What to Pack for a Hospital Birth in Berlin: A Doula’s Checklist for your Maternity Bag

Anne Matei
Jan 4
5 min read

What to Pack for Hospital Birth in Berlin: A Doula’s Proven Checklist

When you register at a Berlin hospital, they’ll give you a standard packing list: but while hospitals generally provide the basics like baby clothes, diapers and mesh underwear, my experience has shown that bringing a few specific items of your own can make a difference.

Packing around 4–6 weeks before your due date is usually fine. Remember that due dates are rarely exact; it is best to think of your arrival date as a wider window of time.

Here is my list refined by my doula experience. You will find tons of other useful infos on my guide.

MOM'S MATERNITY BAG

Nursing T-shirts / Shirts that open at the front ×3 : this is useful if you are breastfeeding, but also if you aren't, to support with skin-to-skin, which is essential after birth
Comfy pijamas ×2
Leggings / Tracksuit bottoms, large and comfy ×3
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 ×3
Jumper / Cardigans ×2
Nursing Bras x3: This is useful if you are breastfeeding, but also if you aren't, as your breasts will likely be large and swollen. If you do not plan to breastfeed, ask your midwife for advice before birth; she may recommend using cold pads, for example. If you are advised to take a pharmaceutical product, ensure you ask questions to understand the details, as some are known to have consequences for your mental health.
Nursing pads, 1 box (Stilleinlagen): This is useful if you are breastfeeding, but also if you aren't, as your breasts will likely be leaking
NB: if you are not breastfeeding, you don't need to bring bottles or formula, the clinic will provide it.
NB: if you are breastfeeding, you don't need to bring a pump, the clinic will provide it, if it is necessary. It is often not necessary to pump initially. What matters is: a good latch, frequent feeding (every couple hours, waking up baby if baby sleeps more than 2-3 hours in a row), skin-to-skin contact.
Toiletries:
Avoid very scented products, the scent might disturb baby. Newborns are very sensitive to scents and prefer mum's natural scent!
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Shower Gel
- Moisturiser
- Hair Brush
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hairdryer
- Hair accessories like hair tie, scrunchies etc. (very important for labour to have your hair tied, to not bother you!)
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 evening meals are "Abendbrot", that is usually toast with ham and cheese...
Water, electrolytes drink, juices, 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 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 extra towel. I often find hospital towels too small...
Waterproof Slippers (no flipflops, tripping hazard...) Very useful to go in the corridor and to shower)
Water bottle or intimate shower 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, 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: Usually available at the hospital or brought by your doula. Warmth does wonder during labour, and ca be very comforting to support relaxation also after the birth.)

PARTNER

Change of clothes: comfy clothes such as sweatpants, t-shirts, and pajamas (for 1 day, or for more if you are planning to join in the family room)
A towel
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

DOCUMENTS

Make sure you do this in advance: There are a few very specific required documents for Berlin birth registration to bring with you to the hospital. 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.
Birth plan copies: easily communicate what you want the birthing experience to be with the midwife or doctor by having it written down
Passports (for both parents)
Mutterpass
Hospital forms that you were asked to fill such as the "Aufklärung" for the epidural or c-section
Insurance cards (for both parents)
Your Safety Card ( something I created to support parents taking informed decisions)

OTHER ESSENTIALS

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

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.

Pijamas or onesies ×2
Bodies ×2
Pants x2
Cardigan (easier to put on than a sweater) ×1
Hat ×1
Pairs of mittens: Babies can have long fingernails that you are not suposed to cut initially. This prevents them scratching themselves. If you don't find mittens, put baby socks on their fists, it works equally well ;)
Pair of socks x2 (light, and warm)
Sleeping bag ("Schlafsack"): Usually hospitals will provide a Schlafsack for sleeping, which is safer than a blanket for babies at night) ×1
Large burping cloths: for baby if puking etc. Very useful! Can't have too many...) ×3
Suit for outside on the day you are leaving×1

I am always looking to improve this resource based on real-time experiences, so please feel free to share your feedback or any must-have items I might have missed!

I wish you an empowering and positive birth!