Kraampakket Contents

I write this post to help english-speaking mommies-to-be in Netherlands simply to be informed about the things they receive in their kraampakket.

Basically kraampakket is a box filled with items you will need for giving birth, particularly at home. I received my kraampakket from my insurance company around the seventh month of my pregnancy. I was insured by CZ, other insurance might have other policies depending on your choices or coverage. If they don't send you this but you will give birth at home, most probably your verloskundige/midwife will advise you to get one. I don't plan to give birth at home but they send me one box anyway. 

Inside the box there are two types of things. First, the things you will need before/during labor and delivery. Second, the ones you will need after the delivery (recovery). I will mention the amount I got in my box just for extra information.

For before/during labor and delivery:

• Matrasbeschermers (2) or mattress cover. This is a plastic cover you have to place between your mattress and your bed sheet starting at 4 weeks before your due date, in case your water break while you were sleeping.
• Onderleggers (8) or maternity mattress tuckable (weird translation, but that's what they wrote on the packaging) for covering the mattress you're using if you're giving birth at home.
• Handschoenen (6) or disposable gloves for the midwife who helped you giving birth at home. 
• Navelstrengklem (1) or umbilical cord clamp to clamp the umbilical cord (err... of course.)

For after the delivery (recovery)

• Gaaskompres 5 x 9 cm (32) or gauze swab to protect the navel area of the baby (before the stump fall off).
• Alcohol 70% (120 ml) for disinfecting baby's navel and cleaning baby thermometer.
• Watten (100 g) or cottonwool for cleaning and caring of the baby.
• Gaaskompres 10 x 10 cm (5) is a bigger size gauze swab simply provided if needed.
• Kraamverbanden (32) or maternity pads are for the mommy to use after the delivery.
• Stretchbroekjes (2) or stretch pants is basically an all size disposable mesh panties used to secure the maternity pads. It's not the prettiest of things but I can see how it will help. I wish I have more ;P
• Desinfecterende gel (100 ml) or hand wash gel simply for personal hygiene of the mom, midwife or kraamzorg/nurse. 

I think that covers everything in my kraampakket. Since I'm going to give birth in the hospital, I think I will get more usage of the recovery stuff. My kraamzorg already told me not to forget to install the matrasbeschermer starting at 37w though. If you're reading this post, big chance you are also pregnant in Netherlands, so do say hello in the comment box if you wish :) Good luck, mommies :*