Things to prepare for birth

Whether you’re planning a home birth or already know you’ll give birth in the hospital — good preparation starts with having the right items ready. Some are practical, others truly essential. In this article, we list everything you need, including tips to help reduce stress in those final weeks of pregnancy.

In short: what do you need?

• Waterproof mattress protector to protect your mattress
• Bed risers or sturdy crates to raise your bed to about 65–70 cm
• Maternity kit with medical supplies
• A well-packed hospital bag (even if you’re planning a home birth)
• Garbage bags
• A door sticker so we can easily find your doorbell
• Baby essentials and a stocked fridge for the first few days

Why these items matter

It might feel unnecessary to add garbage bags to your shopping list, but every item serves a purpose. During labour, you’ll want to focus on your body and your baby — not on practical details. These essentials help everything go smoothly, even if your plans suddenly change.

For example: you’re planning a home birth, but need to transfer to the hospital unexpectedly. Then it’s a relief to have your hospital bag ready. Or your partner wants something to eat after a long night — that stocked fridge will suddenly feel like a lifesaver.

What should be ready?

1. Waterproof mattress protector

From 37 weeks onwards, we recommend sleeping on a waterproof mattress protector. If your waters break, this will keep your mattress clean. It also protects your bed from leaks during the first postpartum weeks. And it’s much more comfortable than the crinkly plastic sheet from the maternity kit!

2. Bed risers or sturdy crates

During and after birth, a lot of care is provided in bed, even at home. That’s why your bed needs to be temporarily raised to about 65 cm. This helps protect the posture of your midwife and maternity nurse. You can borrow bed risers for free from Thuiszorg Amsterdam, or use sturdy crates as an alternative.

3. Maternity kit

This kit contains medical items such as pads, gauze, and disinfectant. Most health insurers provide one free of charge — request it around 20 weeks of pregnancy. It should be in your home by week 37. If your insurer doesn’t provide it, you can buy one at a pharmacy.

4. Hospital bag

A bag with essentials for you, your baby, and your partner. Even if you plan to give birth at home, it’s smart to have it packed — just in case you need to go to the hospital. Want to know what to pack? Read our Hospital Bag Checklist.

5. Garbage bags

During birth and the first postpartum week, there’s quite a bit of waste. Having a full roll of garbage bags on hand makes things easier. Even if you give birth at home, we’ll make sure your house looks spotless afterwards.

6. The Witsenkade Door Sticker

Stick our round door sticker next to your doorbell — it helps us, the maternity nurse, and the child health centre (JGZ) find your home easily. You can pick one up at your next appointment with us.

7. Baby essentials

From onesies to burp cloths — in the article Baby Essentials we explain what you really need (and what you don’t).

8. A stocked fridge

Make sure you have easy, nourishing food at home: soups, pasta, sandwiches, and healthy snacks like nuts, energy bars, and fruit. If you have time before your due date, cook and freeze a few meals — you’ll thank yourself later!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy these things if I’m planning a hospital birth?

Yes — you’ll still need these items for your postpartum (kraam) week. Even if you give birth in the hospital, you’ll need a maternity kit (kraampakket) and a raised bed for when you come home.

When should everything be ready?

We recommend having everything prepared by 37 weeks of pregnancy at the latest.

What if my insurance doesn’t provide a maternity kit?

You can buy one at a pharmacy or online. Feel free to ask us for advice.

Why is the bed height adjustment required?

It’s not for you, but for your caregivers — for us, the maternity nurse, or a lactation consultant. It helps prevent back problems for care providers (so we can stand beside your bed fresh and fit at your next birth 😄) and makes care safer for everyone.

In the next module, you’ll find another article on must haves for the postpartum week.