for dirty clothes

Bathrobe, and if you'd like extra towel. I often find hospital towels too small.

Slippers (no flipflops, tripping hazard...)

Very useful to go in the corridor and to shower

Water bottle or intimateshower for spraying fresh water on your intimate parts after birth

If you deliver vaginally you might need to pour some water into your intimate parts to avoid burning sensation in case of lacerations.

Lanolin cream

Helps when you have sore nipples. Remember that a good latch and optimal positioning of the baby helps prevent sore nipples - see information on breastfeeding in this guide

A little night light, ambiance dim warm light

For labour and for breastfeeding at night

Meaningful objects for your labour

Something that helps you feel home and anchored. Maybe some affirmation sentences, drawings, pictures, a plush toy ...

Scents

If you want to use in labour, scented flannels with essential oils etc

Hot/cold packs (optional)

Usually available at the hopsital or brought by your doula. Warmth does wonder during labour, and ca be very comforting to support relaxation also after the birth.)

Documents to bring with you

A list of phone number with Kreissaal, your midwife, doula, parents, neighboors etc. just in case!

Birth plan

Passports (for both)

Mutterpass

Hospital forms

Insurance card (for both)

Coins for vending machine or parking + your normal payment card

Required documents for Berlin birth regustration (bring with you to the hospital)

This is purely informative, you would need to check with the hospital and the Standesamt of your district to clarify what exactly is needed! This will also vary based on your nationality, marital status etc.

📄 For Married Parents (both foreign citizens):

  • • Valid passports of both parents (or national ID cards for EU citizens).
  • • Marriage certificate (translated into German by a sworn translator, if not in German or English).
  • • Birth certificates of both parents (translated if necessary).
  • • Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) from your local Bürgeramt, showing your current address (dated within the last 14 days is ideal).
  • • Hospital's confirmation of birth (the hospital gives you this after the birth – "Geburtsanzeige").

📄 For Unmarried Parents:

  • • Valid passports of both parents.
  • • Birth certificates of both parents (with translations if not in German or English).
  • • Acknowledgement of paternity (Vaterschaftsanerkennung) – if already done at the Jugendamt or Standesamt.
  • • Declaration of joint custody (Sorgerechtserklärung) – optional, if already done.
  • • Meldebescheinigungen (registration certificates) of both parents.
  • • Hospital's confirmation of birth (Geburtsanzeige).

BABY

Usually hospitals provide the clothes and nappies you need for baby during your stay. All you need is a going home outfit, and something cute for photos - some hospitals have a photographer that offer photo shoot in the clinic. But if you prefer, or just in case you can pack a bit more.

PJs

×3

Bodies

×4

Cardigan (easier to put on than a sweater)

×1

Hat

×1

Pairs of socks / mittens (babies can have long fingernails that you are not suposed to cut initially. This prevents them scratching themselves)

×2

Schlafsack

Usually hospitals will provide a Schlafsack for sleeping, which is safer than a blanket for babies at night (to prevent SIDS, the recommendation is a 'bare crib'. No pillows, no duvets, no covers, no toys).

×1

Large burping cloths

For baby if puking etc. Very useful! Can't have too many...

×3

Suit for outside

Warm suit for when going outside.

×1

PARTNER

Change of clothes: comfy clothes such as sweatpants, t-shirts, and pajamas A towel

for 1 day, or for more if you are planning to join in the family room

Cozy footwear: comfortable shoes for inside such as Crocs, or slip-ons

Sleep accessories: your own pillow and blankets from home

You might not have a room to sleep in and might want to take a nap on a seat in the maternity ward

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower gel etc. Medication if needed

Eyewear: glasses, contact lenses if needed

Healthy snacks: pack things like trail mix, fruits, crackers, instant noodles and more

Water bottle

Cell phone and phone charger, camera for capturing the birth

Birth plan copies: easily communicate what you want the birthing experience to be with the midwife or doctor by having it written down

Car Seat (for the take-home journey)

There are some services of taxis that have car seats as well - Storchentaxis

Coins for vending machine or parking + your normal payment card