luggage 560x275 Having a Baby in Norway Part 7 – Innskrivning Dag and What to Pack for the Hospital

Note: This is the procedure in Stavanger. It may differ in other parts of Norway.

What is an Innskrivning Dag?
This is an appointment usually made at the end of your routine ultrasound for you to go to the hospital roughly a month before your estimated due date for registration. The midwife at the hospital will key in all your details into the computer so that they have all your information when you are there for labour. Be sure to bring along your health card (helsekort for gravide), the ultrasound document and other documents from your doctor (e.g. test results). You will get information from the midwife about what is offered at the hospital (acupuncture, bathtub, epidurals, information about staying in the hotel, etc etc) You may also ask for a tour of the birthing facilities (this, however, is subject to availability).

What to Pack for the Hospital
Be sure to pack your little luggage bag a couple of weeks early (at least by the end of the 36th week) in case your little one decides he/she wants to see the world earlier than planned. Also, make sure your partner or support person (parents, siblings, friends) knows where the bag is so they do not have to search high and low for it.

Some moms have informed me that it is best to pack for a 3-4 night stay.


Please note that these are just suggestions, feel free to add more in the comments below.

General:
Healthcard for expectant moms (Helsekort for gravide), Rhesus form, ultrasound information form and other blood or other test results you may have.
Camera/Video camera + chargers
MP3 player + charger
Mobile phone + charger
Laptop + charger
Books and magazines
Money/Bankcard
Identification Card
Hair dryer

For Mummy:
Snacks (for a long labour) – fruit, nuts, raisins, energy drinks, water.
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Comfortable nursing clothing – be sure not to pack clothes which are too tight
Bathrobe
Undergarments (Be sure to have a good stock of these)
Feminine pads/napkins
Slippers (for use within the hospital environment and in your hotel room)
A set of going home clothing
Toiletries

For Daddy:
Snacks
A change of clothes
Toiletries (You never know how long your labour might be and Daddy might want to freshen up!)

For baby:
A set of going home clothing (henteset) – remember to plan for the season
Diapers and wipes
Hat
Socks and mittens
Swaddling blanket

Ensure that your baby seat is set up in the car.

Personal experience : I didn’t need diapers and sanitary pads as the hospital/hotel provided them. They also had clothes for baby but I preferred to use my own. The hotel has free Wi-fi so you’ll be connected.

Stavanger Expats ‘Having a Baby in Norway’ Series
Part 1 – Finding Out and The First Appointment
Part 2 – Private Ultrasound and the 2nd Doctor’s Appointment
Part 3 – Routine Ultrasound and Meeting the Midwife
Part 4 – Prenatal Courses, Exercise Classes and Massages
Part 5 – What You May Need and Where to Buy Them
Part 6 – Freebies Galore and Memories of Your Journey
Part 7 – Innskrivning Dag and What to Pack for the Hospital
Part 8 – Labour and Delivery
Part 9 – After Your Delivery
Part 10 – Activities for You and Your Baby in Stavanger
Part 11: Budgeting for a New Baby
Part 12 – Parental Leave and Your Job

Having a Baby in Norway Part 7 – Innskrivning Dag and What to Pack for the Hospital

About Cynthia Myrnes

Cynthia is a Singaporean who has been living in Stavanger since Feb 2008 with her Norwegian husband. She works as a physiotherapist here and also owns her own petsitting service, Stavanger Petsitter, for the residents of Stavanger. In addition, she manages the Stavanger International Moms group. She loves hanging out with friends, spending time with animals, travelling and watersports such as scuba diving and wake boarding. Most of all, she is enjoying the experience of being a first time mom!