ID card/passport

maternity passport/relevant maternity records

health insurance card

gynaecologist's admission certificate (if available)

an insurance certificate from your health insurance

family register or marriage certificate (or your birth certificate and that of the father if you are not married)

any other documents that you should normally carry with you (e.g. allergy passport, diabetic ID, etc.)

comfortable clothes for labour, e.g. nightgowns or T-shirts

comfortable clothes for the postnatal maternity ward such as T-shirts, sweatshirts and trousers (tracksuit trousers are ideal)

2 to 4 nightgowns, pyjamas or baggy tops that can be washed at high temperatures and can be unbuttoned at the front to breastfeed

a bathrobe if you want to wear one

slippers or bathing shoes

warm socks (especially for the delivery room)

10 pairs of boil-proof underwear or 10 disposable knickers

2 to 3 breastfeeding bras (one size larger than when you were at 6 months) or cotton bras

breast pads

clothes to wear when you are discharged to go home (not too tight, things that fitted when you were 6 months pregnant are ideal) - Our tip: think about taking some comfortable clothes for your partner

extra thick pads for the first few days

disposable wash cloths

towels

personal cosmetics — anything you need to feel good, such as a toothbrush, shower gel, body and face creams, etc.

lip balm

massage oil (to relax the muscles during labour)

tissues

Usually, the hospital has garments for your baby to wear during their stay, so you don't need to take too much with you!

coming-home outfit: a little shirt, body suits, warm clothes (jacket, hat, socks) — depending on the season

a few body suits and sleepsuits

muslins

a woollen blanket

2 nappies (the smallest size)

a car seat for newborns (for the drive home)

your midwife's telephone number

music or a nice fragrance for the delivery room

juice (tea and water are available at the clinic)

snacks for you and your partner

dextrose lollies for some extra energy when you need it

phone — and don't forget to bring a charger!

book or magazines

money