Spring (or Frühling) is in the air! If you have been following German-Way on Instagram, you may have noticed these tell-tale signs in our stories: Frühblüher (early bloomers), Easter chocolates, and even the swarm-like appearance of Feuerkäfer (fire-coloured beetle).

For me, there is an additional sign of spring. I am welcoming German-American baby number three this season!

After two births in Berlin you would think I don’t have any questions left…but you’d be wrong. With a few years gap between each pregnancy and the welcome amnesia that seems to set-in concerning the more painful parts of pregnancy and labor, I feel myself preparing afresh for each baby. As I’ve had luck with my previous pregnancies I am sticking with the previous game plan and preparing for a hospital birth. Birthing centers and home births are other perfectly acceptable (and publicly insured) options, but – like I said – third times a charm. I have about a month to go before my entbindungstermin (due date) and am preparing for this last, final push (forgive the pun). Here is info on hospital infoabend (information evenings), what I pack in my hospital bag, plus hospital registration in light of Covid rules.

Hospital in Berlin Photo: Erin Porter

Krankenhaus Infoabend

Say what you will about social media, I have found it an invaluable resource living abroad. Among the noise of blog posts, guides and informational posts like this one, you can get personal recommendations, local resources and up-to-date info.

Along with general questions about life in Germany, I have found several groups that provide crucial info on raising kids abroad. A question I see come up frequently for soon-to-be moms is where exactly to give birth. Everyone has their own opinion and personal experience. This person had wonderful interactions with this hospital’s staff of Hebammen (midwives) and highly recommends. Another found the staff at the same location rude and the facilities overcrowded. So there is the flaw with social media! How to get an accurate unbiased opinion?

The best option is to visit the hospital itself. Most facilities offer regular Infoabend where you can get a glimpse of the Kreißsaal (delivery room) and Geburtshilfe (maternity ward), meet some of the staff and go over procedures. This will give you a more accurate view of what to expect as well as a chance to familiarize yourself with the site. Most hospitals have 1 or 2 sessions a week and may require registration (note this option may still be restricted due to Covid-regulations). You can visit as many as you like, though you should also acknowledge that proximity to your home and the hospitals access to emergency services like a Perinatalzentrum (neonatal/NICU ward) should also play a part in your decision-making. This hands-on visit can help determine if this is the right place for you.

Hospital Registration for Birth in Germany

I have found this step a little daunting with the German penchant for exactness. At my hospital of choice (chosen due to its close location to my home and specializing in births) they request you call on the date of your 28th week from 12 til 14. I took this two-hour window very seriously and – nervous about my sub-par German skills – had my husband call at 12 on the dot. Easy peasy, he was able to schedule me an in-person registration appointment a few weeks away at 35 weeks. Big sigh of relief!

Theoretically, every hospital will take you if you show up in labor, but this pre-registration is a huge asset in understanding the protocols of the hospital and for them to have an understanding of what you expect for the birth of your child like preferences on pain management and birthing options. You also turn in your documentation for insurance, etc. so  you (or more likely your partner) aren’t frantically shifting through paperwork while in active labor.

With the loosening of Covid-restrictions, we were surprised only the person carrying the baby is allowed at  the registration. Previously, my husband attended as well. This may be changing soon as Covid measures continue to shift. My husband’s German is much better than mine so I usually rely on him for medical matters, but I know from previous experience the Hebamme at this appointment usually speaks English and they asked during our registration call if I would be more comfortable in this language.

At the appointment, bring your:

• Mutterpass
• Health Insurance
• Info on medications and previous procedures
• Birth plan (if you have one)

Hospital Bags for Birth PHOTO: Erin Porter

What to Pack in your Hospital Bag in Germany

At the infoabend and registration appointment the staff is usually happy to provide resources on what to bring. For me, this was a good baseline but also using my previous experience I customized my bag to include what I have found helpful in the past.

Also note – while we talk about packing a hospital bag, I recommend actually packing two: 1 for labor and 1 for your stay in the hospital. You don’t want to be fumbling past nightgowns as you search for something to ease your labor.  Another tip is to familiarize your birthing partner with the bag. You should pack in advance so you have everything you need, but the person supporting during labor should know where everything is so they can assist you when it counts.

Labor Bag:

• Robe/spare shirt and pants. Bring whatever you feel comfortable laboring in, but also note that the hospital will provide a gown if you like and nudity is also perfectly acceptable.
• Documents: Mutterpass, birthing plan, insurance etc.
• Toiletries to make you feel as comfortable as possible. A hair band, erfrischungstuch (refreshing towelette), etc.
• Swimsuit for you and/or partner if you’d like to use the tub while in labor or are planning a water birth (note that the person in labor cannot wear a swimsuit in birthing tub)
• Essential oils with hand towel (highly optional, but I like lavender oil)
• Music playlist (or whatever puts you at ease)
• Snacks & drinks. Active labor isn’t the time to have a feast and you might not feel like eating, but it can also be a long process and something to keep your energy up may be welcome. Granola bars and sugar-free candies to suck on are a good option, but I must admit chocolate chip cookies have become a go-to for me.

Hospital Bag for Your Stay:

• Comfy clothes including breast-feeding friendly bras and shirts (button-ups are good). Try not to overpack as someone can re-stock from home, but also note you will go through clean clothes quickly in those messy first days.
• Loose-fitting pants (it will take some time for your belly to look and feel less-regnant)
• Comfortable panties. Most hospitals also offer very helpful large mesh panties to help with postpartum stage.
• Socks & slippers
• Change of clothes for birthing partner (they may also need a fresh fit after the chaos of birth)
• Snacks and drinks are even more important after birth. You will receive three square meals in hospital including a hot lunch, but I personally found these options lacking.
• Chargers for any devices.
• Hand fan or portable fan in summer.
• Money for vending machine, taxi, documents, & misc.
• Maternity or super-absorbent sanitary napkins. The hospital will provide when you are in the facility, but bring a few to transition as well as a few diapers for baby (diapers and cream are also provided by the hospital while you are there).
• Documents: Insurance card, passport (with visa info), anmeldung (registration), parents’ birth certificates and marriage license (with translation). Bring originals and copies. This help with registering the birth before you leave the hospital and kick off the long process of German bureaucracy
• Toiletries. Primarily you should let yourself let yourself heal and rest, but bring whatever makes you feel comfortable whether that is a chapstick or a full makeup bag. Do bring essentials like shampoo, a towel, lotion etc. Also consider a spray bottle for those first visits to the toilet after giving birth.
• Sleeping aids like your own pillow, sleep mask, or ear plugs if you might struggle in a community room (private family rooms only available depending on space and are an extra charge)
• Nipple pads for breastfeeding. In my experience, you may leak – a lot – when you first start breast feeding. Bring absorbent pads to protect your clothes and stop the leaks. There are disposable and I also really like the reusable bamboo option. You may also need soothing nipple cream to deal with initial chaffing.
• Muslin or thin baby blankets. Useful for everything from breastfeeding to spit up.
• Books or reading material so you aren’t endlessly scrolling on your phone. Wifi and TV are usually only offered for an additional fee.
• Clothes for going home. There is no need to pull a Duchess Kate with full ensemble, but if you don’t want to go home in jammies or sweats plan for another option
• Baby outfit. Some people come prepared with a closet for the new baby, but the hospital will provide clothes for the baby while you are there. At the hospital I stayed at these were needlessly complicated for new parents, but clean, charming, and even had long sleeves to prevent babies from scratching their face as they are want to do. I also bring nail clippers to take care of this potential issue. Just as for yourself, I recommend selecting one special outfit (plus a spare) for going home.
• Car seat or stroller for transporting home

That is my sprawling list of things to help a foreigner prepare for birth at a hospital in Germany. If you have things to add I’d love to hear in the comments! Now, wish me luck as I try to relax and clean and sleep and organize during my Muttershutz. Hopefully next time I check in it will be with a new baby.