During your pregnancy, make sure to arrange health insurance for your baby. It’s very important to do this before the birth because, if by chance your baby has any health problems, insurance companies may refuse to cover your baby. We also took out additional “dental care” insurance before the birth of our children, for the same reason mentioned above.
Midwife
Around the middle of your pregnancy, or whenever you feel ready – but don’t leave it too late – get in touch with a midwife who can come to your home after you return from the hospital to weigh your baby, answer your questions, and provide support during this new chapter of life.
Birth Preparation Classes
It’s not mandatory, but for me, it was very beneficial and interesting. You can take group classes at the hospital or have individual sessions with a midwife. For my first pregnancy, my partner and I took private classes with a midwife from the Rennaz birth center. For my second pregnancy, I just did a little “refresh” with the midwife who would be supporting me after the birth of my daughter. Your health insurance should reimburse you up to CHF 150.- for these birth preparation classes.
The Maternity Bag
After giving birth, if you’re at the hospital, you and your baby will stay between 1 and 4 days, as long as everything goes smoothly. Here’s a list of what I found useful to pack for the maternity ward.
What the hospital provides (at Rennaz, at least):
Diapers for the baby
A baby hat
Sanitary pads and mesh underwear for mom (the kind that holds the pad in place)
What to pack for mom:
A water bottle with a spout so you can drink in any position
Clothes to wear when leaving the hospital
Toiletry bag with toothpaste, toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo, and anything else you might need
A robe or sweater
Underwear (socks and nursing bras)
Pajamas or a nightgown if you don’t want to wear the hospital gown
Slippers
A tracksuit
A phone charger
Lanolin cream and silver nipple shields if you plan to breastfeed, in case you get cracked nipples
Your birth plan
Identification for both parents and paternity recognition, if applicable (you’ll need to go to admissions to “register” your baby)
What to pack for baby:
3-4 bodysuits
3-4 pajamas
A sleeping bag
A blanket
Booties
And don’t forget to prepare the car seat so it’s ready when the other parent comes to pick you up from the hospital to head home.
Feel free to leave a comment with any additional items you would pack in your maternity bag!
