A maternity pack (kraampakket in Dutch) is one of the first things you bring home as your due date gets closer. It contains basic supplies for the birth and the first days afterwards. But what is actually in it, and what is useful to add yourself? We list it calmly for you, so you don't have to search at the last minute.
What is a maternity pack?
Many Dutch health insurers provide a maternity pack with basic supplies for the postnatal period. What exactly is included, and on what conditions you receive it, differs per insurer and per policy. So check with your own health insurer what is included for you, and request the pack in good time. Once it is at home, you can see straight away what you are still missing. You can of course also buy or put together a maternity pack yourself, for example if you would like more than the basics.
Adding to your maternity pack: what to buy?
The insurer's pack is a starting point. Many mothers add items that make the first weeks a little more comfortable:
- Extra maternity pads, for day and night. In the first days they go quickly.
- Mesh briefs after birth, which keep the maternity pad in place.
- A cold compress after birth, for cooling when there is swelling and tenderness.
- A peri bottle, to rinse with lukewarm water after using the toilet instead of wiping.
Maternity pads and mesh briefs
After the birth you will have bleeding for a while, known as lochia. For this you use maternity pads. At Soosie you will find several types:
- COMFORT maternity pads, 10 pieces, with an anatomical shape.
- NIGHT & DAY maternity pads, 10 pieces, also suitable for the night.
- Kraamverband Dag & Nacht, 20 pieces: 10 Comfort and 10 Night & Day in one pack.
- Comfort value pack, 30 pieces (3 × 10), if you prefer to have a supply at home.
There are also postpartum mesh briefs made of washable mesh, 2 per pack. You will find everything together in the maternity pads and mesh briefs collection.
Cold compress after birth
A gel compress you can use both warm and cold is a handy help during the postnatal period. Use it cold for swelling, pain and tenderness. Warm can help the let-down reflex if you are breastfeeding. The Postpartum Gel Kompres Hot & Cold measures 7.5 × 30 cm and is available on its own or as a set of 2, with a washable cover. Always place a compress on your skin inside its cover, never directly.
Would you like a perineal compress and breast compresses together? Then the Hot & Cold Herstel Duo is an option: one perineal compress and two breast compresses, with washable covers. You will find more in the recovery after birth collection.
Postpartum Herstelset: the basics in one set
The Postpartum Herstelset brings together the basics for the first weeks: a peri bottle, a perineal compress, breast compresses and maternity pads. The Peri Bottle is also available separately, holds 340 ml and comes with a storage bag. A set like this also makes a practical gift. For more ideas, have a look at gifts for the new mother.
Hospital bag for the birth: what goes in?
Are you giving birth in hospital, or do you want to be prepared in case you have to go unexpectedly? Then put some of these items in your hospital bag in advance: maternity pads, a few mesh briefs and comfortable clothing. You will find a complete list in our hospital bag checklist.
Questions about your recovery?
The tips in this article are general. Do you have questions about your own recovery, about pain, bleeding or anything else that does not feel right? Then your midwife and your maternity nurse are the right people to ask.
Would you like to see everything for the postnatal period in one place? In the maternity packs collection you will find sets and individual products to complete your maternity pack.