Childbirth checklist

What do you need to arrange for the birth?

Childbirth is an exciting and emotional event that requires good preparation. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, we have put together a comprehensive checklist with all the necessary steps. Here's how to best prepare for the big day:

1. Information and courses

Read about the different stages of labor and what you can expect. Consider taking a pregnancy course to prepare yourself even better. For more information about the course of the birth, click here. If you want to know which antenatal courses are available, click here.

2. Save emergency number

Make a note of it emergency number from us in your phone and also in your partner's phone. Save this as 'Midwives Lelystad' so that you can reach us quickly as soon as labor starts. Our number is 06 53 65 91 91.

3. Register hospital

If you plan to give birth in a hospital or birth center, make sure you are registered around week 36 of your pregnancy. This prevents unnecessary stress and delay on the day of delivery.

4. Health insurance

Check the conditions of your health insurance, especially if you plan to give birth in a birth home. This helps to avoid unexpected costs.

5. Birth plan

From week 36 it is advisable to birth plan to always have with you. This is especially useful if you unexpectedly end up in the hospital. You can share your birth wishes with the midwife at the hospital by putting the birth plan in your hospital bag.

6. Hospital bag

Make sure your hospital bag is ready from week 36. You can put essential items in it such as clothes for the baby (size 50 and 56), a comfortable shirt for yourself, underwear, toothbrush, brush, phone chargers and identification documents.

7. Route to the hospital

If you plan to give birth in the hospital, make sure you know the route and estimated travel time. It is a good idea to drive this route once before labor starts.

8. Full car tank

Keep your car's tank full from week 36. This ensures that you are ready to go to the hospital at any time.

9. Charging mobile

Make sure your phones are charged and that you have important telephone numbers, such as those of the midwife and maternity care, at hand.

10. Coins

Sometimes you need a 1 or 2 euro coin for a wheelchair in the hospital. Make sure you have these coins in the car from week 36 onwards.

11. Identity documents

Put important documents such as identification and insurance information in your hospital bag.

12. Lighting at night

If you give birth at night, make sure there is a light on in the house so that we can easily find you, especially in emergency situations.

Good preparation is half the battle and that certainly applies to childbirth. By following this checklist, you can eliminate common stressors and focus fully on the birth.

13. Baby car seat

Make sure you have practiced securing the baby car seat in the car a few times by 36 weeks. If we have to go to the hospital for the birth, it is important that we leave quickly. The car seat can sometimes be a bit tricky to install, so it is important that you have practiced this in advance when there is no rush.